We have had so many adventures in such little time. Now, the word "adventure" is widely used, and includes anything from living out of our suitcases in a "the bedroom is also the living room and...the only room" apartment to visits into the capital city of Seoul, and about eating strange foods and also seeing a four-story Dunkin' Donuts. Korea is a beautiful place, full of rich tradition and heritage, yet busy with modern technology and Western trends. Throughout our time here, we hope to share with you about this place, the people, and about what we are experiencing through it all. Please expect to find fun stories and photos, and maybe you'll learn a thing or two about Korean culture. Hopefully we can update enough to keep you entertained, but not bored. Here is a quick glimpse at our journey so far...
After about 30 hours of travel, we came to our new home. As we were unloading our suitcases, we were told that this apartment was just a temporary one. And that we had to be at work in 12 hours. We didn't have towels or anything, so we made a great first impression after drying off with t-shirts and wearing wrinkly clothes.
On our Tuesday morning, we'll move into our 'real' place (a building next door). We're told it's a loft, but we're just not sure what to expect. We've made due just fine here so far, with the only frustration being more time having to live out of our suitcases (it has been about three months now).
Our first day of work was nice, as we were welcomed by the director (Miya, from Japan) and our manager (Atsuko, also from Japan), and all of the other foreign teachers. We are now the only Americans out of 20 staff, which includes about 5 Japanese ladies, 2 from China, one Korean teacher and all other Korean staff, two Frenchmen, our Canadian Tom, and Lawrence, from South Africa. The teachers that Ben and I are 'replacing' more or less are Kalii from the US and Razel, from the Philippines but is married to a Korean and has a couple of children. The last four mentioned are all English teachers, which means that when December comes, it will be Tom, Lawrence, Ben, and me, representing the girls, in the English department. Our directors took our department out to lunch. Take a look at this typical Korean feast! Everything is in the middle, including the barbecue rack that sits over hot coals. Everyone literally digs in with their chopsticks!
Our first visit to Seoul! This is Changdeokgung Palace, which was surrounded by absolutely beautiful fall trees! I'll put more photos in a photo album, once I figure out how to do that on here.
Not far from the palace was quite a culture shock experience. As you cross the streets in Seoul, you realize that you are crossing with at least 200 or 300 other people. The Insa Dong Market is the Art District of Seoul, where you can buy and see more Korean traditional art, jewelry, and gifts.
The Myeong Dong Market is exactly what I expected: NEON. People everywhere, small streets, and designer shops from all over the world. This is where you can find the four-story Dunkin' Donuts building. This is a great place for shopping and just to visit, but there are just so many people! And above all else, everyone is dressed up. Almost all of the ladies wear high heels everywhere, and they are all quite trendy. Not me! I'm in my trusted Habitat fleece and jeans!
Ben thought he was ordering a side dish for Chicken. I can't believe he ate all of those fish heads.
We've had yet another crazy weekend, and can't wait to tell you about it. Please check back soon for more!
On-young-gee-kah-say-oh! Goodbye!
7 comments:
YEAH! Welcome to Asia! I have been checking your blog from time to time, waiting anxiously for some update! Sounds pretty crazy with the apartment thing, but I suppose with all the back and forth things we went through to try to get there, you shouldn't be all the surprised that the spontaneous changes keep happening :o) Looks like so much fun already and it seems you all are off to a positive start. Can't wait to hear more!
...not sure why I typed "all the back and forth things WE went through..." I didn't go through them at all.
It's good to hear from you guys. I was getting a little worried! Looks like it's going to be a fantastic adventure. So glad to be able to keep up with you guys in this way!
Hey it's your cousin Steph. Glad to know you guys made it there safe and our enjoying your time. Hey Ben, how were those fish heads? Grandpa would have been proud! We are praying for you guys - love you both!!
I'm following your blog now. I'm sure you probably lost some sleep waiting for me to join so I wanted to let you know so you could rest at ease ;)
I'm not sure if I told you this, but my Grad Professor (who's funding my whole degree) is Korean. I also work with 2 other Koreans at U of A. I showed one of them (Yongjoon) the picture of the fish heads today and said "Does that look good?" and she said "Yes, its very delicious!". hahaha
Oh culture differences. Even the Chinese guy I work with pepped up and got hungry when he saw the fish heads!!!
Hello to both of you.Your mom (JOY) gave me your page info, I'm excited to be able to follow your journey! Ben -why did you just eat the heads of those fish? Jen -sweetie, I'm sorry you had to watch! Have a great time, be safe and know that all of us back home are praying for you.
Yeah yeah yeah, this is all very interesting, but tell me when you get to eat dog. :)
Although the fish heads were impressive. And the four-story Dunkin' Donuts...
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