I'm sorry for the delay in posts. Everything was in Korean and I couldn't figure out how to get around the site. Such is the story of my life here in Bundang, S. Korea. Since this city is brand new there are little to no foreigners which means little to no English, and sadly, no classes that teach Korean! I decided to buy Rosetta Stone which has been fun, but the process doesn't take me directly to conversational Korean. I'm going to try to find a tutor, but we'll see!
Tips of the week:
1. Guys wear purses. Not just bags and totes, but purses. It's normal and it's been around a whiiile.
2. Make sure you know exactly what you are ordering. Otherwise, you'll walk outside, see something swimming in a tank, and wonder what ojinga was...
3. Don't tip at ALL. Everything is included in the check. On top of that, everything's a set price- no tax. It's fairly cheap here, hence a lot of shopping*
4. Be careful when you walk on a street- Koreans are crazy drivers and there's pretty much no such thing as pedestrian right-of-way. If you're not careful you'll die.
Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival and greetings with the staff. Tour of the apartment as well as the drawing of diagrams to explain various buttons and knobs which, of course, are in Korean. The school provided everything from transportation to breakfast for the next morning. Incredible.
Day 2:Orientation, pictures.
Meeting of other teachers at other campuses. Found out the curriculum is a bit more difficult than expected, but was very well prepared with materials and a personal counselor. The staff are well-equipped and very helpful. Shopping*.
Day 3: Doctor's check-ups. School and class tour. More preparation for classes. Shopping*.
Day 4: Mother arrives. We eat. Bankzone= sweet card. We shop*. I buy a RICE COOKER! Ha, yeayyy :) and other various Asian necessities. Mom cooks dindins.
Day 5: Mom peaces. Seoul, capital of S. Korea with my new friend Grace. Shopped* some more (common theme, eh?) and toured around. Had dinner at home and then when to a bar two stops away from our digs. The clubs aren't dancing clubs, so we grouped with some Westerners and started a dance party. The Koreans were dancing, we were dancing, it was awesome. The owner of the bar gave Grace and I a special invitation to come back. Funfun.
Day 6: Church! At this place called Jubilee. It was amaaazing. Joshua 1:1-6. I can't wait to go back. Then more shopping* and rest. And now to planning for tomorrow some more. So much work! But oh so great.
Yes. I am having a great time :)
I love and miss you all SO much.
<3,
LP
