Korea is better and worse than I thought. I dont know how to explain that right now. I really like the city, I love having everything so close. I feel better knowing I can get a lot of western products if I need them although they are way overpriced.
Tomorrow I start teaching. I thought I would have a week of training where I watched another teacher but that is no longer true. The teacher whose classes I am taking over has already left and I start taking over her classes tomorrow. No training. But thats ok, it will be ok. I am teaching 8 classes MWF and 5 classes on T/TH. All different levels. I got to see the curriculum briefly on Friday but not for long. I will write more about teaching and the school after I start. I am nervous about being unprepared but I am also anxious and excited to start teaching because that is essentially why I am here and what is going to take up most of my time. I cant wait to get busy!
I have not yet found a church. I found several Presbyterian churches in Seoul but I have to take the subway into the city which right now is incredibly intimidating as everything is in Korean and I know almost nothing about the area. I was not ready to travel into Seoul this morning and try to find my way around. So I spent hours on the internet yesterday trying to find something in my city but I could not find anything. I am going to ask at my school tomorrow about churches in this area.
Thats all for now, I will write some after I start teaching!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Food and Friends
So my first night as I was standing with my luggage scattered around me in my new apartment which smelled a bit funny and did not feel like home at all, there was a knock at my door. You can imagine my surprise as I do not know a soul in Korea (no pun intended). My apartment has this nifty little screen that I can push a button and it shows me who is outside my door. There were two people, a woman and a man and the woman was holding something.
I opened the door and they introduced themselves as Amy and James. They are engaged and they live 4 floors above me. They were SO nice. They both teach at my school and they wanted to welcome me and let me know that if I needed anything I could stop by. They had also brought me something to eat. Mandoo. Mandoo is dumplings stuffed with...I'm not sure. I think there was pork and rice but it tasted...different. Not bad but nothing like the chinese dumplings I have had before. I drowned them in the soy sauce that came with them and that taste was more familiar.
Amy and James invited me to go food shopping with them the next day which I readily accepted since I did not have ANY food. So the next morning they came by around 9:30 and asked if I was ready for a cab ride. My stomach lurched. I recalled the brush with death I had had on the ride from the airport. But this is food we are talking about. So I overcame my uneasy feeling and we headed down to the street to catch a cab.
This ride was either much better or I have already gotten used to the crazy driving. Seriously there was one point where we were on a one lane road and as we drove, cars came toward us and just before we hit the oncoming vehicle our driver would swerve into an open parking space and then swerve back onto the road. This happened several times.
About 10 minutes later we arrived at a place which in English is called "Home Plus". It was in a high rise but the store itself was 3 floors, like a department store. The first floor was clothes and jewelry, the second floor was a grocery store and the third floor was electronics and appliances. In some ways it was a lot like an American grocery store except everything was in Korean and I saw a LOT of strange things. For example, live squid swimming in a tank. I didnt buy any of those. Also there was an entire aisle devoted to Kochujang (Korean red pepper paste).
I was still experiencing culture shock and homesickness and all kinds of emotions so I was not quite ready to branch out and buy a bunch of Korean food. So I bought chicken, cereal, milk, yogurt, spaghetti, and tomato sauce. The spaghetti and sauce were significantly overpriced since they are Western products. And there was not much selection. Only one kind of tomato sauce (Ragu) and one kind of spagetti (Barilla!!!). The sauce was $5 and the spaghetti was $3. But I needed them. Another observation: Kimchi (fermented cabbage in a very spicy sauce) looks just as unappetizing in real life as it does in pictures. I have not tried it yet but I am told I will grow to like it...
I opened the door and they introduced themselves as Amy and James. They are engaged and they live 4 floors above me. They were SO nice. They both teach at my school and they wanted to welcome me and let me know that if I needed anything I could stop by. They had also brought me something to eat. Mandoo. Mandoo is dumplings stuffed with...I'm not sure. I think there was pork and rice but it tasted...different. Not bad but nothing like the chinese dumplings I have had before. I drowned them in the soy sauce that came with them and that taste was more familiar.
Amy and James invited me to go food shopping with them the next day which I readily accepted since I did not have ANY food. So the next morning they came by around 9:30 and asked if I was ready for a cab ride. My stomach lurched. I recalled the brush with death I had had on the ride from the airport. But this is food we are talking about. So I overcame my uneasy feeling and we headed down to the street to catch a cab.
This ride was either much better or I have already gotten used to the crazy driving. Seriously there was one point where we were on a one lane road and as we drove, cars came toward us and just before we hit the oncoming vehicle our driver would swerve into an open parking space and then swerve back onto the road. This happened several times.
About 10 minutes later we arrived at a place which in English is called "Home Plus". It was in a high rise but the store itself was 3 floors, like a department store. The first floor was clothes and jewelry, the second floor was a grocery store and the third floor was electronics and appliances. In some ways it was a lot like an American grocery store except everything was in Korean and I saw a LOT of strange things. For example, live squid swimming in a tank. I didnt buy any of those. Also there was an entire aisle devoted to Kochujang (Korean red pepper paste).
I was still experiencing culture shock and homesickness and all kinds of emotions so I was not quite ready to branch out and buy a bunch of Korean food. So I bought chicken, cereal, milk, yogurt, spaghetti, and tomato sauce. The spaghetti and sauce were significantly overpriced since they are Western products. And there was not much selection. Only one kind of tomato sauce (Ragu) and one kind of spagetti (Barilla!!!). The sauce was $5 and the spaghetti was $3. But I needed them. Another observation: Kimchi (fermented cabbage in a very spicy sauce) looks just as unappetizing in real life as it does in pictures. I have not tried it yet but I am told I will grow to like it...
Kwangmyong City
Kwangmyong City is definitely a CITY. I live on the tenth floor of a high rise apartment building and I have an incredible view of the city and the mountains in the distance. It is crowded and bustling and there are signs everywhere, all in Korean. The only English I have seen so far on a sign is the word PC. And that is how I am blogging right now. There are internet cafes EVERYWHERE (called PC Bangs here). There are two just on my block. The cost is about 1,000 won an hour or about $1.
I have never lived in a city before and its definitely a big change from Mt. Laurel, Grove City, or anywhere else I have lived. I even lived in Lawrence, MA which was much more of a city then Mt. Laurel but nothing compared to this. There is always noise, always cars, always people out. I woke up at 4am this morning and the intersection outside my window was backed up.
There is a Dominos Pizza on the next block but the entire menu is in Korean. I suppose I could go in and point to what I want. Oh that reminds me! Dominos delivers on motorcycles! Just like that scene in Spiderman when he rides that motorcycle thing to deliver that guys pizza on time. Tons of people drive them, actually. Which adds to the danger of driving because the motorcycle drivers just weave in and out and make things even more chaotic on the road.
So I havent explored much since its been raining and I am still settling in but basically EVERYTHING is in Korean and I cant read a word of it. People seem to know "Hello" and "thank you". But so far, other than the Korean teachers at my school, that is the extent of the English of the people I have met.
I have never lived in a city before and its definitely a big change from Mt. Laurel, Grove City, or anywhere else I have lived. I even lived in Lawrence, MA which was much more of a city then Mt. Laurel but nothing compared to this. There is always noise, always cars, always people out. I woke up at 4am this morning and the intersection outside my window was backed up.
There is a Dominos Pizza on the next block but the entire menu is in Korean. I suppose I could go in and point to what I want. Oh that reminds me! Dominos delivers on motorcycles! Just like that scene in Spiderman when he rides that motorcycle thing to deliver that guys pizza on time. Tons of people drive them, actually. Which adds to the danger of driving because the motorcycle drivers just weave in and out and make things even more chaotic on the road.
So I havent explored much since its been raining and I am still settling in but basically EVERYTHING is in Korean and I cant read a word of it. People seem to know "Hello" and "thank you". But so far, other than the Korean teachers at my school, that is the extent of the English of the people I have met.
My Arrival
I arrived in Korea around 4pm on Friday, September 28th. I got off the plane and went through immigration/baggage claim/customs with no problems. One I got through customs I immediately saw the driver with my name on a sign. He took my bags and started hurrying off so just tried to keep up. He didn't speak a word of English, so I didnt try talking to him. The cab drive from the airport was by far the scariest part of my trip thus far. Driving in Korea is CRAZY. I cant even describe it. People honk constantly and drivers cut in front and swerve and change 4 lanes at a time all while talking on cell phones and answering their radios and not paying attention to the road!! Just remembering that makes me dizzy.
I arrived at the apartment where two men from my school met me and helped me with my luggage but they did not speak much english except to say nice to meet you and "you go with us now, yes?". So I dropped off my bags and followed them to the school which was about a 2 minute walk away. More about the school later.
After a korean teacher who spoke pretty good English showed me around the school, showed me my desk, and introduced me to my supervisor, she asked if I could find my way back to my apt building and sent me on my way.
I arrived at the apartment where two men from my school met me and helped me with my luggage but they did not speak much english except to say nice to meet you and "you go with us now, yes?". So I dropped off my bags and followed them to the school which was about a 2 minute walk away. More about the school later.
After a korean teacher who spoke pretty good English showed me around the school, showed me my desk, and introduced me to my supervisor, she asked if I could find my way back to my apt building and sent me on my way.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Safe & Sound
I made it, I'm here in Korea, found my school, found my apt. I'm too exhausted to write anything although there is so much to write about. I have been awake for 25 hours straight. I can't seem to sleep on planes. Time to sleep...finally.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Numbers and Lists: My Tiny Set-Back Story
6 - the number of hours of sleep I got last night
120 - the total number of pounds my checked luggage weighed
2 - the amount of times I hugged each member of my family before I went through security
6 - the number of times I looked back at them over my shoulder as I walked away
0 - the number of hours I slept on the flight to Minneapolis
1 - the number of times I spilled an entire cup of Sprite on myself and the person next to me on the plane
5,000,000 - the number of miles I had to walk to get to my connecting flight (or so it seemed!)
3 - the number of hours I waited in the airport for my flight to Toyko
17 - the number of hours my flight to Tokyo was delayed
400 - the number of passengers on the delayed flight who had to be put up in hotels and given meal vouchers
4 - the number of airline employees behind the desk helping the above mentioned 400 angry passengers
0 - the number of above airline employees who spoke English well
2 - the number of hours I stood in line waiting to get hotel and meal vouchers
3 - the number of times I tried, unsuccessfully, to call my parents from a pay phone to tell them what was happening
2 - the number of times I told a pushy fellow passenger that I would NOT go out for a drink with him
0 - the number of times the above mentioned passenger asked again after I told him that if he seriously wanted to date me he would have to ask my father
100 - the approximate number of times I repeated to myself today "Don't panic, its ok, you are alone in a strange city because your international flight has been rescheduled and you must spend the night alone in a hotel room and you have no cell phone but GOD IS IN CONTROL!"
So I am currently in Minneapolis and I have a whole lot to be thankful for:
1. Free wireless internet!
2. Free hotel room
3. Free dinner and breakfast
4. Got in touch with my parents
5. Got in touch with the school in Korea
6. Met a nice elderly man in line at the aiport who was from Korea and told me lots of great stories about the culture which made the nearly 2 hours we stood there go faster!
7. I am safe
8. I have not lost anything (a huge accomplishment if you know me)
9. My flight leaves at 9am
10. God is in control
11. God is in control
12. God is in control
13. God is in control
Hopefully next time I write I will actually be in KOREA!!!
120 - the total number of pounds my checked luggage weighed
2 - the amount of times I hugged each member of my family before I went through security
6 - the number of times I looked back at them over my shoulder as I walked away
0 - the number of hours I slept on the flight to Minneapolis
1 - the number of times I spilled an entire cup of Sprite on myself and the person next to me on the plane
5,000,000 - the number of miles I had to walk to get to my connecting flight (or so it seemed!)
3 - the number of hours I waited in the airport for my flight to Toyko
17 - the number of hours my flight to Tokyo was delayed
400 - the number of passengers on the delayed flight who had to be put up in hotels and given meal vouchers
4 - the number of airline employees behind the desk helping the above mentioned 400 angry passengers
0 - the number of above airline employees who spoke English well
2 - the number of hours I stood in line waiting to get hotel and meal vouchers
3 - the number of times I tried, unsuccessfully, to call my parents from a pay phone to tell them what was happening
2 - the number of times I told a pushy fellow passenger that I would NOT go out for a drink with him
0 - the number of times the above mentioned passenger asked again after I told him that if he seriously wanted to date me he would have to ask my father
100 - the approximate number of times I repeated to myself today "Don't panic, its ok, you are alone in a strange city because your international flight has been rescheduled and you must spend the night alone in a hotel room and you have no cell phone but GOD IS IN CONTROL!"
So I am currently in Minneapolis and I have a whole lot to be thankful for:
1. Free wireless internet!
2. Free hotel room
3. Free dinner and breakfast
4. Got in touch with my parents
5. Got in touch with the school in Korea
6. Met a nice elderly man in line at the aiport who was from Korea and told me lots of great stories about the culture which made the nearly 2 hours we stood there go faster!
7. I am safe
8. I have not lost anything (a huge accomplishment if you know me)
9. My flight leaves at 9am
10. God is in control
11. God is in control
12. God is in control
13. God is in control
Hopefully next time I write I will actually be in KOREA!!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane....
It is quite late and (surprise!) I can't sleep on the eve of my departure for South Korea. So here is some useful information...
I do have a number where I can easily be reached while I am in Korea. It is a NJ number so for anyone who calls it in the US it is not an international number even though I will answer it in Korea! So for example if you have free domestic long distance its free to call, otherwise its just like calling NJ. I also have voicemail so if I'm not there to answer you can leave me a message. The number to reach me in Korea is: 856-393-1259. I would love to hear from you but please dont forget I am 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time so when its 2 in the afternoon and you think to yourself, "I think I'll call Kayla!", please dont because it will be 3am my time and I will hopefully be sleeping soundly...something I should be doing right now...
If you would like to send me letters or other good things (like....care packages?...hint hint) while I am in Korea this year you can send them to the following address:
SLP Language School
Attn: Kayla Wilson
Kyungi-Do
Kwangmyuong City
Cheolsan 2-Dong 219-1
Acetel Building 2F
423- 032
I have no idea what any of that means but apparently if you send things there I will get them.
Well I should try to get some sleep since I have quite a long journey tomorrow. I leave Wednesday at 11:30am and arrive in Seoul around 9:30 pm on Thursday, Lord willing. I lose a day on the way.
I will miss everyone and I am so thankful for your thoughts and prayers. Next time I post here I will be 8,000 miles away in South Korea, jet-lagged and culture-shocked. I AM SO EXCITED!
I do have a number where I can easily be reached while I am in Korea. It is a NJ number so for anyone who calls it in the US it is not an international number even though I will answer it in Korea! So for example if you have free domestic long distance its free to call, otherwise its just like calling NJ. I also have voicemail so if I'm not there to answer you can leave me a message. The number to reach me in Korea is: 856-393-1259. I would love to hear from you but please dont forget I am 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time so when its 2 in the afternoon and you think to yourself, "I think I'll call Kayla!", please dont because it will be 3am my time and I will hopefully be sleeping soundly...something I should be doing right now...
If you would like to send me letters or other good things (like....care packages?...hint hint) while I am in Korea this year you can send them to the following address:
SLP Language School
Attn: Kayla Wilson
Kyungi-Do
Kwangmyuong City
Cheolsan 2-Dong 219-1
Acetel Building 2F
423- 032
I have no idea what any of that means but apparently if you send things there I will get them.
Well I should try to get some sleep since I have quite a long journey tomorrow. I leave Wednesday at 11:30am and arrive in Seoul around 9:30 pm on Thursday, Lord willing. I lose a day on the way.
I will miss everyone and I am so thankful for your thoughts and prayers. Next time I post here I will be 8,000 miles away in South Korea, jet-lagged and culture-shocked. I AM SO EXCITED!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Hooray for Window Seats!
I am getting so excited for Wednesday! Today I went to the bank and got cash to bring so I will have money to get through my first month in Korea before I get paid. My new laptop arrived today and its wonderful. The best news of the day is that I was able to get a window seat on my flight from Minneapolis to Tokyo! When I originally selected my seat the only option was between two other people. Today I checked and there was one window seat that had become available so I snatched it up. I am so relieved that I won't be squished between two business men for 13+ hours! I may not be able to see anything out the window for most of the trip but at least I'll have somewhere to lean my head instead of on some stranger...
Monday, September 24, 2007
Travel Information
PART ONE: Wednesday - 26 September 2007
Flight #:
NW0687
Airline:
Northwest Airlines Inc
Depart:
11:25 AM
Airport:
Philadelphia Int'l
Arrive:
01:19 PM
Airport:
Minneapolis St. Paul Int'l Arpt
Mileage:
978
Travel Time:
2.54
PART TWO: Wednesday - 26 September 2007
Flight #:
NW0019
Airline:
Northwest Airlines Inc
Depart:
03:00 PM
Airport:
Minneapolis St. Paul Int'l Arpt
Arrive:
27 September 2007
Airport:
Tokyo Narita Arpt
05:25 PM
Mileage:
5953
Travel Time:
12.25
PART THREE: Thursday - 27 September 2007
Flight #:
NW0007
Airline:
Northwest Airlines Inc
Depart:
06:45 PM
Airport:
Tokyo Narita Arpt
Arrive:
09:30 PM
Airport:
Seoul Incheon Intl
Mileage:
759
Travel Time:
2.45
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