Here in S'Korea

Hi Friends and Family!

    I have arrived safely in Korea. I just got my laptop charger adapter thanks to the lovely Hannah. She's the best! Thanks again, Hannah!

So I haven't posted in over 2 weeks, and a lot has happened. So for my readers benefits, I'm going to block it up.

First Week:
       The flight was fine by myself, I had entire row to myself which was amazing. I got to stretch out and sleep. There were two Muslim men behind me talking to the air hostess. Poor girl didn't understand either men, and they didn't speak English or Korean, so that was a fun conversation to overhear. I met a girl named Gretchen ( I haven't seen her since) but she helped me through customs, and give me some information about Korea to help me out in the long run. I wish I had gotten her information to keep in contact with her. When I arrived, only Vivi ( from Denmark), Claire ( from France), and Andy ( also from Denmark). I was fortunate enough to not experience any jet lag. The next day, Andy, Claire, Vivi, and I went out exploring in the city. Mostly in Myeongdong and Jongno ( Jogno was were our first hotel was. We stayed there for 2 weeks. 6 girls, 1 room, 1 bathroom.. it was terrible). We also had a surprise introduction to some of the older volunteers, Shawn ( from Australia), and Kristian ( from Denmark). They also showed us around, took us out to eat, and got us our T-Money cards ( cards for travel, basically). The next day Aurelie ( from France) and Lauren ( other US girl) showed up. Aurelie first started talking to me in French because I greeted her in French. Then realized I didn't speak much when I just looked at her and smiled- the foreigners confused look. The next day the three UK girls ( Hannah, May and Loren) arrived. Then we headed off to the beach. I hate to admit it, but I have no idea where we actually went. I'm still having trouble with direction.
          While at the beach, we walked along the coastline. The beach gets expanded exponentially when it's low tide, we went fishing on the coast. Of course we caught nothing. We also went to a Wind Power Plant museum to check that out. Unfortunately, it was all in Korean ( why am I saying unfortunately, silly me for thinking anything else) so I didn't understand it at all, and just played with the interactive models instead. Felt like OMSI. Afterwards, we went to a fresh fish market. The things they eat were odd, for me. Lots of things that looked like tube worms that Gok Ju ( one of the guys that works with my coordinator, Mr. Kim) says that he really enjoys eating it.. that it's his favorite sea food. After the quick fish tour we went to a town that was constructed solely of ceramic pots! Beautiful ceramic pots! ( Picture attached below). We also played a game called Yut. It's fun, I bought it at a traditional hanguk village to play with the family back home.

 One of the palaces that previous volunteers, Shawn and Kristian took all of us except for Lauren and the UK girls to check out.

 The Pot Town! I've never seen anything like it, before! Really cool.

     Proof that I'm actually in Korea, not just posting pictures found on the internet.
Second Week:
         The second week started and we started language lessons. By the end of the week I got so frustrated because everyone else seemed to be picking up the language so easily, and I was still struggling with the alphabet. We were able to explore some more in the afternoon after our daily 3.5 hour language class. We got our bank cards ( where they butchered my name), waited in line for hours to get our alien cards at the immigration office, checked out Seoul Tower and Ichaewon ( where I found Girl Scout cookies!!!!), and went to a traditional Hanguk village. Everything I've seen has been really cool. One of the old volunteers had a birthday/goodbye party which included chicken and beer, and noribang ( karaoke!). He was nice enough to take us all out and show us a good time around Seoul. Noribang was so much fun, the US volunteers absolutely KILLED it.

         I've gained some great friendships here already, I feel really close to the French girls, Vivi, and Hannah. I hope to get better acquainted with Loren and May, I hope time will establish that. Andy, the only new boy volunteer, is really nice. I feel bad for him sometimes for having to deal with so many girls all the time.

       We moved out of the hotel room, and into an apartment. It's really nice. I live 1 hour and 15 minutes ( by bus) away from Gangnam, where I work. The room set up is like so, We are on the third floor of an apartment complex. With a nice kitchen, a washing room ( that's washing machine was broken when we arrived, and the clothes line recently fell down from the ceiling and hit poor Aurelie), there were only 3 bedrooms when we arrived. Aurelie and Vivi are sharing a room, as are Loren and Claire. May got her own room, and I chose to sleep on the couch. Luckily, the living room ( where the couch was placed) has been made into a room ( or the beginnings of a room) while we were all away at work today. There are two bathrooms, and a storage closet that all the other girls have made into their extra closet. I take pride in the fact that I have made do with only two little drawers and a shelf for all my stuff. Ever the savvy packer. Lauren and Hannah both have host families, and Andy is downstairs with the other boy volunteers. Mr. Kim is trying to get the other girls host families, as well.

       Today has actually been incredibly stressful, and I'm missing so much about America. I tried to get to work by myself today, but ended up getting lost, wandering around Gangnam by myself for over four hours. I walked around forever, and actually did break down from frustration when I couldnt get myself out of the mess I had put myself in on accident. I tried hailing a cab, getting to a new bus, walking down each street, asking for help in both English and Korean.... unfortunately, no one could understand me, and I couldn't understand anyone else. Thank god for Denise, Hannah and Kristian, who together gave me enough information to finally get where I needed to go. And thanks to Mr. Yu for giving me chocolate and sitting with me at lunch. I guess I will adapt, but right now it's hard.
      I fell asleep last night listening to the music that was played at Lukes house all the time during the weekend when I'd visit. I miss my friends, I miss my family.  I miss huge water cups, anything more than a tiny cup that's maybe 4 inches tall, it's driving me crazy. I also miss fresh vegetables, there are none. I like the heated floors, though. Persimmons are really common, here. I had a dried, candy persimmon yesterday that was really good. The food here is not doing me well, I've lost a lot of weight. The straight Rice, kimchi, fermented radishes, fish cake, and fish soup do not sit well with me. There is no designated breakfast, lunch, and dinner, either. Kimchi and Rice for every meal. I do, however, like the Korean BBQ and the fried chicken works well enough! The street food is really yummy, and really cheap.

       

 Some of the girls, Lauren, Loren and Vivi in line for the squatter toilets.

 My "UK mom"! Hannah has instantly been someone I've clicked with. I'm so grateful that she's here with me on this journey.

 Red Bean Waffle Fish! I don't know what they are exactly, but they're the only thing I can find with a strong cinnamon-y taste. They're really yummy, and ridiculously cute, too. $1 will get you 3 of these, sometimes 6 if you find the right place.

 Vivi, from Denmark. She's really nice, as long as you don't take her jokes too seriously. One thing this trip has really already done is made me take things a lot less personally, something that I appreciate.

 The Three Amigos, and MR. Kim selfies. These two have been a bundle of fun as roommates, and in general. At the beginning, we all made challenges for ourselves and we made consequences for each other. Luckily all of us faulted, so no one had to pay the price. Mr. Kim selfies has become a game that Vivi and I partake in. Trying to gather as many Mr. Kim selfies as possilbe these next 6 months.

 These are all the girls, Andy, and Gok Ju. Left to Right: Andy, Gok Ju, Loren, Claire, Aurelie, Vivi, Hannah, and Lauren. ( May went to the hospital for a flu).There are two Lauren/Lorens here, so I'll probably just label them with UK Loren, or US lauren to help you differentiate. It's hard to do.

 traditional hanguk village, with parts of the City in the background. Really cool place to check out.

 Just a portion of Seoul from the base of Seoul Tower.

 Much like that famous bridge in paris, and other various locations around the world, Lovers place locks with their names written on them on this fence.

 Mr. Kim Selfies, again.

 Loren (UK), Hannah, and I sharing our ice cream waffle. SO good! Green Tea and Strawberry Ice Cream on top of waffles, and the first good coffee I've had since arriving in Korea.

 Lauren, Vivi, Aurelie and myself

  

These are the cute kids I get to work with. This adorable girl grabbed my hand without even knowing who I was. Super cute, and friendly. Though I now have sympathy of anyone who had to deal with my fast talking.

I miss home, and I'm finding that I like to be alone more than usual. But, as usual, I'll be fine. I'll make sure anyone who wants my address gets it soon. Sorry for keeping you all waiting, and sorry for the vague post. I promise more has happened, I just don't want to bore you all with an overly long post.

I hope everyone is well.  All my love being sent back home.