남가 친구 is Korean for boyfriend

I have recently discovered that Koreans put a lot of emphasis on significant others. If you aren't pretty, you won't get a boyfriend. If you don't have a boyfriend, your social life is basically over and you're expected to be a grouchy old lady for the rest of your life.. This social expectation arises as early as US age 15. There are designated days out of every month for those in relationships. They wear cheesy couple outfits. Today my female coworker told me that I am prettier than I was when I first arrived and that I should have a boyfriend, now. This was weird for me, and I wasn't sure if I should consider it a compliment or not.. But so it goes. Koreans are a constantly surprising culture. 

   I have moved in with my host family, and I have lucked out. They own a Chinese restaurant, and though that means I really need to get over my dislike of noodles, I also get really good free food, and Hannah was able to be given part of that perk this last weekend. I live a block away from Hannah, so I never have to worry about being too lonely. The host family is really nice. I have two older sisters, US ages 19, and 21, and a little brother. The parents are both very sweet and my Korean has already improved a lot. They are okay with me going out and spending the night with the other volunteers, and they took me out to a Korean movie theater! Sehyun, my older sister, speak English very well. I share a room with her.  The mom and one sister both have tattoos, which is extremely unusual for Koreans, so I lucked out getting a more relaxed family... Most of you knew about my fears of living with a traditional Korean family before I arrived. They also have a dog, so I have a furry friend to hang out with. 

 Work still sucks, I'm still trying to change projects. I still feel extremely useless in Korea and have talked myself out of buying a ticket home more than a few times. I appear to be the only volunteer not in love with Korea. I'm glad I came to Korea, though. I can now put a lot of the stereotypes I had for Koreans and Asians to rest. I have also made some great friends from around the world. Mom is worried that I will have a hard time coming back to the US after being in Korea, only I have to disagree... I am envious of those currently in the US. I'm here, though. And here I'll stay until my 6 months are done.. Almost half way through. I am constantly frustrated with the program I am with, and do not suggest it. Though everyone is lovely, I've had to be pushier and persistent than I have ever been comfortable with to get what I need done. 

    I had a dream last night about parilla's fish tacos.. I woke up rather depressed that I couldn't have some right then and there. The food is continually interesting for me. I recently realized that there is no difference between Korean breakfast lunch and dinner. So you get rice, meat, fried egg, and sea weed for almost every meal. It's not what im used to, but I'm getting fed, and the food is good.

     

     I have a newly found respect for anyone and everyone who has ever lived with a host family. I now realize how awkward and uncomfortable it can be. My host family is super nice, and I feel so fortunate to have been placed with them... Even though Mr. Kim didn't even know their names when I moved in with them. But having been a host sister, I know what it can be like to have a stranger in your home and having to adapt for them. I know it's not always fun, but I hope my previous experiences will help make their time as a host family as easy as possible. 

     Hannah and I went a palace on saturday, don't ask me which one.. I can't spell or pronounce it... But $3 gets you into a traditional palace which is really awesome that it's so cheap. That's an awesome part about Korea. Nothing is expensive in relation to the US and Europe. 

   I'm missing home, again. I miss my friends, animals, and especially my family. Hope you are all well.