Sky Blue

    Unless the Korea is a lot like Oregon in it's unpredictable change of weather, it is Spring here in Seoul! The cherry blossoms are beautiful, and line the streets. Seoul is gorgeous when all the color is popping up. The blossoms come in white, light pink, and purple. The weather is nice, and approximately 70 F and 21 C. I guessed the number for Fahrenheit, just checked and I'm correct. I now understand Celsius, a cool tidbit of knowledge I have gathered during my time in Korea.

     Now, I'm sure many of you have heard about the recent fire exchange between North Korea and South Korea. I have received a few emails/calls/texts etc. asking if I am okay, and for more information. Yes, a fire exchange happened, no, I'm not in any danger, no, there were not any casualties, and please, do not worry. When I first heard about this, I was a little frightened. As I have talked to a few of my friends during the Crimea situation, I thoroughly believed that if a 3rd World War was to occur, it would be set off by North Korea attacking South Korea.. or doing something similar in line of intelligence. I asked my coworkers about it, and my main boss man, Mr. Yu, told me to relax, that it happened often. Everyone else in the office who heard me bring it up, just kind of chuckled at the foreign girl. I was talking to Denise about it, afterwards, and she told me that she once had a similar reaction about North and South Korea conflict, until someone told her that, though North Korea has a lot of fire arms, but not the economical means to do anything about that. From what I have recently learned about both Koreas, through roommates, and coworkers, North Korea definitely has little to no economical wealth. So that is reassuring.

        Korean's consider their culture very " Bbali Bbali" or, hurry hurry (the antithesis of my experience in South Africa). I don't actually consider it so, from an outsider looking in, Korea is just a big city, with a lot of people, who take forever to change anything. Now, I say this with a bit of annoyance directed at Gangnam YMCA, and how work STILL hasn't gotten better, and how none of the incoming ICYE volunteers- aside from the UK girls- knew where their projects were or what they were until after arriving to Korea. Otherwise, if you get outside of the hustle and bustle, you meet some of the friendliest, most good natured people. Now, if only they would just have more salads.

       At work I have noticed that every English teacher uses the color "sky blue" a lot. At first I thought it was a weird New Zealand thing, not until I worked with another class did I realize that the kids REALLY like the color Sky Blue, an obsession, it has been called. I have also noticed that hand-bottom-contact is a physical form of a strong bond. I have been poked in the anus by children fingers, not something I really every wanted to experience, nor do I wish to experience it again. They also tend to grab your bottom. I have witnessed the swimming teachers pinch the bottoms of the little kids, now this isn't abusive, or at all negative, it's a form of a strong relationship, and trust, from what I understand. This would not fly, in the US, but nor would the behavior of half of the "Gangnam Brats", as I so charmingly named them. These kids are devils. The older they get, the worse they are. I know one thing, I am not above spanking my future kids. These kids have never been spanked, and really could use a good thwack on the rear every now and then.

Denise and I, burger buddies! After a usual obnoxiously terrible day at Gangnam YMCA.

       My friend, Andy, went to a wedding last weekend- and is going to another one this weekend, so hopefully will take me, Hannah, and Loren- and he shared with me some of the videos he took during the ceremony. I had heard before that Korean weddings were basically like drive ins to just get hitched at and leave, and from what I could tell.. I have to agree. The bride and groom walk down a cat walk, get married, turn around, take pictures with the family, and then everyone leaves the wedding hall and go to a wedding reception, after. I didn't see any wedding party members, or the father of the bride, or anything in this wedding. Maybe I just missed it, but it looked very odd, something I wouldn't want on the day I get hitched. I hope that Andy can take Hannah, Loren, and myself, it would be an awesome thing to experience.

     On Friday, Marcy, Claire, May, Loren, Andy, Geon Woo, Thomas, and I went to a jimjilbang. Now a jimjilbang is a Korean style spa. The girls and guys get separated for a while, while we are separated, both genders get to go experience wonderful hot baths and saunas. You're completely naked during this. The showering in front of everyone was a little uncomfortable, but then you remember, you're all just skin, bones, cartilage, blood, oxygen, organs.. nothing special, really, helps get rid of those awkward first feelings of vulnerability. Afterwards, you change into designated outfits, and then go down and we met up with the boys in a co-ed steam rooms. These go from 35 C to 76 C was the hottest one I saw, and then as low as 12 C. I went into one that was about 47 C and my cartilage piercings were getting so hot that it became painful. Luckily I had a towel that I wrapped around my face, and there is cold water that you sit in. You really feel pampered and refreshed after the jimjilbang and I'd really like to go to one, again.

       As I think I said before, I have been promised a host family that lives really near to Hannah. However, it's been over a week since the first mention of this, and I have received no news. So, I'm beginning to think it won't happen, luckily I'm flexible. I'm really enjoying my time, here. Though work really sucks, misery sure does love company, and at least I have Denise to eat burgers with, and complain about how terrible Gangnam is. Today was so bad I bought myself a chocolate cake. Marcy, Hannah, Loren, Andy, and I are the 5 amigos, and I'm really excited about this new found friendship with Denise. I already know I will really miss these people when I leave, just as I miss my friends back home.. only I'll see my friends back home, and there's a large chance that I won't ever see half of these people again. I guess that's what happens when you travel. I still wouldn't choose to return to Korea after my time here is finished, however I am enjoying my stay here, more. I'm no longer homesick. I got a hair cut in Korea, and I love it. As usual, back to short. Marcy, Loren, and I also saw a mini riot/parade/something that involved police escorts and banners on Saturday that was really interesting to watch.. too bad I still can't understand any Korean. My Korean hasnt improved much, at all... Update: Hannah just informed me that the riot included the Korean Prime Ministers name, and the word withdraw, so I guess I saw something really interesting, and didn't even understand it.. Go language barriers, am I right?

 entering the jimjilbang.. fairy lights!

 Dragon Hill Jimjilbang had this cool guy standing guard.

 I bought a sunhat in Insadong. Skipping down Insadong with Andy.

 police escorts.

 marches/riots/whatever is going on, here.

 Andy and his girls. Loren, Marcy, and myself.

I found good pizza! I was so excited! Hongdae's Monster Pizza is really similar to Pizza Mondo.

Differences

    I got pink eye from swimming lessons with 2-3 year olds. I am currently quarentined in the flat. With all this time I have to ponder what I'm doing with my life, in Korea, and on my blog.. I have realized my blog has been extremely dry, lately. And I apologize. It's even boring me to read. So I'm going to spice it up a bit with doing some more comparisons and contrasts.
 
    First off, my recent experience with the Korean doctor's office showed me how ridiculously expensive American health care is. I paid $23 USD for a check up, and medication. I also was surprised by how worried Koreans are if you get sick. I'm not a huge fan of going to hospitals, and if you have cold, you are give 10 pills to take a day for 7 days, and if you do not go to the hospital, you are highly pressured TO go to the hospital. They hand out medication like candy. In America, it would cost you the eye you were getting checked out. I was teased for being so shocked by how cheap my check up was. Having also lived with 5 Europeans for the last almost 2 months, I also realize just how much I wish for some changes in America. Don't get me wrong, I bleed red, white, and blue. I love fourth of July, and oh boy howdy, I am proud as can be to be a US citizen.. however I do completely feel that something should change in the health care scene.
 
     Living with people from multiple different cultures is also extremely difficult. Although the UK and the US are very similar, we still have our differences in culture and what's acceptable... like for instant, closing doors. I have been struggling with adapting to living with such different cultures. Things that were drilled into my head as child, such as learning how to lower your voice, closing doors quietly, walking quietly, and not inviting people over after 8pm on a weekday, are things that apparently have not been taught around the world. I also thought that it was common to be quiet if someone in the house was sick. Noise pollution is something that I have never deemed acceptable or polite and a harsh " shut up!" is a very okay way to halt this noise pollution.. apparently other cultures don't find that acceptable. These are things that I have had to slowly adopt towards. And with the recent discovery of learning that I will soon be sent off to live with a host family, I will have to re-adapt to a different way of life, and a different family dynamic.

     I am constantly being reminded how much your own personal space actually DOES affect others. Living with 5 girls has taught me to make sure that anything and everything in other's shared space should be cleaned up and not be in anyone else's way. One of the biggest issues in the house is dishes, garbage, cleaning bathrooms, and putting away laundry. Though the garbage is slowly but surely getting figured out, and more people are willing to take the garbage down when it is sitting at the front door. The biggest issue of late has been cleaning the rice cooker. The rice cooker gathers a bunch of gross slime whenever you cook rice. Often, Loren and I are the ones throwing out old rice, and cleaning up the cooker. I try not to leave dishes in the sink, and wash up my dishes immediately after I use them. Living with five girls is a constant lesson and growing experience, and I'm looking forward to sleeping in a quiet room without being woken half way through sleeping.

      Another thing I've realized in Korea is how focused they are on one singular form of beauty. Plastic surgery in Korea is very common. I work in Gangnam so I see plastic surgery ads every five steps, probably even less. There are mirrors right next to the plastic surgery ads as well, so you see the Korean version of " beautiful" and then yourself. Because it's so common, plastic surgery is also extremely cheap. So, if you're interested in going to get plastic surgery, Korea's your location! The desired look for Korean women is : light skin, small nose, wide eyes with double eye lids, and a v shaped chin. You can buy skin whitening face cream, and stickers that will give you double eyelids. Diet pills are also extremely cheap, and prevalent in Korean society.

This is a snap shot of a commercial that I haven't really every understood, but it's obviously about fat removal on women.

     Women especially are hyper vigilant about age and weight. I asked one of my coworkers one day what she will be doing this weekend, her response was " I'm going to go to the gym. I'm too fat". This surprises me, because as far as I can tell, she's a petite girl. Koreans put a lot of emphasis into having a fit body, which is awesome, but even good things in access is a bad thing. Most of the work places have had all the girls do a fitness test, and there's even a BMI test at the Gangnam information center. My coworker had also commented to me about how old she was.. She's 23 in Korea, 21 in America. I have befriended a 27 year old Korean girl ( 25 years old in America), and she also was commenting about how old she was. Now, as far as I'm aware, when you're in you're 20s in America, you're not considered old, you are still living a youthful life with a lot of life still to live. Oddly enough, in Korea you're almost expected to be married off at 25 Korean age. I'm 20, here, and I'm starting to get weird looks for not having a boyfriend. That was until I told my coworkers that having a boyfriend at my age is not something that is necessary to lead a successful social life.

     Korea continues to surprise, amaze, and makes me reevaluate my own life. I cannot wait to see and experience other parts of the culture that continues to catch me off guard.

       
   

Chingus

     Sunday was Dad's birthday, and thanks to my dear friend Pablo, I was able to celebrate my Dad's birthday accordingly... with hiking, sunshine, and an awesome walk near the river. It was a hard experience, mourning a family member a day ahead, and without your family members. I felt rather alone, but I made it through that experience better prepared for this coming Thursday- the 6 year mark. 

     I love the kids I work with. They crack me up. My favorite kid is named Helicopter, and he has recently started kissing me on the cheek when he sees me... melts my heart! Work is getting better, still.. I now officially have a schedule, but I have yet to receive my pocket money.. which is too long delayed in arriving. I am frustrated with the lack of organization with my work project. I am helping out in an English class for 2.5 hours, and then I eat lunch, ride two buses with children, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I teach swimming lessons with US aged 2-3 year olds, and then I end with Taikwondo which I really just hang out with the kids. On Tuesdays and Thursdays... well I don't really do much. I just sit after 2pm until 5pm. So, I'm hoping to maybe get another project on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or at least do something. On Friday, one of the boys ( Happy Boy) looked me dead in the eye in English class, and pulled out his penis in the middle of class. I didn't entirely know what to do, I told him " you can't do that" in Korean, and he just giggled and put it back. But I was glad to get out of that classroom after that incident. 

   

My favorite boys ( minus happy boy)

      It was my Best Chingu's birthday on Friday. Hannah turned 25! We went out for beer and chicken on Friday. This was the first major outing of all the new volunteers ( minus May who got sick the day before, poor girl) since we first arrived in Seoul. Even Marcy joined us! Vivi and Claire came up with the idea of making Hannah birthday chocolates, so Thursday, all the girls did that. It was a fun process, and it was even more neat that everyone was so excited about such a personal gift. I got her a separate gift, and a cake. 

 the chocolate masterminds in the beginning process of chocolate making.

 Being Hannah's self appointed Best Chingu, I had to give her a gift that only true friends would give.

 The New Volunteers! ( minus Lauren ( US) and Andy)

Marcy! 

     Saturday, Loren, Hannah, and I woke up early to get outside of Seoul- our weekly tradition. This time we went exploring the Dasan River Trail. I was thrilled to be able to go out and see such beautiful scenery. Everyone outside of Seoul is so friendly! More people are willing to speak to you, and I got told I was pretty 3 times, which is always really flattering. We ended up meeting a very nice man, who ended up being a bit TOO nice, that raised the hair on my neck, and obviously set off alarms with Hannah and Loren as well. He wanted us to join him on an adventure, and none of us felt right in saying NO. So, we made some lame excuse, and walked away after being stuck with him for half an hour on the metro system. We ended up going on a good 10 mile hike, probably a bit further. Hannah ordered us food in Korean, which is exciting. The food we got was really good, and I'm starting to really enjoy kimchi. In all honesty, I'm craving it right now.. might have to go break into the kimchi stash in the fridge. Loren, Hannah, and I dipped our feet ( well I walked ) in the North Han River. The water was cold, but being from the lovely region of icy lakes, I enjoyed dipping my feet in the water. We followed a bike path a very long way, saw a beautiful cove, met some very friendly people - one of them called Loren a selfish person because she's working with kids in an orphanage without being religious.. made me laugh- and after a while were convinced that we were lost. Seeing Pajong station was a breath of fresh air for us. I met some puppies, who were absolutely but Hannah made a good point of rabies, so I couldn't pet them. A lady on the subway back over heard Loren and I talking, and asked me where I was from, completely ignoring Loren throughout this entire conversation. Ends up, the lady had been through Oregon. I love when the US gets more love than the UK. 

 Loren with her makgeolli, and me with my Kimchi!

 I love these pretty views.

 A really pretty bay.

 Pajong station, the savoir of our feet! Loren wore flats for a 10 mile hike.

 Some really yummy food.

 Walking around in the Han River.

 3 chingus on an adventure.

 Puppy!

      I have gained back some of my weight that I lost early on in my time in Seoul. I am still a lot lighter than I was when I left Oregon. I have finally received some post from Oregon. two postcards from mom, sent two weeks apart, arrived the same time. I do not understand the mailing system, but if you do send me something, send it to the Jongno address that I posted earlier on. If you want the address, don't be afraid to email me, or message me on the good ol' FB. I loved receiving the mail from my mom. Brought me to tears when Marcy delivered them to me on Friday. I am enjoying Seoul the more I am here. I am enjoying the friends I have made, and even though it's been a gigantic struggle, I'm glad I'm here. However, if anyone is looking at going to South Korea through ICYE, I highly discourage it. It's very unorganized, and though the people are lovely, it's not worth the stress if you are given a warning.  Hannah and I did get our photos from the random photographer, and he has agreed to show us around Seoul one of these days. Here's one of the best photos of the two of us. 

    I hope you are all well, and I hope this week, you tell your Dad's how much you love them. I wish I could tell mine. 

The Winds Of Change

   Despite the catchy-ness of the song " The Winds of Change" by Fitz and the Tantrums and the quantity of which I have listened to their albums recently, I have had a complete and utter change of heart towards Seoul. This is thanks to the amazing weather, an amazing day, and some of my amazing friends. 

 

    I went out to a concert on Friday, Andy, Pablo, Vivi, Lauren, Marcy, and Loren. It was a really fun time, the music was definitely a lot of fun to jam to, some great music! I've always been a gigantic concert go-er, I think it's in the Williams blood to love concerts. It was a small venue, so I got to talk to a lot of the artists and give them all kudos after the concert, which is always fun. Lots of dancing. I really had the opportunity to get to know my roommates even better, and of course I also got to spend more time with Marcy. I'm really glad that people are willing to go out and go to concerts and such activities with me. It was an awesome night. 

                                          Lauren rocking out to the band, front row.

                              Marcy, Loren, Vivi, and myself inside Club FF, the venue for the concert. 

    Today, Hannah and I made plans to meet up. After an hour and 15 minutes subway ride, I arrived at her metro station.. Only problem, we hadn't discussed which exit we were going to meet at. This ended up making us both wait for a rather long time. She went to exit 1, I went to exit 3. I did get to talk to an Ajuma ( grandmother). With lots of hand gestures, and lots of mixed up Konglish ( korean and english) we had a lovely 20 minute conversation. She asked if I was cold, and even though I tried to convince her I wasn't cold, she went out and bought me coffee, which was really kind. I said goodbye to her, she shook my hand, and kissed it.. that was a new one. Hannah and I finally ended up meeting up after she went to my exit, and I went to her, and then we met in the middle trying to go back to our previous exits. It was really amusing, and goes well with our so far prevalent theme of getting lost in transit.

      

 Hannah's neighborhood

                                                          Food that isn't rice!!!!

After Hannah and I found each other, we went back to her host families house, and where she lived, and her work. I really like the area that she lives. Her host family also has the cutest dog. I miss Bill!! We also went to an amazing and cheap Italian food. Afterwards we went to the Seoul Fortress Trail. I had heard of this trail, and have wanted to go for a while, and Hannah was told that there was a really pretty street to walk up. Hannah lead us there, and sure enough.... it was the Fortress Trail! It was beautiful, gave an amazing view of the city, had a really cool structure, and various buildings. We also ended up wandering around a neighborhood with houses that looked more like I would imagine Korean houses would look like. I loved getting out on such a nice day, and seeing some less busy parts of Seoul. I felt happy in Seoul for the first time since I arrived. I saw trees, I wasn't pushed in the streets, people smiled at me, it was a good day.

    

 The roof of one of the buildings

 One of the buildings

 I guess this is graffiti? I thought it was cool.

 A pretty wall and view.

 Fortress Trail View

 My Best Chingu (:

 A Temple that we passed by.

 Chingus on an adventure

 Preppin' for our trot

      On the subway, I was randomly asked by a Korean man holding a camera if he could take my photo because I had an amazing smile. It was really flattering, I rarely get attention from anyone in Korea, aside from the stares of " Oh wow, she's white". Hannah is blonde, so normally when I'm with her, she's the only getting talked to. But, I got my photo taken by a random Korean, and Hannah got roped into getting her pictures taken as well. The photographer guy has my email and he said that he will send me those photos, so hopefully they're good! It was a little awkward, but rather flattering all the same. 

      My work still isn't any better, and I haven't received any money from my project, yet ( that's where I get my $200 pocket money). So that's a major issue that needs to be addressed. Friday, I finally understood the age difference. I am currently 18 in the US, and my birthday is in June. Because my birthday is after the Chinese New Year, and hasn't happened yet, I am 2 year older here in Korea. But, Loren, just turned 19 in February, she is also 20 years old. Birthday's don't really matter in Korea. It's much easier to explain this all in person, I thought I could do a better job of this.. Sorry. My favorite kid that I take care and teach English to gave himself the "English name" of Helicopter. He gets really excited to see me every day, and yesterday sat on my lap, and wouldn't let go of my hand. He's so cute! 

     Yesterday was also White Day, which is another Valentine's Day. In Korea, the girls give guys gifts on Valentine's Day, and the boys give girls gifts on White Day. Anyway, all the roommates got chocolates from their coworkers, I got caprisun.. who's the real winner here? Mr. Kim also bought us lollipops, so that's really sweet. 

         

   I've had an amazing weekend. Going out with Pablo again tomorrow. Celebrating Dad's birthday. Much love to all my friends, family, and random readers! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend as much as I am. 

       

Full Speed Ahead on the Struggle Bus

       I will not want to eat anything rice related when I come back to the states for the next three months. Though, I would find it really funny if the day I get back, my family takes me out to Korean BBQ. I was told that the money I paid to go to South Korea would take care of transportation and food.. Unfortunately that isn't so. I've had to buy food for breakfast and dinner.. I get lunch at my work place, and they feed me really well, so that's nice.. Only I'm an every 4 hours eater, so around 4pm, I'm starving. Transportation, I have also had to pay out of pocket. I do get $200 back a month, but that's supposed to go to travel and exploration so I can go experience part of the culture, unfortunately that isn't the case. This isn't my coordinator's fault, neither in the US, nor in Korea. Mr. Kim has been more than generous with obtaining food for us. He has bought us food from his own pocket, which is something he doesn't need to do. I don't think there's much I can do about it, except deal with the fact that I will probably have absolutely no money when I come back from Korea, and that few of my Korean Bucket List points will be completed. Which is unfortunate, and a major let down. Another reason why I'm kicking myself for going to Korea... We are only ever given Kimchi and rice from the hotel.. our food source.

           I've been getting a lot of messages saying " I'm so glad you're having such an amazing time! You look so happy!", as sweet as all of these are, I'm wouldn't say I'm amazing, or SO anything. I'm having a better time than I was having a couple of weeks ago, or even a day ago. I'm taking advantage of invitations given to me by newly found friends, mainly Pablo. I'm doing well, don't get me wrong. This has been the best March I have experienced since Dad's passing.. and with his birthday coming up so soon, I'm finding myself a little shorter tempered that usual, more exhausted, and wanting to be near those who know me well. I'm in a house with 5 girls, though sweet and kind, do not know me well enough for me to consider crying to them if I'm upset. And my closest friend here, lives a good 2 hour subway ride away. I have decided to branch out, and try to make friends.Unfortunately, the person I got along with the best, left last Saturday. I hope to remain in contact with Kristian, he showed me around Seoul, and made sure my first month was memorable. Marcy and Denise are two other volunteers that I hope to get closer with. Denise works with me, and Marcy went to a museum with me and some of the other volunteers on Sunday. Marcy is from Taiwan, Denise is from Germany. Last Sunday I ran into some Oregonians, and I was so thrilled. I asked where they were from, they were obviously from someplace friendly, because they made eye contact with me and smiled. They said the US. I asked where, they paused and said North of California. I know that response, I give it too. They were from Beaverton, and it was awesome to catch up with people from my own part of the world. 

 

 last Sunday, Marcy, Loren, Andy and I went to the Love Museum in Hongdae. I won't post any more pictures than this, but it was a lot of fun.

 English names: Hun and Ariel. Aren't they cute?

 My favorite, Happy Boy!!!

 Papa Kim bonding time

 This is Andy, a guy from Denmark that often spends a lot of time with the girls because there are no other guys volunteering.. Thomas doesn't count cause he;s never home.

 This is my hill down to the subway. Mom and Luke, know that cliff thingy we climbed down in Zambia? It's about that steep.

 My other favorite boy, don't know his name, but he's really cute. He's holding my hand.

 Trees in Gangnam.

 Another cute kid on one of the daily bus rides.

 Soyun, wearing Denise's hat.

       My very busy subway ride. This doesn't even come close to depicting how crowded my transit is every day.

      Work has gotten better, but I have asked Mr. Kim if I can switch projects. I help teach English with a woman from New Zealand, who has been here in Korea for 9 years. From 10-12, I am in English classes with her, teaching kids 5-7 or US ages 4-6. These kids are really cute, and I already have my favorite kid. I don't know his name, but he's 6 (US 5). I asked him his name the first day and he just smiled, laughed, jumped around and said " My names Happy!".. so I call him Happy Boy. My maternal instinct has kicked in full throttle with all these adorable children who all are so excited to see me. They are the highlight of my day. After language lessons I eat lunch with another group of 6 year olds ( US 4), one of my other favorites, Hun, is in that class. I'm not allowed to play with the kids after lunch like the other volunteers are, and that's a major bummer. Then I go upstairs and hang out in the office for about 2 hours, I think I will be given a bus route. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I help teach swimming lessons for 2 hours. I know.... me... teaching swimming lessons.... Unfortunately, I haven't really understood much of what I'm supposed to do after the first lesson, the teacher told me to shower and leave... so I left. Which upset me, because I'm supposed to be doing something for two hours rather than one. Then after lessons, I sit around for one more hour, and then I leave. I'm not allowed to leave early, which is unfortunate. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have asked for a schedule three times, now.. and my contact person at work AND Mr. Kim have apparently talked to them about a schedule. My project is bumming me out, and I'm really unhappy with it. I hope to leave this project soon, if it doesn't get better. My only highlight is how nice Denise is, how cute the kids are, my nice New Zealander coworker, and the food is pretty good at work.

     Denise and I have met two kids, Noah and Amy, that are brilliant. Amy is from Korea and speaks English as if it were her first language. She is 9 in the States, and 11 here in Korea. She's also an amazing drawer. We have made special times for us to hangout with her, Thursday after 3. She drew me a giraffe, an amazing giraffe, in less than a minute, without looking at anything. Noah, hes from Chicago and is 5 years old. He's just really cute. He's visiting his grandparents right now, and has been at the Gangnam YMCA for piano lessons during his stay. He told us that his grandfather was " big, but small.. He needs to grow more, I think", which was just the cutest things Denise and I had ever heard.

     I'm trying to figure out the address system.. Mom sent me a package over 2 weeks ago, and nothing has arrived. This worries me, so please... don't send me any mail until I know further what's going on. The current address system in Korea is changing, so it's really confusing for a foreigner to figure out.

   Korea doesn't have daylight savings time.. interesting, huh? Also, if a Korean calls you Russian, they are apparently calling you a prostitute, or really pretty... I haven't experienced this yet, but the other girls have. The Asian Pears taste like they were soaked in alcohol, so they don't taste that great. I'm going to a concert with some of the girls, and Pablo, on Friday, so that should be fun. I need to invest in some house slippers.. Like Nike Sports slippers. I got yelled at today for wearing my shoes in the classroom. I didn't know I had to change from your street shoes to your slippers. Oops. I have mastered chopsticks, though! That's a lot of fun. My coworkers also gave me a "cookie" that tasted like shredded wheat. It wasn't bad. Sunday is Dad's birthday, cake here is impossible to find, otherwise I would make a pineapple upside down cake in his honor.

     Like I said, this has been one of the best March's yet. Even though I'm unhappy with my project, I'm getting more and more comfortable with Korean life. The subway no longer scares me. I'm able to elbow my way in and out of places without feeling bad ( You kind of have to with over 10 million inhabitants in a city). I try to talk to locals in Korean as much as possible. I'm learning more words. The kids are really cute, and I'm enjoying being called "leesu teacher". I've made some amazing friends, already. Though, through this experience, I've decided I do not wish to go to Korea, again. I feel dependent and emotionally weak in Korea, two things that I have never been, nor wish to be. I also feel extremely isolated being the only American in the house. But, Mr. Kim is a great person, he's been so kind to all of us, Korea has some beautiful places, and I'm learning more and more about myself every single day. But, I cannot wait to be back in Oregon, digging my teeth into a Pilot Butte Drive In burger, and hanging out with the family. I also plan on thoroughly gushing on Megan and Brian's kids. Those three are going to get so much love from me, when I return! Maybe I can teach them to call me Leesu teacher!

   Again, don't worry about me, guys! I've got this covered, and I have already brought it all up with Mr. Kim. I will wait one more week before I get more obnoxious to get stuff done. I guess what I've really learned from all of this is: You can never expect what your experience will be like. That even in places that you don't love, you meet people, and make memories, that you do love. That flexibility and positivity are two of the most admirable qualities in an individual. Your strongest support system is your family. If you really want something done and you have to rely on someone else to get it done, you have to be a pain in the arse until it is completed. I am no longer what you would consider a " happy person", not that I'm not "happy", I just don't have that overly excited energy anymore. This is a new quality that I'm grateful for. But, I cannot wait until April 11th, the official start of cherry blossom season. Winter has never been my favorite season, unless there's a lot of snow, I find it useless and depressing.

  Well, that's my update. Sending all my love to family, and best wishes to all my friends and family currently experiencing dead week, you guys have this in the bag!