I'm going into my fifth month here already. Too bad it's not six, because that's the halfway point... but the idea that I haven't seen my family and friends in at least six months is so ridiculous to me! I feel like it wasn't too long ago I was packing like crazy, making last minute trips across states and towns, and wishing so badly I could figure out a way to stay home. Now, I'm certainly glad I'm here, but I definitely know that it's going and doing things that makes the time fly by.
So what have I learned in Korea up until now? There's good, awesome, amazing days... and then there's bad days. But there's really nothing you can do about it.
Things I love about being here (or have started liking the longer I've been here):
- My student’s smiling faces. I really do love them. It’s incredible how special children are. A year ago, I didn’t want kids… didn’t even particularly like kids, but now I realize how innocent and carefree they are, and I can’t imagine how anyone could not love them. The worst days I’ve had here have been completely forgotten by the love my students give. They are just too damn cute sometimes, and I’ll probably try and smuggle a few home when my contract is up.
- Teaching. One of my youngest students, in the 5 year old class… which really I swear some of those students are 3 years old American age, wrote his name on his own for the first time the other day and was so excited. Those are the kinds of moments I feel like what I’m doing really matters. His English name is Ted, and he kept writing the T and looking at me for help with the E. I guided his hand about three different times to show him how to do it… then he would write the D. I looked over after explaining the next coloring activity and he was so happy and had a huge smile on his face and kept pointing at his paper. He did the E on his own. Man, I like that class. Especially since the one little girl who is terrified of foreigners finally likes me… and even joked with me by calling a dog a cat and giggling her little head off.
- Having people say things to me, and slightly knowing what they mean. I pass by this little market on the way to the subway station every day, and every day the man who works there is outside and says hello to me. It’s always a very excited hello with a big smile, a nice way to start my day. I’ve had other people say hello in Korean as they pass by, it’s nice being able to say it back and not feel silly. I also know when my students who can’t speak English need to use the bathroom now, that’s a plus.
- Having enough money in my account to accidentally withdraw $400 by hitting the wrong button. I was freaking out, but in the end, it was nice realizing I have money for once.
- Taco Bell. It’s coming to Korea. I honestly think it’s because I’m here now… it’s like they know I’m their number 1 fan so they decided to follow me.
- Being in my own little world most of the time. I know if people are talking, it’s most likely not to me. I don’t have to worry about being stopped and asked for directions, I don’t have to worry about having salespeople try to help me, or peddlers trying to sell things. I can put on my iPod and go wherever I’m headed just playing whatever I feel like hearing that day. I may get stared at quite often, but even that doesn’t really bother me anymore.
- Being courageous, independent, carefree, and just plain lucky. I didn’t really feel those things before I came here, now I definitely do.
Things I still haven’t gotten used to as long as I’ve been here:
- Pushing and shoving. People don’t understand that I can usually only go as fast as the person in front of me. They think if they just keep walking into my back I can go faster. Not so much. They also don’t believe in lines.
- They have no sense of a personal bubble here. I think it scares them to be alone, I could be standing in a completely open area and if someone walks up they will still probably bump into me.
- Everyone’s in a rush, and there are always a billion people wherever you go.
- Those nasty little rice cake things. They are the grossest “snack” I’ve ever tasted.
- High heels, skirts, dresses, suits, man bags, mirrors… mirrors… mirrors. This country all about appearance. There is a giant mirror in my subway station just so people can make sure they look alright. A lady on her cell phone came and stood behind me waiting for the train one day. She was standing a little to the side of me so she could look at her reflection in the door. I moved in front of her and she moved to the other side of me so she could continue looking at herself while she chatted obnoxiously away. I moved in front of her again… and she moved to the other side. Ha. It was amusing.
Things I really miss from home:
- Laid back living. No rushing. Not a billion people trying to do the same thing at once, not really caring if you’re late.
- Knowing what the heck I’m buying—and knowing I’m using laundry detergent instead of fabric softener, which is actually what I was using as detergent for my first four months here. Ha. I miss being able to read labels.
- Yummy American food. Man, I miss the food.
- Dinner and movie nights with Tyler. I think I miss these more than anything else from back home. I miss that boy so much it’s a bit ridiculous.
- Driving. Taking the subway is a pain in the butt after a while.
- My friends… my family… being able to call someone at any given time and go see them, or take a short drive or flight to visit. No major time difference.
I know I have a bunch more to write, but that’s all for now. Maybe next time I’ll catch you up on everything else. I need to try and write more… it’s getting warmer out, maybe I’ll perk up a bit more once summer finally gets here.
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou
I enjoyed the bit about the woman beside you staring at her reflection in the subway window and moving to the other side whenever you'd step in front of her.
ReplyDeleteI love your posts :)
ReplyDeleteSo thanks for taking time, it's always great to know that you are still having fun :)