Not having internet is a problem with blogging...
On my computer I am writing daily entries... But as I walk around finding Wi-Fi hotspots, I only have my nexus. Though once I have internet for my computer... I'm not sure I will continue the daily journal... Maybe... We'll see.
I haven't been taking pictures yet... Once again, I cannot take a picture then post...
Once I get a cellphone, that will be much easier, cause 99% of phones have cameras... Then I can take pictures and post that way.
So far... Korea is fantastic! I absolutely love it!
It is refreshing being somewhere and not knowing anything. I imagine it is like being a baby. Seeing so much, hearing so much, but unable to communicate all of the experiences wants and needs to those around it.
I am attaching an edited letter I wrote to my new York cell group guys. Some of it is not relevant, so I cut it off this post. It's a brief but long run down of life
So I'm in Seoul. So far all is going well. Please pardon any typos. Most of this is being typed on the subway.
The inability to speak Korean is the hardest part. It makes me feel like I am inconveniencing people. The feeling of two people communicating but not understanding is tough... All the more reason to keep trying to learn Hangul. Also the simple things I took for granted are now a core. I wanted to buy laundry detergent... No idea what any of it was or said, and I don't want to buy a random one because with my luck it would be one with bleach. Also a typical washing machine is intimidating enough... Mine has no English and make different musical tunes as I turn dials and push buttons. So I'll need to see if I can find an instruction book somewhere written in English.
Right now I have no internet in my apartment and no cell phone... That is the second toughest part... No communication. I have to take my tablet out and find Wi-Fi.... So typing isn't the easiest either. It's also hard, because if I wanna do something I have to make prior arrangements, and if plans change, screwed I am.
Is interesting being an actual foreigner. Kinda cathartic. I went around exploring Saturday and did not see another white person until I met up with some fellow teachers. Thant night though I saw more... There are it seems like two types of foreigners (other than university students). Those like myself that are here and appreciate culture and want to respect and learn... Then there are those that don't see Korea any different than America... From what I hear there is a stigma against Americans for this reason... It sounded odd at first until I experienced it. I was out with a fellow teacher and their friends. All of whom have been in Korea for a while and were doing their best to communicate in Korean with waitresses and bartenders. It seemed okay because the staff smiles and helped correct pronunciation, like they appreciated the effort. We were accepted and treated well. Then some US military people came in and acted like animals, shouting, banging on the bar, acting rude on the dancefloor (so much so, after several minutes all of the other people were off the dance floor and it was only drunken military)... Complete embarrassment. After that, if some seemed like we were associated with them, even after they left, and the vibe that was once there got killed. Very interesting to see. Some places have banned US military for that reason (so until I get my alien registration card and if we want to go out, we were told to bring our passport to prove we aren't military. It's also interesting... When white people see each other on the street, it is not uncommon to give each other a head nod, wave or hello.
I think I'll be good at the job... Hope so. I have observed on Friday and this week I've got training. Little kids love me... Even just going to the school all of the kids were excited to see me. Eric teacher is a giant. Eric teacher shiny head. They are so cute. I'll be teaching some kindergarten classes and it is looking at some early elementary.
I really feel that there is some potential for me to reach out here, and some bigger purpose for me being here. I am hoping it is something deeper than just coming for a new experience and to see a different culture. I have that feeling in my stomach of greatness... I just do not know what it is our how to make it.
I need to start looking for Korean friends that are like me... I'd love to have someone to take me around and show me everything. Try new foods, see new places... It seems that so many expats just hang together. The do the expat scene and that's all they want. I mean I could definitely find other expats to explore with... But just like NYC, there are so many things that only those in the know know about. Also I still really want to learn to speak... My goal is that in 6 months to be at least at basic conversations. That know how just can't be found with expats. Besides all of that, it is just good to have people to do stuff with. I am the only new teacher at my school... So there is no other new people to go with. That adds a later of complexity... But I'd think someone from Seoul would be excited to show of their culture and town instead of just westernized places.
Though as I touched on it earlier, not having technology makes it'd hard typo do anything or meet people. Email, Facebook, kakao talk, all require being lit. I'm in the dark, so even if I find our new people, trying to arrange anything with them is near impossible. I'm gonna have to try to get something, but I need to get my alien registration card before I can get anything... I also need my actual address, but until I know my definite room, that's out of the question too.
My bed is uncomfortable. I can feel the wood frame underneath it. The
mattress is really thin. I'd look for new bedding but I may be moving rooms in my building. Some of the other teachers have nice beds. This was a spare room they had and put me here instead if of a love motel. They may keep me here or move me to a teacher that is moving outs room. If they do keep me here, I may try to switch beds. So this will definitely be an adventure and an exciting experience. I have no idea where this road may take me and I love that. I'm just afraid that I'll miss out on so much if I get into a mundane daily life style. But on the contrast I can also see me trying to so much too quickly and burning myself out. There is so much here...
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