Ok, Ok, I know. I have been in Korea now for a total of 9 weeks. And I have written a total of 4 blogs including this one. And for those of you who read the pathetic number of blogs on this site and the last one, I would like to apologize. You have taken precious time to read these and I have given you nothing. So for all of you and for those just joining me now, I say this. I will do a better job from here on out.
So where to begin. Korea is CRAZY. I never thought it would be like this. And to everyone I tell this too, there is always a common question. Amanda, What did you expect it to be like? And to that question I have no answer.... So maybe thats why its not what I expected, because I didn't know what to expect.
The people here are so kind. They can be a little distant. They can be awefully quiet. And they can be extremely hesitant. But all these things I have determined stem from the unfamiliar. When your not familiar with someone and they are so different from you it can be hard to be comfortable. And I see that here on both sides, mine, and theirs. But overall the people I have the privelage of being around everyday have proven to be nothing short of gracious and kind.
As for the teaching aspect of my life, I will say this. I never knew how capable I would be of this. And although I make more than my share of mistakes, I really think this is a fit for me. My kids are naughty. I teach about 100 of the most misbehaved kids I have ever met. And I am learning every day what the word discipline means. I am learning that I can't always be the nice guy. But its happening. Slowly I feel a growth in myself and my students. And although I don't think teaching naughty kids will ever be a dream of mine. I am content here for now, and I am anxious to see how this period will shape my future.
The food here is more than I can explain in words. If the Koreans know anything, they know how to spice things up. There is a very distinct flavor and spiciness to Korean food. And it is definately more than I can handle. And the more I eat Korean food the more I can say I do not think its growing on me. #1 Kimchi, for those of you who do not know what it is, it is fermented cabbage dressed in spices and sauces,. #2 Live Octopus Tentacles, these I have not eaten, but I hear they are a delicacy, a dangerous one on that hand. Apparantly if not consumed properly they can cause suffication leading to death. #3 Eyeballs, they eat lots of eyeballs, fish eyeballs, other eyeballs, it don't matter. The other day I had this soup that contained these huge eyeballs just staring back at me. YUMMY!!! #4 Raw fish eggs, On my b-day I went out to lunch with some coworkers, and I was tricked into eating raw fish eggs enclosed in a casing, what I mean by tricked is that when I put it in my mouth I was under the assumption it was just some kind of fish. Then as I bit into it and looked at it as I chewed, I was aware if its true identity......... Not pleasant.........
Adventures, let me tell ya I have had a few. The biggest one being my trip out to the Hanang river to go whitewater rafting. It was quite the experience. Definately more than I bargained for. Now while I have had few adventures, I need to find time to have more, for the most part the majority of my time so far has been spent focusing on work and the school. I will keep you updated on the adventure side of things as they occur.
I have met a lot of people and everyday I am feeling more and more comfortable here. But it is still more than I can every say with words. And this experience is definately helping me see how great life in the US is. I am blessed to be an American, and I am realizing that more and more everyday. I am also realizing what a great family I have, being so far away from all those I love is tough. Especially since I realize more than ever how important they are and how fragile life can be. So although I am learning a lot and wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I do long for the day I will be back with my loved ones in the US.
Ok so as I wrap this up I want to start a list of things seen in Korea that blow my mind.....
1. A woman taking her clothes off in the middle of a crowded subway station to try on a dress she wants to buy from a vendor.
2. A bus driver stopped at a red light, gets off the bus, to grab a quick smoke.
3. Men with an open ladder, repairing the elevator, while people get on and off, as the elevator travels up and down.
Ok more later, I promise.........................
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