What Happens Next

This past week, DH and I completed the green card/visa interview at the US Embassy in Seoul.  There was a moment or two, where it seemed like we may not be granted permission, that all our paper-gathering would be in vain, that perhaps, after all,  we may not be able to move back to the US next year.  I was surprised how nervous the interview made me, but luckily, with the help and understanding of another employee, we passed.  DH has his visa in hand and we're all set.  Sort of.

My time in Korea is getting further from the beginning and closer to an end.  I have less than 6 days left of the semester, and what follows after is vacation, mixed in with a trip to Jeju, winter camps, desk warming, two more weeks of the academic school year (although I don't know how much teaching will get done then) and goodbyes.

I've started searching for tickets back home to the US and even sent off a handful of resumes.

But I'm not in a rush.  I am happy to enjoy my last 2.5 months here in Asia with the kids, with this country (despite the freezing cold).  I feel grateful to Korea for all the many chances it has given me to learn and see and feel things that were out of my scope for the first 26 years of my life. It has helped shape me in a unique way that staying in Germany couldn't have done for me.

Yesterday, my husband said he felt something different this time when reading the words, The United States of America, on his visa.  He said, "For the first time, I realized I'm really moving to America".

As for myself, I'm not sure it's hit me yet.  Life will of course continue in the States, but I feel like I'm coming to a close on a particular chapter in my life, with still two months to go, I have time to make an ending I feel suited to it.

A magical view of Namsan Tower in the snow.

thoughts

For being in a new place, new job, new neighborhood, new world--there should be lots to write.  The problem is, those external things, as fascinating as they are, are nothing new.  Do a quick Google search and I'm sure you will find thousands of blogs with the same experiences, pictures and information I could be writing about.  The co-teaching experience, working in a Korean elementary school, learning Korean language, Korean food, my Korean apartment--I'm not the first, nor last to experience it. What is unique is where I am in my life and how Korea fits into all that.  Coming to Korea was based on quite a few factors.  Not sure if I've ever spelled it out on here, but here are the main points, in no particular order, as follows:

1) to pay off student loans

2) to continue in the field of EFL teaching, which I have already been working in for 2.5 years.  Korea happens to have great opportunities for that.

3)  to experience life in Asia and understand more about Koreans and Korea. Having grown up a Moonie, I felt like I needed to know more about the culture as it really is.

All these things combined with trying to have a fun year exploring with David before moving to the US is kind of what the year is about for me -- in case you were wondering.

So happy it's Friday!  Spring is finally here in Seoul and it couldn't be more beautiful.  Not promising another post anytime soon, but I'll do my best.

Happy Friday, Happy Spring!

Pictures do no justice. 

More flowers.

The view from my classroom window.

Skyscrapers at Yeuido Park during the Cherry Blossom Fest.

  

Seoulites coming out to play for the Festival...look at all those people!

Snowing Garlic

After finishing up my first week on the job, one of my co-teachers and I went for dinner at a place called Mad for Garlic.  It's not just the dishes smothered in garlic, but the decor and lighting are all garlic-themed too.  Kind of a funky place, a bit pricey--but the food was good.

Our order? A 'Snowing Garlic Pizza' and a creamy pasta with chicken and garlic.

When the pizza arrived, I thought there were cornflakes on it--but it's ALL garlic.  The Snowing Garlic Pizza is a white sauce, shrimp, pineapple, cheese and of course, it's not-so-secret main ingredient, garlic.

 Also on their menu:  Dracula Killer, Garlicpeno Pasta, Garlicholic Rice and Garlic Steak.  They should seriously consider handing out mints to customers along with the bill.

Check out that garlic chandelier/light shade.

Mad for Garlic customers in Seoul--although didn't see anybody wearing anything like that this dining experience. Schade.

ten

That's how many days I've been in South Korea.

Despite all the hassle that came along with applying to EPIK (a government sponsored program) as opposed to going the Hagwon (private school) route, I have to say, so far, it's been worth it ten fold.  The orientation was super well run, and super helpful to 1) give us some tips and hints about the year ahead 2) to meet other NSETs (native English speaking teachers) and 3) to get over jetlag.

I'm finally in my district now, in Gangseo (강서), the western most area of Seoul.  I'm basically on the border to Incheon, and despite the distance,  I'm really pleased with everything so far.  My apartment, a typical studio w/ loft type-place is only down the street from my school and on the bottom floor of our apartment is a 24 hour convenience store, a bunch of restaurants and cafes and a norebang, a Korean karaoke.  


I met my co-teachers on Friday, who both happen to be new to the school as well.  They seem pretty nice.  Friday was the first day of the school year for Korean kids and when I got there early afternoon, I had five meetings!  Four of the five were held in Korean, so lucky for me I could kind of zone out a bit, but during the faculty meeting, I had to introduce myself to all the teachers, and I did it in Korean.  I was nervous as heck, but I hoped that they would see that as a genuine effort on my part to try to get to know Korea and its culture and hopefully make them a little less afraid to try speaking English with me. They all laughed as soon as I said 안녕하십니까 (the formal way of saying hello)--so hoping that was a 'laugh with me, not at me' type thing.    

Next week will be my first teaching week, which I'm kind of nervous about, but overall, I'm really excited. 
Some photos for your viewing pleasure :)...

Field trip with EPIK-SMOE to Changdeok Palace, Seoul.

Deongdaemun streets at night.

Teacher and students greeting each other in Korean fashion--with a bow.

Iman, an awesome fellow NSET from Chicago, and me on the last day of orientation before meeting our co-teachers.