So, I finally broke down and decided to start a blog. I was reluctant about it but it really is the best way to let you guys (family and friends) know how I am doing. Hopefully, I can keep up with it.
It's been a month since I came here and things have gotten considerably easier. I am all settled into my place and just waiting for my first paycheck so I can go out and splurge on a couple of things for my place, like a toaster oven, a heated blanket etc. My place is an efficiency but it's home and it has everything I need. I've been browsing on craigs list for some used stuff like a space heater (because heating is ridiculous here) and a phone. I actually found an I phone to purchase today online and will get it next Sunday in Seoul. I am so pumped to finally be connected to the world. It will be so useful to have the internet on my phone. Not only can I use it to look up words online but I can also check the subway map, bus schedules etc. I also opened up a bank account last week and got my alien registration card....I'm feeling like I officially live here now.
The people here are super nice. I feel so much more comfortable here than I did when I lived in Italy. I feel like I relate to Koreans more than Italians and many Americans. Their general manner and personalities are more like my own. There aren't the machismo men that I so hated about Italy. The only time a Korean might act upfront is when they are totally wasted. That's normal, right?
There are also a large number of foreigners here in Bucheon, due to all the hogwans. I have meet some awesome people already that have made my experience so much better. They have been a real blessing. Foreigners really look out for each other here. It's great to have that. Just last night, my friend Trit and I were getting a sandwich in Dunkin Donuts (yes, they are here) and we saw two Americans and we just started talking. We showed them around since they are new to Bucheon and we'll prob end up getting dinner this week. That's just how it is here. I love that. I wish it was more like that back home. . but when everyone speaks the same language I don't feel like we reach out to strangers in the same way.
My job is going well too. I am getting the hang of everything but I still have questions. My Korean coworkers and fellow foreign coworkers have been very helpful though. I teach at a Hogwan, which is private after school academy. These kids all take English in school, but since Koreans understand how important it is to know English for a good job they spend loads of money sending their kids to Hogwans like mine to teach them better English. Many of my students also go to Korean, Chinese, soccer, tae kwon do, dance, etc. . .hogwans. They don't have much free time, to say the least. I cannot imagine. However, it's a welcome change to see how much the people here value education. You don't see the "trashiness" you see in America. It isn't cool to not care or act stupid. You just don't see anything like that here. There are poor people, don't get me wrong, but not "trash." I hate the mentality back home amongst some people that it's ok to not care about school or education. I feel like many people take our public education system for granted. Public education is the rock that made America what it is. How can people forget that? Ok. . I'm off my soap box.
More to come. . .
Random fact from Korea:
You never write people's names in red because it means they will die or that they are dead. I'm just staying away from red pen in general.
