It's been a few days since I've written; I'll try and catch everyone up on the goings on of my life in Seoul! Last weekend wasn't too bad. Saturday I had a lazy day and it wasn't until the late afternoon that I finally felt motivated to get out of my apartment and see some sites. I went to an area called Myeongdong Market, an area of Seoul known for its shopping and also because it's basically a huge open market with all kinds of stuff (i.e. bags, purses, hats, tights, bangles, hair clips, short-order cooks making Korean food, japanese food, french fries, or anything you can make with a potato). While I wanted to check it out I knew it would be a gamble, mainly because there are so many people here! I only stayed long enough to walk around the bulk of the market before I'd had enough and fought my way back through the hords of people to the subway station. While I was there though, I noticed some very interesting things...A protest was going on-I'm not sure what they were protesting; it was peaceful; a group of people walking around with signs were chanting something (it was definitely a protest), and they stayed together, but by the time I made it back to the bus/subway stop there were a lot of police officers standing around....? Also, they have hip-hop/pop concerts in the market as well. The people on stage aren't really singing, it's more like a talent show. Different groups get up on stage and have dance routines, in front of the masses, to different Korean and American pop music. It was kind of funny. They love Britney Spears over here (weird). I found the a couple of American stores over here, which initially had me excited, but when I finally made my way into the Gap and found out that they basically marked everything up ($40 shirt in America=$140,000 Won not = to $40; more like $140)! No shopping for me here-the Gap is my best bet at clothes since I'm so tall. So, Saturday I learned that going to Myeondong Market is not a good idea and not because it was Saturday-it's crazy busy there anytime of the week!
Sunday was another adventure out. I met up with my director, Helen, and another teacher I work with, Bonnie, to go to a different mall-Coex Mall (near the World Trade Center)-to find an Apple Store. I was in luck, they have an Apple store here, so I was able to find another converter for my Mac (that was exciting for me-it's the little things)! Then, Helen and Bonnie took me to the Korean Kingdom and museum, where I was able to get a crash course in Korean history, in about an hour. I have a ton of pictures, but am having trouble getting them on my compter (I'm not really sure how to work the camera-it's new-I've just been lazy). I will have them up as soon as I can... Later that evening, after having been all over Seoul (or so it seemed) we went to Hongik University area and walked for a bit. This area of town is full of college students (obviously) and very trendy and up and coming. It was fun and lively. We found a Japanese restaurant and had dinner and I was finally able to try Soju. Soju, for those of you who do not know, is a traditional Korean beverage (with a very high alchohol content) made from rice and other grains. We dined on soju and some other Japanese dishes and had a wonderful day!
This past week has been normal. I've been out most nites, going to one of the nearest subway stations, so that I can run errands or grab a bite. Work is going well too. I'm getting prepared for the upcoming school year...I have to plan the social studies curriculum for the entire school and that means that some of my lessons will have to be differentiated to fit the needs of each age group-there's a lot of preparation and research involved. On Wednesday I was finally able to hook up with some American girls, all here teaching as well. One of the girls, Sharon, holds a Bible study at her apartment. I met them through the pastor at one of the big English speaking churches, here, Youngnak Church (http://iwe.youngnak.net/) and hope to attend this Sunday. This weekend should be fun and eventful...I have a girls nite out tonite, with Helen and Bonnie. We're going to see "He's just not that into you" and then dinner and dancing at the Korean club-I'm excited! Saturday is up in the air but I'm sure I'll venture out...although I'm coming dangerously close to screaming at the masses of Koreans here-individually they're very nice, respectful and polite, but as a group, they have safety and strength in numbers and are rude and ugly and don't even get me started on the bus drivers! UGH!!! Sunday I'm hoping to attend the Youngnak Church and meet up with my new friends.
I was telling the girls I met, the other evening at Bible study, that I don't regret coming, and that I haven't felt that I've made a mistake, I miss everyone tremendously, but I feel like I've made the right decision and things are going to get better. I'm opitimistic about what the future hold and honestly I'm really excited! I can't wait to see what happens in the next few weeks or months, I kind of want to rush ahead and see what's going to happen, but I keep telling myself to slow down and enjoy the moment that I'm in because life flies by and if I don't stop to appreciate where I am and savor what's around me I'll regret it. Happy Valentine's Day!!!