June 30, 2009

Annyong, Korea

So, I went to Korea yesterday (already feels like a week ago). Gonna teach a year of English in a town called Seosan. I have zero experience teaching children, so we'll see how that goes.

The trip here ended up being of the most pleasant nature. Besides the fact that I had to wait at O'Hare for over 5 hours and the 13 hour plane ride of course, it was enjoyable with the new people I met and fresh sights. The flight somehow felt like a mere 8 hours....maybe only 6. I slept for about 6 hours, though I have no idea if this is how long it lasted because I couldn't keep track of time on the flight. My Asiana airlines flight was well staffed with 13 flight attendants, mostly Korean women. Quick and efficient, with hair tied back in a bun and adorned in red aprons while serving food, they actually produced a nice breeze while gliding by.

The rest of the trip included customs and waiting at the airport for about an hour, then a cab ride to the bus station in Seoul. This trip to Seoul would have been unnecessary, but I got there so early in the morning there were no direct busses to Seosan from Incheon, and I had to endure a two hour ride in traffic. That ride did end up being an optimal napping period, and the driver gave me a sandwich consisting of a mix of egg salad, ham, and something like water chestnuts. Then a short 1.5 hour bus ride to Seosan where my boss Jay met me, and I was at home in my new apartment.

Now, for some photos:
A strange sign on the outside of my apartment building.


I do like my apartment which is about 300 square feet and eerily similar to a place I lived in Madison.


The view from my balcony.


Office area.


The closet.


And finally, the bathroom. but where is the shower?


Oh, there it is. The bathroom is the shower. I actually enjoy showering like this alot.