Daegu? Daewoo? Day WHO?

Okay, so I had intended on posting more last week, but I was so frustrated with the computer in my motel room that I decided just to wait until I got to the apartment in Daegu and could use my super duper MacBook. In any case, I'll try to cover as much as I can while keeping it somewhat entertaining (shouldn't be too difficult considering how awesome I am.)

First of all, I think it's worth mentioning that my first real meal in the great city of Seoul, South Korea, came from this place: 

It is EXACTLY like it is in the States. My only complaint was the price--definitely more expensive than back home. I think it's the same for Outback, TGIFriday's--it seems like the American chains are way overpriced here. Any ideas as to why?

Oh, I wanted to show you a picture of the amenity pouch from Korean Air that I mentioned in the last post:

Isn't it cute? I thought so. I didn't actually use anything though, because I actually brought my own toothbrush, toothpaste, and slipper socks in my carry-on bag. However, if I didn't have those things--DEFINITELY would have used them!

(I would just like to let you all know, by the way, that I just spent the last 30 minutes trying to figure out how to get these pictures to go where I want. Apparently you can't just insert a picture wherever you want--when you upload it, it automatically goes to the top of the page, and from there you drag and drop it. Not so hard once I figured it out, but geez, it was a pain the ass!)

All in all, Seoul was pretty nice. Here are some of my favorite moments:

This one, I think, for obvious reasons. I have an amazing camera that I bought myself right after Marc left (hey, he got an iMac!) and the display screen flips out so you can actually see yourself when you take self-portraits *gasp*. 

This is Motel Touch, across the alley from my motel. I'm assuming it is what Koreans call a "love motel"--a cheap place for Koreans who still live with their parents to get it on. Dirty? yes. Necessary? Apparently--they're all over the place.

Starbucks! There was seriously one on every corner in Seoul. This one, however, is unique because the sign is actually in Korean (I was told that it actually says "Starbucks Coffee"--it's just written in the Korean script [hanguel]) and Starbucks, no matter where in the world, is always "Starbucks". Marc says it was a big to-do because Seoul had to really fight with Starbucks on this one; everything on this particular street is in Korean--I've been told this is the only Starbucks in the WORLD that does not have the traditional sign in English!

I just like this bathroom sign, especially the artwork. Okay, so I'm not really sure why the girl has whiskers, or why the handicapped person is pooing in their chair, but it's funny! You can't NOT laugh at this.

 

On Thursday night I went out with the other trainees to a "foreigner bar" called Mike's Cabin (even though Mike has since returned to Canada). We found this neat-o alien mask in the corner by our table.

Ooh! We also met the Korean rep for Jagermeister. He bought us all Jager bombs (a shot of Jager with Red Bull--ugh), so I took his picture.

I figure I don't really need to go into detail about our apartment since Marc already did that. I will tell you that for my Christmas/Valentine's Day gifts, Marc bought me a bed, vanity table, dresser, and stand-up mirror. How awesome is that? The beds here are as hard as a rock; seriously, they're about as comfy as sleeping on the floor--but at least with the bed frame, it's like an elevated floor :) 

The cats are getting along well--Mewster likes to clean Elliot's hard-to-reach areas, like the top of his head, back of his neck, and inside his ears.

Here they are doing what they do best:

Oh, what's that? You only see one cat? Well, let's take a closer look, shall we?

See? You just have to know where to look.

Oh, one more thing to add to my incredibly long post--we have a washer, but no dryer, so we have to hang up all of our clothes to dry. Unfortunately it's been a little humid here, so it's taken TWO DAYS for my pants to dry! TWO! DAYS! And the waistbands were still damp! That's my only real complaint so far. All in all, I'm enjoying it--just trying to learn my way around. Since they don't really use street names, it's a little difficult--especially when you try to tell a taxi driver where you want to go. 

That's all I've got for now. I'll hopefully post more often now that I have my computer and the wireless internet's all set up, and my future posts will not be 9384a934 lines long :)

Day 1: SLEEP!

So I finally made it to my destination in Seoul, South Korea. Here's how the story unfolds... My sister and dad drove me and Elliot to Atlanta on Friday morning (see them at the airport? It only took 3 tries to get that picture); we left Birmingham around 5am CST and arrived in Atlanta right around 9am EST. My plane left Atlanta at 11:55am Friday the 13th (cue eerie music) and arrived in Seoul at 5pm Saturday (Korea time). Korean Air, by the way, is freaking AMAZING. Aside from the snacks, beverages, and meals, there were screens in the back of every headrest with a variety of television, movies, games, etc. to choose from. I watched "The Secret Life of Bees", "Babylon A.D.", and "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" when I wasn't sleeping. The headphones were free (!) and they handed out little pouches containing socks, an eye mask, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a little lanyard-type thing to go around your neck (I'm not sure exactly what this was supposed to hold). Since I actually did sleep for the majority of the flight, I only recall two incidents worth mentioning. There was an Army family on the plane, and just after the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign came on and the plane was taxi-ing down the runway, the father decides to get up from his seat and dig around in the overhead bin for his luggage. As I observed this, I thought to myself, "Hmm, this guy is either slightly stupid, or just isn't used to actually having to stay seated during this part of a flight (being military and all)." All of a sudden, 2 flight attendants--1 male and 1 female--tackle him from either side and haul him back to his seat. Now when I say tackle, I literally mean TACKLE. The male attendant ran and grabbed him around the waist while the female attendant grabbed his arms. It was pretty awesome, I must say--even more so considering the 2 Koreans were significantly smaller than the Army guy. The second incident wasn't so much an "incident" as it was an observation. I was sitting in the aisle seat of a 3-seat section and a Korean man had the window seat (no one between us). I am certain that some questionable activities were going on because every few hours another Korean man from 1st Class would come get the man next to me along with his bag and they would both go back to 1st Class. My neighbor would return sans bag maybe 5-10 minutes later. Maybe it's just me looking for some drama, but that seemed awfully suspicious. So anyway, after the plane FINALLY landed and I picked up Elliot and my luggage (all 9845745 bags that I brought), we found Marc--yay! We then proceeded to take a bus from the airport to Shinchon, where we were meeting Andy from the school who would show us to the motel and where I needed to go for training. We sat near 3 very nice Koreans who were in love with Elliot, although one girl jumped back every time he yawned--I guess she thought he was going to bite her. When we made it to the motel around 7pm, I crashed--Marc woke me up around 11 (I think) because he was going to go to McDonald's and get dinner, and then I promptly fell asleep again after I finished eating and woke up around 9:30 the next morning... EDIT: I planned on posting more pictures with this post, but for some reason this computer in my room will not let me upload any more pictures. The system is all in Korean so I can't read the error message :( I'll try again later on when I can get internet on my MacBook.

Oops, sorry for not writing

Simply put, I've been busy. I got my new schedule for the month and it is good. I have two writing classes which I really like and then several lower level classes which could be a lot worse. I finally got my first paycheck. It wasn't as much as I hoped, but that was because I had to pay two months rent from it, Dec. and Jan. But on the up side, my last paycheck won't have any rent on it. Anyway, I'm doing well and even cooked in my apartment for the first time a few days ago. It was just some spaghetti, but it was still cooking. I am currently on a hunt for cat food. I'm trying to find a way to buy some in bulk so its cheaper. Plus Mewster is a bit picky so I don't want to get him some random, god knows whats it it, Asian made stuff. No offense to Asians, but in the past they have been more prone to eating cats then to feeding them as pets. Next weekend is the Lunar New Year. I am going to go skiing on Sunday. I found a place that rents skis for 10,000 won, ski pants and jacket for 10,000 and the bus trip there, back and the lift tick for the day is only 56,000 won. So that's just under 80 bucks for a day of skiing. I think its a pretty good deal. Hopefully I'll get the lay of the land there well and then I can take my wife up there and teach her to ski. (She's going to love it too...or else) Things are going really well here. Work is going great, I'm getting along with my co-workers and getting to know my many students too. Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well too and I'll try not to be so long between now and my next post.

First Month in the Bag

I have just finished teaching my last class of the month. All things considered, I think my first month went well. There are a lot of things I want to improve upon, but I don't think any major adjustments are needed. I think my students all liked me and I think they all learned and improved their English. There are a few students who I know have improved just by comparing them now and how they were at the first of the month. January sessions starts on the 2nd, so I have three days off til then. I really don't know what I'm going to do with the time. I don't have the money to travel or go anywhere exciting. I'll probably go to a movie at some point but I guess I'll be spending most of my time at home. It'll be boring, but I don't get my first paycheck until the 7th. Hopefully some of the teachers at my school will invite me out and provide ways to stay occupied. I'll definitely try to get people to go to the theater with me and maybe meet up for food here and there. I hope everyone has a happy New Year. There is a park not far from my apartment that supposedly has a big festival type thing for New Year's. There is even a giant bell they ring. It sits in a Asian looking pagoda type pavilion, or something. It looks cool though. Anyway, I may walk up there and hang out some if its not too cold. Until next time, take care.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone. Sorry its been a while since I've posted, but I guess there just hasn't been much to say lately. Teaching is going well, but I'm looking forward to next month and a new set of classes. The extra classes I'm teaching on Saturdays are going well too and I was asked this week if I would like to teach them again next month, so I am. (By the way, did anyone get the movie reference in the title of my last post?) Christmas here is actually kinda boring. Even though there is a large population of Christians in Korea, they do not celebrate Christmas like we do in America. They get the day off, but its mostly just seen as a excuse to go out with your girlfriend/boyfriend. So anyone who isn't currently in a relationship is bummed and the other students are just going out or visiting family. The school is having a free lunch buffet at a hotel for us tomorrow. So I'll at least have something to do. Maybe some of the teachers will want to go to a movie or something afterwards. I know several of them will want to go drinking and I'll probably join them, though not to drink to much just for something to do. Last weekend I saw Tropic Thunder with my friend Mike. I had seen it before with Christina when it came out in America, but it is so damn funny. There is only one scene that I don't like at all, but its only a few seconds long and at the end of the movie. I wish they'd just cut that scene out though. I won't spoil anything because you really should see it. Speaking of movies, I've been told that Twilight was really good so I may try to see that. Its out in theaters now here. I also really want to see Australia. I've heard it didn't get good reviews but I love Nicole Kidman and I like epic movies so I think maybe I'll like it. There is also a Jim Carey movie that just came out called Yes Man I think. I might be interested in seeing that. I'm going to talk to everyone at our teachers' meeting today and see if anyone is interested in going to a movie tomorrow. I really can't believe December is almost over. It never felt like Thanksgiving to me and it barely feels like Christmas. Its good though cause it means time is moving fast and Christina will be here before I know it. Anyway, again Merry Christmas. I hope everyone is having a great holiday!!

Zoltar Speaks! (Part IV of my Apt in Pictures)

Some of you have asked questions in your comments and if those were about food they were already answered.  However, if they were not, now is the time.  Your wish is granted!  

(Caption: My bed room.  You can see my computer in the bottom right corner.  There is one apartment pic left, but my camera's batteries have died so it will have to wait.)

First we have Kate from New Orleans, LA.  She was concerned about Mewster's diet.  So far he is still eating American cat food.  I brought a lot with me.  Eventually he too will have to make the switch to Korean bought food.  I have yet to see kitty kimchee, though I imagine Mewster's pickiness would stop him from eating it.

Next up is Elena from Manhattan Beach, CA.  She has several questions about my students.  First, I'm not sure if taking pictures of them is allowed or not, I haven't really given it thought. My students are mostly college students and business people.  I have gotten to know a few of them a little, but classes are monthly so they will all change up soon.  I've been hesitant to get too friendly, but I think that's mostly because I'm used to teaching middle and high school students and you typically don't want to be friends with them because you have to be the disciplinarian in class.  To answer her last question, I wouldn't say I have got any favorite students but I guess I do like some more than others.

Our last guess is Rachel from Birmingham, AL.  She is concerned about the quality of the Korean beer I have mentioned.  They do have quality imports that vary depending on where you go to drink.  I do not know about high quality Korean beer though.  I've been busy and always short in funds so I've been generally staying away from expensive items.  Perhaps I will know more after my first paycheck in January.  I will do my best to keep you updated.  Oh, and I'm not afraid of competing for my wife's attention.  I know who will win that battle.  :-) Especially since she's hung out with you more lately than she has with me.

That's all the unanswered questions I believe.  Focusing now on updating everyone about myself, this is my first post from my apartment.  I finally got my Alien Registration card this week and was able to get internet and digital cable set up at my place.  I also got a bank account today and a cell phone.  I am really beginning to feel like I live here now, however I still don't think that feeling will be total until Christina arrives.  

Teaching is going well, I am adjusting to the differences well and feel like I'm getting close to finding my style for teaching English to Koreans.  I can navigate the city pretty well, though the real test will come when I find the time to take the buses to places on the outskirts of the city.  (Temples, hot springs, mountain hikes, etc.)  I'll even be getting my own business cards soon.  Anyway, because this is a public blog, I will pass out my phone numbers through email.  Just write me if you'd like them and I haven't gotten around to giving it to you yet.  Take care everyone.

Set the Wayback Machine for...one month ago (Part III of my Apt in Pictures)

Greetings program!

Today I thought I'd talk a bit about arriving in Korea. It of course started with a really long plane ride, from Atlanta to Seoul non-stop. I believe the flight time was about 14 1/2 hours. I flew Korean Air and enjoyed it very much. First off, it wasn't a full flight, so I actually had an empty seat next to me. It wasn't that way at first, but since there were open seats, the person in the middle seat decided to move elsewhere. Also, every seat had their own, personal TV screen in front of it. Not only that, you could choose what to watch, listen to or pick from a few simple games. It also came with a remote control. (Caption: my living room, a bit messy but mostly cause I don't know where i want things yet. Straight back is the kitchen. First right is bedroom, next right is another room.)

Because of this really cool personal TV, I spent most of my flight watching movies. Many of the choices were pretty new releases and I hadn't seen a lot of them, so it was really cool. In part because of this I didn't really sleep a whole lot on the plane, but this turned out to be a good thing later. Anyway, my plane landed in Incheon Airport around 7 or so. It was super easy dealing with Mewster, all they did was look over his papers and that was it.

I actually got in to Korea about 25 minutes late so once I got all my luggage together and on a cart I found a pay phone and called Andy, the person who was going to meet me at the bus stop. I let him know I'd be a little later getting there and then I purchased my bus ticket. It was a short wait for the bus, and then I was on my way. It was a hour and a half trip on the bus.

So, I arrived at the bus stop and Andy was there waiting. I got all my luggage of the bus, but then we had a problem. The motel I was going to be staying at was only about 2 blocks away so we were just gonna walk. But I had too much luggage for me and Andy to carry at once, and it was raining slightly. What we had to do was Andy grabbed what he could and took it to the motel while I waited on the side of the street and watched over the rest til he came back. Then we both grabbed what was left and made the walk together to the motel. It really sucked. Up until this point I had always had a luggage cart from the airport so I had been able to handle it all. I was not looking forward to the move from Seoul to Daegu later that week. (Caption: My kitchen with washing machine and drying rack. There is a door on the right that goes to the bathroom.)

Anyway, by the time I got checked into the motel and got some quick dinner (from Burger King), it was around 10pm. I had barely slept at all on the plane and hadn't really slept the night before my flight either so I was exhausted. I crashed as soon as I ate and this is where not sleeping worked out for me. Because it was around 10 when this happened, I woke up on my own the next morning around 9am. This had the effect of totally adjusting my sleep cycle and therefor I did not suffer from any jet lag.

It was Sunday in Korea when I woke up the next morning so I basically just kinda holed up in my room that day. I was nervous about leaving Mewster alone and wasn't ready to go wondering around on my own I guess. But once Monday came around I met all the other new teachers who were going through orientation with me (there were 9 of us total) and a few of them had been to Korea before. That was helpful because there was usually someone around who knew at least something about what he was doing.

Anyway, during that week I arranged for some of my luggage to be sent down to Daegu so I could manage the rest on my own. It was surprisingly cheap to do so too. There was one other new teacher who was going to the same school I was so I had company on the train down and someone to hang with that first weekend in Daegu when we were basically just on our own. (Caption: My bathroom, larger than many I saw. You stand in front of the sink to shower. There is a shower head hanging on the wall. Its the kind that you can hold in your hand or set in the mount on the wall.)

All in all it was a pretty painless experience getting here and getting settled in. It was a bit stressful, for both me and Mewster, but all things considered, it could have been a lot worse. I think my next post I will try to just answer questions from everyone's comments. And bonus points to anyone who knows what movie I'm quoting from the title of this post and the opening and closing statements.

End of line.