The First Four Days

How someones impressions of a place can change so drastically in so little time is amazing to me. The first day I got here I was tired and sort of out of it. I settled into my apartment and locked the door, I was scared to go outside because I thought that I wouldn't be able to find my way back (and I probably wouldn't have that first day). I woke up the next morning thinking...my goodness, what have I done. This is not my house, this is not my country, I know no one, this was a horrible idea. And I seriously wanted to go home.

Starting off the day bawling my eyes out probably wasn't the best thing to happen. I tried to compose myself and walk to school, but I was seriously not myself all day. It was pretty brutal. I don' think I have even been more of a socially-awkward person in my entire life. It's actually pretty embarrassing. You might think I'm joking...but I'm not. Observing James' classes (the teacher I'm taking over from), all I could think was...there is no way I can do this. All I wanted to do was curl up in my bed and wish for home...but I made myself do some stuff. I went out and ate my first Korean meal at lunch (it was delicious fyi...although I STILL can't remember the name), I went with one of the other teachers to go grocery shopping, and I conquered the washing machine which was completely in Korean. By the end of the day (which was still really early...) I was feeling a little better.

Since that first day, things have been getting better every day. I realize now that I WILL be able to teach, and the thought of it has started to become more exciting than scary. I'm slowly becoming less social-awkward, and learning that there are some pretty cool people here and that I really don't need to be nervous. I've also been learning that the people are super helpful, and I need to stop feeling bad for asking for help. Finally, I'm learning that Korea, although pretty crazy in some aspects, is actually pretty cool, and I think I'm going to like it here.

Some Moments from the week:

- There is an entire tuna isle at Emart.

- Cream cheese is ridiculously expensive. I'll have to cut back my addiction.

- Cold coffee drinks are all the rage.

- I already have favorite students. Is that bad?

- I'm fairly certain there is no such thing as parking spots in Korea, if theres space, do it up.

- Anywhere you go, if you order something (anything) there are ALWAYS free side dishes that come with it.

- The word for yes is nay. How confusing for my dutch heritage....

- The world does not consist only of Dutch people (sorry Redeemer!)

- It's monsoon season...and I don't have an umbrella. That'll change today.

- You can find shoes to fit!!

- Showering without a shower stall does get easier.

- "plain" yogurt here is actually vanilla (or banilla if you're korean...)

- I'm not a fan of the time difference. I don't like going to bed when everyone is getting up.

- I AM a fan of Dak Galbi. Delish.

- I'm so pumped for the other girls to get here!

I know there was more....I was constantly thinking of things during the week. I really have to start writing them down right away. That's it for now! 3 days until the other girls get here!

Peace and Love.