Has it really been a month? Reflections on the month and Chuseok!

I can't believe it has already been a month (well a little over a month) since I have been here.  I fear my year here will be over before I know it.  I have been trying to savor every moment and yet they are just moving so quickly.

The first week and a half was filled with orientation!  It was there that I met some of the most amazing people I have ever come across in my life.  We have become fast friends and they have been a great comfort to me.  Second week I was introduced to school but didn't do any teaching. I finally got to teach some during my third week but it was basically a powerpoint introduction of myself and a quick review lead by my co-teacher.  Then came Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving and a 5 day weekend!


Chuseok was probably the best weekend I have spent in Korea so far.  Mostly because I got to hang out with my sister, Angie and my new friend Janna!  Getting to spend the weekend with Angie began to make Korea feel more like home.  The only thing I am missing now is my Dunkin'. Angie, Janna, and I spent the weekend eating fabulous food, wandering around Ulsan, enjoying a hike at Ilsan Beach and just hanging out.  I was just getting over being sick and the final stages of my cough sort of put a damper on the last 2 days of the holiday, but overall it was excellent.  Then it was back to work - for 2 days.

It is now the last day of the weekend and I feel the work will really begin and the time will start to move even faster.  This week feels like it will be my first REAL week of teaching.  I will have all of my classes and my after school classes start this week as well.  Once again my nerves are mounting, but I'm getting used to it.  At least by now I hopefully know what to expect... AND this week we FINALLY get PAID!

Spicy soup with mussels, clams, shrimp and more!

Spicy ddŏk pokki (I think) with octopus! SO GOOD! 

3 girls with way too much food! (Janna, me, and Angie)

A little nore-bang (Korean Karaoke) with my soul sister!

Amazing street food.  Great taste, even better price!

Hiking in Ilsan Beach

East Sea (or Sea of Japan if you're in Japan). View while
hiking at Ilsan Beach.

On the overlook during the hike.  Locks of love? Supposedly
it is tradition for couples to signify their commitment with
a lock. Many of these have dates and names and are quite
rusted... others pretty new.

I just liked that this man was out on a rock by himself. He
appeared deep in thought and very content.