New occupation: teacher

My first day as a teacher is behind me and I couldn't be more excited to see what the rest of the year brings.

In Korea, students attend public school in the morning until around 2pm. At that time they attend Hogwon, private schooling (that's what I'm teaching). My teaching schedule is from 1-9pm.
My school, SLP (Songang Language Program) had just opened so my classes had only one student in attendance. It was intimate and relaxing. Focusing on one student was a great way to ease into the teaching world. The kiddos were really shy, so I smiled and spoke slowly. They grasped onto the lesson well and could understand me for the most part. I drew a lot of apples, mastered the ABC's, and got the spelling of banana down (it was tempting to burst out Gwen Stefani... but I resisted). It was a successful and thankfully, stress-free first day as a teacher!

This past weekend I toured the Jinju Castle with my coworkers Rob, Shirly and Jenny. Shirly and Jenny work as receptionists at SLP. They speak very little English, but enough to have invited us out. We communicate a lot through actions and facial expressions. Jinju Castle has a rich history pertaining to the Japanese invasion in 1592. It is a beautiful fortress with an amazing view of the city. The girls informed me this is a great place to bring a date (good to know). They took us to a quaint Italian resturant where I had my first Korean lasagna... it wasn't as good as Mom's, but then again nothing could ever compare. At dinner the women bonded over boys, fashion and food. Isn't it fascinating that regardless of the language barrier women talk about the same things?!

For anyone who is worried about the recent North Korea news, do not fret. South Koreans keep their watch, but overall they go about their daily lives viewing these attacks as repetitive inconvienences with no real threat. Europe and America seem to make a much bigger deal about the "war". So do not worry, I'm okay and I will be okay.

I am slowly learning Korean: thank you (kamsahamnida) and hello (annyong hasaeyo). It's a tricky language but I'll get there.

I met two foreigners who use to live in Michigan. Not only are they from the same state but one grew up in Cadillac and the other in Grand Haven... small world!

Some interesting Korean findings:

• Koreans don't bake. Hence, the utter lack of ovens in this city. One girl I met said her family uses their oven to store their pots and pans. Everything is cooked over an oven burner or boiled.
• Masks over the mouth is a frequent sight. Usually I'll see elderly Koreans wear them.
• It's cheaper to eat out than to buy groceries. Street vendors selling cooked fish and fried pork are on every street.
• The women here are very fashionable. They're always wearing their best. It's a style that remind me of the 80's, except without the color. Large/over-sized sweaters worn with leggings and high heels, classy jackets and large scarfs wrapped around their necks.

Similar to Korean fashion. Except everyone wears black and grey.

• South Korea has underwater piping called ondol. The pipes carry hot water under every home, warming my floor. I'm sure it's going to be a life saver once the temperature drops.
• There are outdoor clothing stores everywhere. Northface, Columbia, Mountain Hard Wear, and lot's of Korean brands stores line the streets. Becki- fly over and shop with me!
• It's common to see scissors at your dinning table. They use them to cut noodles, pork, and just about anything else. Chopsticks in one hand, scissor in the other.

I was able to Skype with Laura last night and thankfully catch Mom, Dad, Mitchell and Carl this morning. I haven't spoken with them since I arrived so it was so nice to hear and see them. *** Night time (for you Americans) is the best time to Skype for me. Email or Facebook me and we can arrange a Skype date! ***

Until next time, annyonghi kasaeyo (goodbye).