August update

I think by now we can all accept that I don't update this blog very frequently. But let us wipe away our tears and focus on this belated update.

My last post was about Jeju Island during my week-long vacation- how long ago that seems. Now I'm close to my 10th month in Korea. I still really enjoy it here. Of course, everyone goes through their I love Korea and I hate Korea phases- it's pretty cyclical here. My cycle is more day-by-day, though. Yesterday I hated Korea but today I'm quite enjoying it. Most of my I hate Korea phases are directly related to my job...

These past 2 months have been extremely difficult. I won't bore you with details but it all boils down to how much I love my kids and how much I dislike my bosses. My bosses are of a rare breed- they don't know how to properly manage their Hogwan, treat their employees with respect or show that they care more about the students than the money. Two weeks ago they fired my friend and co-worker, Rob  (the guy I came with) because they wanted to get out of paying him his 12 month bonus and his flight back to the States. It's hard to trust your boss after they do that to your co-worker. I'm hoping that because they like me so much they won't do the same to me. I think I should be okay, but firing employees to get out of payments is all too common in Hogwans (Public schools are the way to go if you are contemplating between the two- the government can't fire you without legitimate reason- I think you would have to murder someone before you were fired from a public school).
So, one of my biggest lessons learned is work for the public school system, not the private school sector.

I honestly think I'll be okay though. They are still paying for my flights home for Christmas so I'm excited to see everyone then!!

I keep having dreams about going home-more nightmares, really. They revolve around Kate not letting me hold Liam because I've become too Korean and she doesn't want Liam near that. And also that Mom won't cook me lasagna. I beg her to bake some lasagna since I've been deprived for a year and she just won't. Such horrors, I know!

Outside of work, I've been hiking a lot (trying to prepare for Mitchell and I's big hike in 2 years), reading and saying goodbye/hello to everyone. September is the start of the new semester for public schools so a lot of good friends have been leaving and replacements have been streaming in. It's so exciting seeing what people do after Korea and also getting to meet new people!

Some photos from the last month:


A beautiful temple I recently stumbled upon

A summer in Korea brings out the most delicious- and healthiest- desserts.
Pa-ping-su: yogurt, crushed ice, and fresh fruits (tomatoes included).

 This is for Dad: They sell asparagus here for about $2.00 per 6 spears.

The beach in Busan (2nd largest city in Korea)

We joke about having to find friends with the instructions "I'm under the red parasol"

Our cab driver watches TV while driving us through the city. Such unsafe multi-taskers here.

One of my favorite stories is walking through a 3am outside soju tent and seeing men wearing hospital gowns drinking soju and conversing while IV's are hooked in their arms. They also use their IV poles as a shelf to hold their beers and soju. One of those, "only in Korea" experiences.

I love that his crutches are resting on the No Parking sign.

Hope you enjoyed :)