Greetings!

Today was an interesting experience. It was the day to get some of the necessary things taken care of before I actually start the job. So for those of you who may not know, I chose to bring 2 phones with me to Korea. This is probably a little different than what the typical foreigner does, but I kept my phone with T-Mobile active on my iPhone 6S and I am using a Samsung Note 9 for my Korean number. I don't suggest it for anyone that is doing this for long term but I have very specific reasons for this crazy methodology, of which I will not get into.

Anyway, my director took me to a store operated by one of her school friends so that I could get a Korean number and data plan for my Samsung. Anyone who is planning on staying here for any length of time, I highly recommend this - especially the Note 9. The phone being designed and manufactured here really just works best with all of the available services like Kakao (messaging and maps/services), you can use Samsung Pay instead of get the transit card (also known as a T-money card which requires you to provide cash at a convenience store to refill), the pen/stylus/remote comes in very handy as you can translate Korean to English better than Google translate - it's just native here and everything is very user friendly in this land LOL. For about 57,000 Korean won (KW or just under $57 USD) I got set up with my new phone number, a new screen protector, and about 5 GB of data for a temporary plan until I can acquire my Alien Residency Card (ARC) which is needed in order to do most business here.

The fun part is that in order to obtain your ARC along with your national health coverage, you have to have a medical exam completed at a government hospital (this part is VERY important). In the US, such a checkup could easily cost 100s of dollars but one thing I can say already by day 2 is that their healthcare is much more efficient and cost friendly than anything I have ever been privy to. Let me elaborate on this unique experience before I state the cost (yes, these are costs that are paid by the teacher-to-be, so racking up more costs for this new job - thankfully in my research I already knew about).

After we drove through the tight streets that, even though they were 2-way but often felt 1-way because of street parking, our second stop was the hospital. I am pretty sure that I would never want to drive here mostly because of the very tight spaces. Imagine New York city driving and parking, and then reduce that by half. Watching people park in these tiny spots is just as amazing as watching the trapeze artists do tricks at a carnival. I am thankful that my director took me to these places since she is fluent in both English and Korean so that these tasks could be done since I have heard and read so many stories where incoming teachers had to do these tasks on their own without speaking any Korean. Check-in literally was only as long as it took me to fill out my information onto a form and pay for the services in advance - and that was with maybe 5 other patients in the waiting area.

We went down a hallway where I was told that I would be getting an x-ray done (more or less a breast exam) and that I would have to put a tied top on in place of my clothing. I think the most awkward part about this was that once I changed and I had my lady bits flying free, I had to walk into the hallway where all of the other patients were casually strolling. This led to the x-ray room. The Doctor spoke quite a bit of English which definitely helped ease some of my anxieties thinking I was going to have a breast exam like in the US. Well ladies, this was not the case. They had me press up against a machine (not like a mammogram at all). I had to put my chin in a curved slot, breasts firmly pressed, and shoulders also pressed against this plate while I was standing there... which became even more uncomfortable when they raised the machine my chin was resting in so now I was trying to balance in this awkward position nearly on my toes. Luckily, I was able to leave the medical wardrobe on the whole time.

After the x-ray was complete, I was allowed to go back and change into my normal clothes. However, then it was time for more tests. So the interesting thing is that the hospital workers apparently go to lunch at 12:30p so we were speed walking up to the 2nd level for the remaining tests before they closed down for lunch (this is a concept I still cannot grasp LOL). We made it to the next room where it was time to retrieve bodily fluids. They handed me a fairly simple Dixie looking cup with a hand-drawn line on it where I needed to fill with urine - no lid - no plastic - not the form of security and sanitation that we are used to in the US, but I did my business and got back for the ever dreaded blood draw. I absolutely hate needles and having blood drawn is the worst. My heart started to race a little, I began to get hot and a little lightheaded so I turned my attention to a sad attempt to read the Korean papers to my right. I did well; I did not pass out or vomit so I think it was successful and I was pushed onto the last room for final tests.

In this room, they checked my weight and height. First of all, this fairly normal looking scale talks to you, not that I know what it said, but it sounds so sweet. The nurse never left her desk that was probably a good 5 feet away from me. Then, as if possessed by some unseen force, the scale to measure my height came down onto my head. I'm still not so sure why this "automated" scale was so impressive to me but I just know I think we need these all over the US - haha. She had me do an eye exam, of which they were extremely impressed with my vision. My director says that she has never had one of her teachers read as far down the scale as I did. Yay me. Oddly, they also checked me for color blindness. I have done these on my own but never once have I had a doctor/nurse check for it. Lastly, it was time for blood pressure. The machine clamped down so hard on my arm that I was sure all the blood in my arm would burst out from my hand. Doctors need to stop taking blood pressure AFTER taking blood. That already makes my heart rate increase. So, then I had to take a moment to meditate so that she could make an attempt manually to ensure that my heart rate wasn't at a crazy risk for a heart attack.

A couple of questions later and all was complete. I think from the time we walked in the front door until the time we left, the whole experience was about 45 minutes max. The most remarkable part about this was that all of the services listed above were paid for out of packet without insurance and the whole thing came to a total of 79,000 KW (or less than $79 USD). I couldn't even sneeze into a tissue at a doctor's office in the US for that cost with no insurance. So, now I wait until after 3pm tomorrow for all of my results. Seriously, just over 24 hours for results to all of that. Makes you think how much our doctors really do a number on our pockets and patience. Once I receive hopefully passing results, I can put in for my ARC so I can become a legal temporary citizen.

From there, we went to the school or hagwon (private tutoring school) so that I could meet some of the fellow teachers and become familiar with the area where the school is located. Starting tomorrow I have to walk to work so that I can observe classes for 5 days in order to be able to take over the classes from the teacher that is leaving. Seemingly sweet ladies who were ready to fill me with lots of information and ask many questions. The best part is that you can tell that they enjoy their job and are happy with the boss as much as one will be. Very refreshing since I have read so many horror stories and shady practices from other schools to the teachers coming to Korea. From there, it was time to just explore the neighborhood around the school and eventually make my way back to the apartment, SOLO. I am so grateful that I am blessed with impeccable directional skills. I could look at the tall apartment buildings around the area and was able to find the hospital and apartment building from the outside deck. Definitely one of my more desirable skills.

I took a stroll around where I found a little dessert shop where I had some ice cream and shaved ice milk (bing su) with chocolate powder and strawberries. Amazing! Not sweet like desserts in the US, and yes - although it is still cold outside, I was happy to have the cold treat for keeping myself collected and making it this far. While sitting on the second floor cafe, I could see a Daiso store where I was dying to hit up next. If you haven't been so blessed to know what a Daiso is, I'm sorry that your are lacking so much happiness in your life. It is basically like a dollar store although some things are more than the "dollar" amount but their items are all so absolutely adorable and you can find such a wide range of items there. For instance, I found a computer cable (not the right one for mine apparently), an extension cord, earphones, stationary, and a pen for about $12 USD. I am pretty sure that store will be the death of me as I have already seen so many items that I would like to purchase as gifts for my family and friends.

After maintaining some amazing self control and not handing over my whole bank account, I decided to start the walk back home. It's probably only a 15 minute walk and today was a pretty nice day overall. I am one of the only blond people that I have seen in this area - minus the one teacher that goes back home next week - so imagine that I stand out like a sore thumb. I've noticed that the children stare more at me than the adults but you can see the side glimpses from people as you pass by probably wondering if I'm lost or even just some crazed k-pop fan looking for a cute Korean guy. Luckily, judgement like that doesn't really bother me but instead I tend to laugh about it. I can only imagine how strange it is to them. In my very American way, I just flash a friendly smile their way knowing I will likely not receive any response because that is the culture that we grew up in but it is strange to them. Only once has a stranger even responded and they were younger girls goofing around in the store. They noticed that I was giggling about them having a good time and reciprocated. Oddly, it's those small and rare moments that I feel that I have made a little difference and my heart is lifted a little more.

Now I'm home, computer charging, two phones receiving and sending texts (oh boy), and still fighting off some jet lag. Earlier I received an emergency alert on both phones while I was typing this. Again, so glad I have that Samsung phone because the emergency message was ALL in Korean. It was only a notification about there being fine dust in the air tomorrow and recommended to wear masks. Not hungry, already a little tired, but the adorable little halmoni from my earlier post climbed up the steep staircase to ask me if I was hungry. I found out that she had broke a bone in her back recently and feel horrible that she even came upstairs. I attempted to tell her I wasn't hungry but a few attempts later she still brought me up a bowl of spicy ramyeon (ramen). One can't help but eat just because she tries so hard to make her guests comfortable. It's nice to have this type of attentiveness and concern when in an unfamiliar new place - even with the language barrier.

This is a long post and I apologize but I wanted to record these events for those that may be thinking about coming to Korea to work as well as let everyone know the experiences I have had here. I am sure my posts will become shorter and fewer as time begins to pass and things begin to feel somewhat normal.

I'm going to finish my ramyeon, put on my PJs, and settle into a warm heated bed early tonight since tomorrow I have my first class sit-in and I get to meet some of my students. Wish me luck and I hope that all is well on the other side of the globe. Hugs!!

Jewels
2-21-2019

First day in ROK

I needed sleep so much. I didn't sleep much on the 27 hour trip here and then my flight landed 30 minutes early so my director (Julie) wasn't at the airport yet. Finally, she got there with her mom. Very nice of her to drive an hour at 4 am to come get me. And thank heaven for cell phones. Without one I'd never know how to figure out how or where to meet people. A map simply wouldn't have sufficed in this situation. 

Surprisingly, there was no line going through customs and it was pretty quick.  Nothing to declare. It's just me and my necessities... heavy and probably some not so necessary... but things I spent months figuring out what to bring, even up to the very last minute. So happy to have a box of girl scout cookies though that I got for valentine's day before I left. It will definitely come in handy as comfort food later.

I'm staying at my director's family's home until March 1st when my apartment is ready. Julie's grandmother and mother live here. It's a cute 2 story place with the tiniest little round dog I've ever seen. Smaller than most chihuahuas. When we got in I went to sleep as the sun was rising. Then when I woke up I called my daughter for a little (just trying to get my bearings still) before getting into the very typical Korean shower/toilet area (at least from the ones I've seen). If you've never seen one, the shower is basically separated from the toilet by a small piece of glass yet all the floor of the bathroom is where the shower drains. You have to step down into the bathroom because that way the water will not flood into the house. You usually need shower slippers so when you use the restroom your feet don't get wet.

When I was was finished I went into my room to get ready for the day. Her grandmother had brought me a plate of kimbap, rice cake, an orange, and some drinks. The hospitality here never ceases to impress me. Her grandmother is so sweet. In case you want a quick Korean lesson, grandmother in Korean is halmoni (할머니) which is the only thing I knew to call her since she speaks no English. Luckily, I know enough key words to have an idea what she would say to me and answer or ask a few small things back. Very cute little grandma.

I decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood in order to get a feel for the area. This house is next to a street market so there's tons of fresh fruit and meats/fish for sale, clothes, restaurants, and pretty much anything else you can think of. I bought wet wipes, hair gel, and shower shoes for my first purchases here. I have to remember to be sensible with my spending and since I'm here for a year so there's no rush to buy trinkets and things. I probably walked around for a little over an hour but was still afraid of getting too far from the apartment so I went back.

'Grandma' then proceeded to ask me if I wanted to watch TV and showed me how to use the remote. Next thing I know, she's bringing me food. It's customary to make sure your guests are fed and very comfortable. I knew this but it's still sometimes strange to experience from a western point of view. She brought me kimchi pancakes with sesame oil... honestly, I'm not usually a fan of them but Halmoni makes them very yummy. I thought, "yay, this isn't too much food and I like it", but I figuratively spoke too soon... next thing I knew, Halmoni brought me a tray full of food - kimchi and radishes, rice, soup, greens, and seaweed. Way too much food. First order of business: to learn how to say "the food is wonderful but I'm full". Otherwise, I'll burst open here, lol.

I'm still tired from all the traveling, but I knew Julie would come back after work so I went upstairs to rest a little. When she got here, she and her mother took me out for grilled pork belly with a little soju. Honestly, there is so much difference between Korean food here than in the states. You hear the stories but really can't imagine it until you try it. I even voluntarily even ate onions in my lettuce wrap (don't tell my dad - mom always cooked without onions just for me) and there was a soup with mushrooms that I tried (didn't hate it nor did I eat the mushrooms but needless to say I did very well). The samjjang and kimchi has a much spicier aftertaste than what I'm used to, but dang it's good. Afterwards we came home and I called the momma before winding down for bed.

I have to get myself more alert though. I almost lost my phone twice in less than 24 hours. Once it fell out of my jacket in the car and the other time I thought I brought it to dinner when I actually left it in my room. Need to focus better for sure...

Anyway, tomorrow I head out with Julie for my medical exam, a sim card for my phone, and to meet the other teachers. It should be an interesting day. Don't lose phone and don't eat too much are both on the agenda also...haha.

Jewels
2-20-2019

On the way...

It wasn't until about 11.5 hours into the flight that I began to realize what was actually occurring. Honestly, up to this point it seemed like any overseas trip that I've taken before... And just when I actually started to think about it, did this all really feel like some dream as if tomorrow I'll wake up at the Joo's house as I have for the past 4 days, or even at mom and dad's.

People have been asking how I feel - if I'm excited - and my response has been, "I don't want to think about it until I'm stuck on a plane". Well, that is definitely how it worked out for me. I tend to have an idea and then just act on it. If I think about anything too much I will likely never do anything. I know this about myself.

Everyone always says how brave I am and it takes a lot not to just laugh because most things I just do without dwelling in thought. Don't get me wrong, I plan - I believe I plan a lot. I doubt many people have as much planned as I do. Granted, most are probably younger and just barely learning about life and adult skills. But I also know if I think too much about anything I will probably psych myself out with all the 'ifs' and things that could go wrong. So - I just act... I set a 'goal', if you will, and just do it unless I absolutely feel in my gut that it's not right.

So, here I sit on a plane somewhere over Russia, maybe even China (I have to look it up when I land in Hong Kong) thinking, "oh my gawd, did I really just leave everything I had and knew behind!?!?" Then I think, "I still cant even begin to imagine what immigrants and refugees are going through". Likely, they aren't sure where they'll be staying, what to expect - probably little planning or belongings. I brought 2 suitcases of stuff, which I'm sure is way more than people in these situations. I can't even begin to count how many boxes people were checking in on this flight... we are very spoiled and sometimes this leads to a crazy idea of entitlement. 

This is a strange mix of emotions to feel both so selfish about everything I left and about other's struggles. I've done well not shedding many tears (yet) - mostly because I know they won't stop flowing if they start (which is why I decided to stop watching movies on the flight). There are other things that I need to focus on first and my sadness is just not on the top of that list now.

Anyway, in the midst of my selfish thoughts I race back to other's plights and struggles. Honestly, it's both a blessing and a curse. Not only do I think of complete strangers whom I've never seen nor met, but I think about those who I left behind.

I casually tell people it's no big deal because we go daily not being around everyone every moment - people move to different cities or states all the time and I keep telling myself this is really no different. About 90% of me believes that LOL. But I hope that in what I am doing it isn't hurting anyone. I'm crappy at goodbyes because I don't like to get emotional - doesn't mean that I'm not, it just means it isn't helping me and my goals at that moment.

Anyway, rambling over, but I just felt that I needed to catalogue some of these feelings and thoughts in their purest non-collected form before I forget or alter them. Biggest thing to say is that when asked if I'm excited or how I feel is that it really feels like some outlandish dream at the moment. That is neither good nor bad, just aware that the situation feels unreal and unfamiliar.

Jewels
2-19-2019

Hong Kong

At Hong Kong airport... lines always seem to be long. The line from arrivals and through security checkpoint took about 45 minutes. Good thing I had a long layover... now I wait nearly 4 hours.

They must drive in the left here in Hong Kong because I got on the moving sidewalk in the airport on the wrong side. I'm sure I had a few people laugh because it even took me a minute to realize I wasn't going the way I hoped. This airport is very simple and practically dull. Of coursee,  I did buy a couple of trinkets because who knows when I will be here again.

But DANG it's humid here - 80% and 73 degrees!!! This dessert rat is really going to have a hard time adjusting to these climates. I'm tired but don't want to sleep for security reasons. Trying to figure out how long my flight to ROK will actually be. Silly that I literally flew past Korea to turn around and go back that way. Travel is so weird sometimes. Technically, I lost a day - I left Monday morning from California and it's already the end of the day on Tuesday here. Fun - lol. Hoping my director just lets me sleep all day Wednesday instead id having to fo into class. I probably look like I've been beat up. Here's hoping...

Jewels
2-19-2019