Settling in

On the last day of orientation we had one last outing as a group to a baseball game. It was an exciting game (maybe not so much the game itself but being there and watching all the natives cheer for their team). I think my favorite part of the baseball game was this amazing guy cheerleader performing his cheers. They were so hilarious that I just had to giggle every time he was up there. The crowd got really into the cheering, chanting, yelling, and even had a little dance for their cheers. Sadly the team we were cheering for lost but in the long run it was a great game.

Baseball! 

On Wednesday we were all picked up from the hotel by our co-teacher (or someone from the school) to go to our town. I was not picked up from my co-teacher but a lady from the school. We had some communicating issues because of the language barrier so I do not know much about her but that she was really nice and generous. We had to go to the immigration office to apply for a residence card. The process took a while but it was fine because while we were waiting the co-worker and I played scrabble on her phone. I was then switched off to another person to drive me to Boseong. Mr. Shin (another co-worker) drove me to the school. I was told, in orientation, that I need to be open to being asked personal questions and what do you know one of the first questions I got asked was if I was single. At first, I thought he was asking me if I could sing. So I said, kind of and he looked at me confused and asked the question again. After the second time, I realized what he was asking and got a bit embarrassed and had to correct myself and tell him that yes I was single. It was kind of like that the whole ride, trying to communicate with each other and having to repeat ourselves a bit. Once we arrived to the school we went inside and got a tour of the place. I met a few other co-workers while I was there and I believe one of the principals. After the tour my co-teacher and Mr. Shin took me to my apartment. 

Once we got the apartments, we all stuffed into the elevator with all my things and were joined by a cute old Korean man. While we were all in the elevator my co-teacher and this old man were just petting my stuffed bear (which was in my backpack) and laughing and making comments in Korean all the way up. It was actually pretty hilarious and one way to meet neighbors right? Once we got into my apartment they helped me set things up but didn't really know how to do most things so they told me to wait for Samson (the teacher I am replacing, Stephanie's husband) to help me. My co-teacher took me to the little market next to my apartment and generously bought me some food for my place. Once they left and I was by myself, I realized that I actually didn't know how to use anything (including the stove) and was a bit anxious. As I looked out my window, realizing that I really am in the middle of nowhere in the countryside of Korea I began to experience one of my biggest culture shocks here. Later that night Stephanie and Samson came by and really helped me out a lot. They showed me how to work everything in the apartment and even took me on a little tour to the supermarket. It was such a blessing that they came to help me out because I have no idea what I would have done with out them. They have also been very generous at showing me around, helping me set up a bank account, and helping me get things for my apartment. Now I have a functional apartment to live in and I think it is looking pretty nice. I am not done with everything but it is good enough to live in. 

My Apartment

Most of the other teachers from my orientation group have started teaching already but I do not start until Sept 3. I have a staff meeting on Aug. 31st but until then I am free. During this next free week my goal is to learn/study Korean, explore the town, and take lots of photos.