Kimchi and other things....

After many hours in the airport, 12 hours in the plane, and 5 hours in a bus I have finally made it! Today is my second full day in Korea and I am still feeling the jet lag. My body is trying to adjust to the climate, food, and time difference... I am slowly starting to feel better but in the mean time I am just taking it easy. 

I will try to describe to you briefly what it is like in Korea (through my eyes):

Weather: The first thing that I felt walking out of the airport was the humidity. I have not felt this kind of humidity since I have been in Cambodia. Gotta love that hot and sweaty feeling! :)

Food: Kimchi, kimchi, kimchi… This is what they serve for every meal even breakfast. For a person who does not like Kimchi this is a bit difficult for me but I did try it today and I will continue to try it and maybe one day I will start to enjoy it. For the past two days we have had soup of some sort. Last night we had a soup with spam, fish cakes and chili paste and this afternoon we had a seafood soup. Hmmm… maybe not my favorite part of my experience here but I am doing a pretty good job at being open to and trying new things. 

Orientation: I will have to say that my favorite part of orientation is meeting new people from all over the world. It has been so great experiencing this new and exciting place with other foreigners and first timers. I feel so blessed to be able to connect with other english speakers and build friendships before heading out on our own. One of my fears before coming to Korea was feeling alone and lost but now that I have built some great friendships I feel more excited for the next year and what it is going to entail. 

The view from my total at night (picture does not do it justice)

The view from my hotel during the day

 A view of Korea (specifically Gwangju): For our week of orientation we are staying in Gwangju at Shin Yang Park Hotel. The hotel is on the top of the hill overlooking the city. The night view of the city is my favorite. A group of us from orientation went out on the town to explore the city. Driving in Korea is chaotic but I trust that the taxi driver knows what he is doing even if that means I have to shut my eyes for a bit… Cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians act like there is no one else on the road except them and drive through the intersections without stopping for the others. It is a bit overwhelming when you first experience. The streets of downtown Gwangju are bright, flashy, and extravagant but I loved it. I knew I was not in America anymore walking through the streets of downtown. I have never been to a big flashy city before so this was a new experience for me. There were neon signs on every window display, stores for clothes, purses, shoes, food, bars and really anything you could want. If you are looking for a pet cafe there is one there too (literally a cafe with animals dressed up with clothes and make-up just walking around the cafe).

Gwangju

Gwangju at night

I am really looking forward to moving into my town, unpacking my suitcase and meeting my coworkers and students.