so, it's been a while...

Whoops! I have been slacking on the blog.  I have plenty to blog about, but that is the problem. Every time I sit down to write a blog so much goes through my mind that I get overwhelmed.  I was going to continue blogging about my first week here and the Korean War Memorial.  I loved the museum, got a great impromptu tour from a volunteer, and even got in for free!  I feel like there is almost too much to say about the museum, though.  I'll save that one for a later date.

I finished my first week of teaching those adorable kindies.  It went well.  After I got settled in and used to the routine, I felt very comfortable.  There is definitely still room for improvement, but there always is in my book. 

Things I have discovered so far:

• the subway is easier to use than I thought it would be
• Korean banks don't open until 9 AM (quite inconvenient)- but Korean construction workers don't mind shattering glass at the apartment right next door they are renovating at 7AM
• every single side dish (called panchan) served at restaurants is pickled
• plastic surgery is ridiculously rampant in Korea- strange plastic surgery, like shrinking your face size
• consequently, if you are told you have a small face, it's a compliment
• the trash system is kind of complicated at first
• my Korean washing machine sings when it is done
• Uzbeki food is so. incredibly. delicious.
• I'm pretty sure a Korean man took a piece of stray hair off of my back and saved it in the street market the other day- the joys of being blonde in Korea
• it is not a compliment if you're asked if you're Russian- again, the joys of being a blonde in Korea
• butter and cheese are expensive here- and I love butter, and cheese

I'm sure there are many more, but for now that is all that came to mind. 

We've had a nice three day weekend for Korean Independence Day, and tomorrow it is back to work.  I am finally getting my health check tomorrow, which is needed to get my Alien Registration Card.  With my ARC I can open a bank account and get a cell phone! It has been strange to not have a phone. It definitely makes a person feel isolated.  The bank account is also needed, as I will need to transfer money back home when I get paid and can't do that easily without a bank account. So bonus for that! Hopefully it all goes smoothly. 

The next post should be sooner, as I recount all that is a health check at a Korean hospital.  I can't make any promises though!

Anyeong!