A little about my life so far:

I have explained my feelings and thoughts to the max and forgot about the actual stuff that makes them. Thus far in my journey I have met many nice people, observed many cultural differences, and experienced a lot of Korean etiquette, food and tradition. All of it has been enjoyable as it all is so different from home. Yet, all of it also requires a lot of memory, as each food, place and person is extremely foreign in name. For example, if I am introduced to a person who is 'above' me, I am supposed  recall his or her name if I see him/her again. Naturally, the problem is that each name is very foreign to me; "Shin- Shi Kim", "Won-Mi Lee", "Jin-ho Jong", "Chi-ne Sang" and so forth. Do you see how the names start to blend? I start saying "Jin-ho Song", "Chin-she Nim" and "Win-he Mee", obviously embarrassing myself, except that I don't realize my mistake until my co-teacher and I are alone and she corrects me. I am pardoned for my folly because I am a foreigner. Yet, I'm wondering how many pardons I will receive until I am shunned by Head Teacher as an American idiot. So far it's been roughly five times, and like a cat, I'm sure it's around nine that I'm cut off.  Ergo, I had better learn quickly!

  As for the nice people I've met, well there have been many. Most importantly however, my co-teacher, Jin-hee Jong, and my Head Teacher, Won-Min Lee, have been my saviors. Jin-hee was the one who picked me up from the airport, showed me my apartment, picked me up on the first day of school and showed me the ropes of a Korean teacher's life. She has been most helpful with every bump in the road, and she also speaks very good English- thank you, God! My Head Teacher has been very helpful as well. She is so kind it is unbelievable! She is always so attentive to any problem I may have, and though she may talk to me like I'm an idiot, I don't think she actually knows she is doing it. I think she just has to speak English slowly, as it is her second language. I remember that fact and easily forgive her for her placation.  Instead, I end up commending her for her ability to speak a second language- honestly, what a feat!  (That is my next goal, to learn Korean! It's very difficult, yes. But, what a sweet thing to know! My first phrase outside greetings: chadongcha naputae! or, 'bad vehicle!' People drive like maniacs here, so it is surprisingly useful.) Anyways, other people I've met have been equally kind, or at least to my face, which is the only thing I can understand. It's a very odd thing to shake someone's hand and not know whether they're saying a kind hello, or telling you that you smell like ass. I go with the former, its less stress and worry.  

Well, I'm going to wrap it up for now. I'll explain some observations and experiences later, for now I'm exhausted! I love the kids and my work, but honestly, I must be getting old.  I just can't stay as energized like I used to! lol. Anyways, good night, and my best to you all- I miss you very much,

-a weary, tired, pooped traveller