Hey guys, I just finished my first week in Daejeon. I've been able to get out and meet some people. However, there have, regrettably, been a few hiccups. Let's starts with my work week, or what should have been the beginning of my work week.
The first Monday I was here my boss informed me that I would not be teaching for a week but instead be under a "government imposed" quarantine for all people who travelled out of the country. The supposed quarantine applies to anyone who's left the country and basically bars them from being in the public for one week (when you see my apartment, you might understand why this was so unreasonable) because of H1N1. Yes, yes, as soon as I landed, I was bombarded with questions related to my health (heaven forbid my allergies kick in on the plane and I write down that I have a runny nose! I learned my lesson from that very quickly). It's actually really annoying because just when the Swine Flu crap started to die down in the States, I get hit with a new batch of crazy and everyone starts losing their shit; awesome.
So needless to say, I was disappointed. That night, however, Annie (the girl who's position I'm taking over... sometime... eventually... at some point in time when I am allowed to teach) took me out with a few of her friends to Old Downtown Daejeon. Basically Times Square on crack. Lights everywhere for miles. You can see the picture to the side. Anyhow, we went to a Karaoke Room, which Koreans are known for (seriously, there is literally a different karaoke room on EVERY street) and had some fun.
So I spent the last week trying to get situated in my new digs. The cable is set up and I have internet. I still need a freaking phone though! I haven't been able to call home yet (I git Skype, but I can't figure out how to work the microphone on my freaking compy!). I need an Alien card to get a phone and set up a bank account, and to get an Alien card I need... wait for it... a health check-up, surprise surprise. Between going to the hospital and going back and fourth to the E-Mart (Basically like a Super Wal-Mart) I've been in my apty trying to get on a proper sleep schedule. I figured out the subway though! (take that, Kate!) but it's only one line, so I guess that's not to big of an accomplishment.
Oh! I went out to New Downtown, which is actually closer to where live (Old Downtown is a 20 minute subway ride). It's great because not only do they have these cool looking bars, they have foreigners! Lots and lots of foreigners! And I would love to start hanging out with them... but I can't give them my number... because I don't have a phone... and truthfully, there is only so much Facebook can do for you.
Anywho,( this is a seriously long blog. I promise I'll update more frequently from now on) I do have a video-blog coming up that gives you a tour of my apartment... just as soon as I figure out how to upload it.
I miss you all! Please, please let me know how you're doing. The homesickness comes and goes (like when the nice nurse looked me deep in the eyes and said "Let me know if you need anything" very sincerely... yeah, I teared up in the exam room right there) Also, I'd give you my address, but I don't know it, because it's written on a post-it in very sloppy Hangul. Also, postcards will be coming... once I figure out the postal system. I DO have a map of the city! That's a step in the right direction, right?
The first Monday I was here my boss informed me that I would not be teaching for a week but instead be under a "government imposed" quarantine for all people who travelled out of the country. The supposed quarantine applies to anyone who's left the country and basically bars them from being in the public for one week (when you see my apartment, you might understand why this was so unreasonable) because of H1N1. Yes, yes, as soon as I landed, I was bombarded with questions related to my health (heaven forbid my allergies kick in on the plane and I write down that I have a runny nose! I learned my lesson from that very quickly). It's actually really annoying because just when the Swine Flu crap started to die down in the States, I get hit with a new batch of crazy and everyone starts losing their shit; awesome.
So needless to say, I was disappointed. That night, however, Annie (the girl who's position I'm taking over... sometime... eventually... at some point in time when I am allowed to teach) took me out with a few of her friends to Old Downtown Daejeon. Basically Times Square on crack. Lights everywhere for miles. You can see the picture to the side. Anyhow, we went to a Karaoke Room, which Koreans are known for (seriously, there is literally a different karaoke room on EVERY street) and had some fun.
So I spent the last week trying to get situated in my new digs. The cable is set up and I have internet. I still need a freaking phone though! I haven't been able to call home yet (I git Skype, but I can't figure out how to work the microphone on my freaking compy!). I need an Alien card to get a phone and set up a bank account, and to get an Alien card I need... wait for it... a health check-up, surprise surprise. Between going to the hospital and going back and fourth to the E-Mart (Basically like a Super Wal-Mart) I've been in my apty trying to get on a proper sleep schedule. I figured out the subway though! (take that, Kate!) but it's only one line, so I guess that's not to big of an accomplishment.
Oh! I went out to New Downtown, which is actually closer to where live (Old Downtown is a 20 minute subway ride). It's great because not only do they have these cool looking bars, they have foreigners! Lots and lots of foreigners! And I would love to start hanging out with them... but I can't give them my number... because I don't have a phone... and truthfully, there is only so much Facebook can do for you.
Anywho,( this is a seriously long blog. I promise I'll update more frequently from now on) I do have a video-blog coming up that gives you a tour of my apartment... just as soon as I figure out how to upload it.
I miss you all! Please, please let me know how you're doing. The homesickness comes and goes (like when the nice nurse looked me deep in the eyes and said "Let me know if you need anything" very sincerely... yeah, I teared up in the exam room right there) Also, I'd give you my address, but I don't know it, because it's written on a post-it in very sloppy Hangul. Also, postcards will be coming... once I figure out the postal system. I DO have a map of the city! That's a step in the right direction, right?
kimchi chine blog! brilliant! you know what they say about hiccups. get a good scare and they vanish.
ReplyDeleteEeeeeek! You're alive! For all Skype questions, ask Daniel. He's pretty much a pro at all of it cause of Morocco. I'm sorry you got quarantined, but maybe it's for the best if it saved Korea from your karaoke voice for even a few days.
ReplyDeleteI kid, I kid. Love from Silver Spring!
Oh karaoke in Asia - it's a great bonding activity as you drunkenly sing with your colleagues and friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd have fun with phone shopping! Who knows, you might be able to get a phone where you can watch live TV, in particular Korean Dramas. That would be amazing! :D
omg so good to hear from you and know you're doing well and going out karaoke-ing and not having to work. Sounds like a sweet deal...as long as you still get $$.
ReplyDeleteoh man I totes didn't even get freaked out by swine flu I just thought people were overreacting... and then one of my mom's friends who was sick and had not left his home in years (not kidding, totes housebouned) got it and died. WTF. So.. I'm glad they are careful because I don't want you catching it from someone else!!
What's new with me is shopping for home goods!! I got a comforter, sheets, a body pillow, a shower curtain, towels, bath mats, and some art. Very exciting.
Can't wait for pics and videos and HELLO KITTY pen-pal notes!!! xo
Ah! Not Swine flu! Seriously, it's just like regular flu. It's not affecting anymore people than normal everyday flu is. People are stupid. Just wash your hands.
ReplyDeleteI want your address so I can send you a card! I've never mailed anything internationally before. Hopefully it's just stop at the post office for a stamp or something.
I hope your quarantine went well! Find good clothing deals! Hahaha
CHINE!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh~~ just reading your blog makes me sooo excited.
are you having fun there? except for all that swine flue stuff...? haha
did you meet lots of handsome korean boys? keke
there's this korean singing girl group 2ne1 and i love them~ haha so random but just wanted to tell you.
i miss talking and hanging out with you. when do we get to do that? oh wait~ perhaps next summmmmer muhaha
annd please please post up your days in korea like everyday okay? i love reading about your experience. kimchi chine is very clever and cute name for your blog. i like. =)
i miss you and i hope your teaching goes well~~ love you!!!
Wow, I'm super sad that you're not here. Who would have thought after 21 years of denying your existence, I'd actually say "I miss you" and mean it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having an interesting time over there. I'm ecstatic over the 4 year old kids, not in a creepy way. That's such a great age to teach; half of the kids will be shy and want to please you, and the others are little shits, whose spirit you can easily break by telling them Santa doesn't exsist (or the Korean equivillent). But we can't forget little Timmy, who eats glue and smells like cat piss. There's always one in every class.
Anyways miss you mucho!
~The Uch