Seven Months Later...

I’ve been in Korea for 17 months now and, although I haven’t written about any of the even remotely recent, I’ve had plenty of blog-worthy experiences.

I am fortunate enough to have been in Korea when Gangnam Style was released, when our northern neighbors’ dear, sweet, beautiful leader, Kim Jong Il, died and when South Korea inaugurated its first female president.

Within my first (almost) year and a half in Korea, I’ve become accustomed to bowing when I say hello to people and seeing wheelchairs driving on the streets. I’ve seen a girl in 6-inch stilettos get hit by a car (at a relatively slow pace - don't worry) and I’ve dealt with absurd noise complaints from my irate neighbor at least half a dozen times. I’ve continued dancing and playing soccer, and I even learned to ski. I’ve learned to read Korean, though I can only actually say probably 20 words. I’ve experienced Korea’s public bath houses (despite the fact that you have to walk around naked) and gotten both acupuncture and a massage for the first time. I’ve gone on too many a medical adventure, including an 11-day hospital stay that resulted in the Korean blood now flowing through my veins. I’ve visited the DMZ, where my grandfather was stationed when he was here all those years ago, and, best of all, I’ve learned a ton and made friends from all over the world.

I’ve definitely been here longer than the amount of time I consider appropriate to stay in one country, but the opportunities I’ve been given, combined with my inspirational students and amazing friendships, are making it all-too-easy easy to stay here until the last penny of that school loan is finally paid. More than seven months after my last post (sorry!), I’m pleased to let you all know that it’s still going amazingly well.