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.
In
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 (slowly) hit by a car and dealt with absurd
noise complaints from my irate neighbor at least half a dozen times. I’ve
continued dancing and playing soccer, and even learned to ski. I’ve learned to
read Korean, though I can only actually say about 20 words. I’ve experienced Korean
saunas (despite the fact that you have to walk around naked) and gotten
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
inspiring 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.
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