The Breakdown

It's only taken me 48 hours to become completely confused and dumbfounded by most of what is posted online by US teachers in Korea.  Certainly, I've only been here for a minute and I won't begin to know it all, but I would like to address a few points here at the beginning.

First, Korea is not that cold.  It's February on the coast and gloves are optional.  Sure, you need to to bring something warm but it is nothing like Russia or Alaska.  Just bring some nice cold weather gear and you will be fine.

There are plenty of food options.  Online they make it sound like there is nothing to eat.  The place is rolling in awesome food.  The big markets have everything you need and more and the smaller markets runnith over in local awesome.  If you can't find plenty to eat and cook here well, that says more about you then it says about Korea.

Korean's are surprisingly polite about foreigners.  Yes, it's true there aren't a lot of foreigners, in fact I haven't seen anyone else since I left the airport.  Still, it's not hostel.  I've not been made to feel threatened or uncomfortable.  People are, at times, surprised to see me but it's NOTHING like Central America, a basket ball game at Northway, The Dirty South or the bad part of Hollywood.

Other things I was told I needed to bring to Korea but didn't because the Korean version is just fine:

• Blankets
• Toothpaste
• Pillows
• Converters (they have them at e-mart so don't stress)
• Sheets (they are different but they are fine, you're not going to die)

Basically, Korea has everything you need to live a very happy, comfortable and well-fed life.  Sure things are a little different, but isn't that what makes it awesome and why it's Korea and not the USA?

In short, I've begun to think that many people who post about living in Korea are whiny little girls who have lived a privileged pasty suburban life and should get out more.  While here I'll try to put together a list of places to find accurate info on Korea.

Excellent Priorities

The Coffee Prince didn't let me down.

Korea is in love with coffee.

They read my mind and my heart.

and they are adorable.

The stove is actually on and heating the pot.

with easy to read picture book menus.

For the record, I went with the cap and not the latte.

No matter the country

No matter the language

Coffee is always like a warm hug.

Super Bowl Monday

 I sold my identity to watch the Superbowl online 

and all I got was the Black Eyed Peas.

But really, the funny thing is that the last Superbowl I watched overseas had the Packers in it in 1998.  I stayed up all night with my Aunt's brother watching the Bronco's (my team) beat the Packers.  It was a glorious night of wonder that brought to close the lifelong  

Rivers v. Valentines 

football rivalry.

Of course, truth is, I miss the Rivers / Valentine's Superbowl.

It's what I've always loved the most about football.

Point A to Point B

As my final meal I chose Macrina Bakery.

Per usual, it was magic in every bit.

I'll take it all thank you.

My family was all there to send me off.

The best way to start the day.

My Drama got off to a great start when Patty Wagon lost her brakes on the way to the airport. Luckily The Harri-bou had studied the fine art of driving without breaks under the firm tutelage of Kelly-bou during one cold and icy Russian winter.  He handled the situation beautifully and delivered me safely to airport without incident.

My hero

Thankfully, my flight wasn't down and dirty.  No layovers.  Just straight shot from point A to point B.  Korean Airlines treated me right and the 12 hour flight flew right by, pun intended.  

They had me from USB charger in my seat & bottomless movie choices.

I watched my body weight in films.

Once I arrived in Seoul I was able to hop right on my iPhone and update everyone about my arrival.  Wifi truly is everywhere so I never missed a beat connecting with my family before hopping on the bus across country to Sokcho. 

Waiting for my first bus, looking more awake then I am.

To be honest, the only eventful part of my day was when Patty lost her brakes, and even that didn't get me too excited since I was exhausted.  Truth is, I literally got from Seattle to Sokcho in my sleep.  Barely remember any of it.  My hosts were very helpful in making sure I was met at any critical points in Korea so I didn't even need to really wake up.  All I had to do was follow the random Korean men who knew my name. 

 All in all, there was nothing scary or nerve racking about any of it.  

In fact, it's far scarier and disorienting to visit - say - the Southcenter Mall or Mississippi.

PS When I'm more settled I'll re-visit and refine this post, but for now I just wanted to let everyone know I'd arrived.

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