Choosing to head to Korea was probably one of the most impulsive things I've ever done in my 22 years. Imagining my life here now, I wouldn't change it for the world.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less travelled by.” This quote alone describes the road to Korea. Not many people can say they've been here or will ever travel here. In fairness, I can honestly say that it wasn't the first country on my list. Why would I think of Korea? I mean the only time it's ever recognised is if it's on the verge of war and plastered all over RTE News, which I can safely say is not the case.
Having been to Japan, I was quite at ease with the idealism of settling down in Korea for a year. I have travelled quite a bit and seen some pretty awesome things, so homesickness was not something I ever thought would cross my mind. Yet, there are so many things I miss about home and of course, it's all of the clichés. I miss potatoes. Creamy, buttery potatoes. I miss my bed, Coronation Street, Tayto and the simple convenience of walking into a restaurant and being able to order something without it being an ordeal. I miss my friends, my family, my dogs. I miss walking around town not feeling like the most obese person ever. I miss the Irish weather. Yes I did say that. Humidity in Korea is unbelievable. I miss Argos banter and the comfort of a reasonable time difference.
Reading all of those things I miss must make you think that I'm struggling here. There are times when I think I can't handle it, or that I'm missing out on amazing things that are happening at home, but when I look out my window, I feel truly blessed to have been given an opportunity and experience like this one. Everyday I learn something new about myself. I can now open those ketchup sachets (thanks Keri) and I'm slowly but surely becoming a pretty decent teacher.
Teaching hasn't ever been something that I wanted to do. Having no experience with children and stepping in front of a classroom was probably the most intimidating experience of my life. The first day I was handed my schedule and sent on my merry way. Winging my way through my first class would be an understatement but now I can safely say I've gotten a lot better. There are days where I want to kill the kids, but its the little things that make it worth it. It's pretty rewarding having your students tell you that they love you, that you're a princess and very beautiful.
Korean people were not what I had expected. I thought of them as uninviting and unwelcoming to foreigners. Having been her 2 months, I can tell you I've never been more wrong. Korean people are the most welcoming and most helpful people I have ever met. They will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I remember the first time Keri and I couldn't find the grocery store and this businessman, who looked extremely unapproachable, gave us a warm smile, whipped out this giant Samsung phone and drew us directions. I knew there and then how amazing these people were.
Korean people like to stare... a LOT. They don't mean any disrespect by it. It just seems that western people are not something they come by often. Some pluck up the courage to say hello, while the more courageous ones, will ask for a photo with you. It's not something that you can ever get used to, and sometimes it can get quite annoying. I honestly don't know how celebrities do it.
Affection is everywhere in Korea. It comes in many forms. Men carry their girlfriends handbags. About five Koreans share the same drink. However most crazy of all affection here is how men behave around their dude counterparts. They hug each other all the time, they hold hands crossing the street and on leisurely strolls together and yes, they slap each others arses. It's completely mind boggling to a westerner, yet completely normal here.
Food here is something I can't get used to. Those who know me well, know that I'm extremely picky and live on my staples of eggs, bread, potatoes and Tesco meal deals. Food here has been a struggle. Rice was something I hated before I came here, yet here I am eating it on a daily basis. Kimchi is something I don't particularly like either. For those who don't know what that is, its fermented cabbage and is served with every meal. I could go on and on about the food here and how I'm not courageous enough to sample some of the squid and whatnot, but I can tell you that most people wouldn't have a problem living off the food here. I'm just an Irish culchie hung up on potatoes.
The stereotype that Koreans are extremely thin and beautiful is definitely accurate. The moment I arrived at Seoul Airport it was the first thing I noticed. Walking into stores, its common to get the whole: "You're totally not going to fit into our clothes" look and rightly so. I think the only women to actually get by in some Korean clothes are those who wear a size 6-8 which I can safely say I don't. It's also safe to say, that your considered Frodo Baggins here if your feet size are above a 6. Thankfully I narrowly escaped this problem.
I don't really know what else to say really. I never thought id write a blog. I'm no English major so don't expect perfect English even though technically I should be using perfect English since I teach it. I'm also aware reading all of this over, that it's all over the place, but sure hey, life's messy! It's just a little account of my life here since quite a few of you like to know what I'm up to. I hope you got some inside into life in Korea.
That's it for now.
Peace out.
당신이 그리워 (Miss you guys) x
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