This Isn't Where I Parked My Car?!

So yeah I did it! I am teaching English in Seoul. Its crazy to think a week ago my Tuesday didn't exist (damn international dateline) and now I'm knee deep in teaching. It didn't even cross my mind that it was Labor Day weekend. Having no internet, cable, or cell phone has really made me feel disconnected not only to everyone back home but even to people here (and very homesick at times). I feel so out of place at times and I easily slip into that, ''What the fuck did I get myself into!'' feeling, but I realize this is what I wanted so I need to just suck it up and focus on one little thing at a time. The teachers have been really supportive taking me out and showing me the ropes. I definitely made an impression from the first day (I know that no one is surprised) as I was completely jet lagged and it was everyone's mission to keep me awake dragging me around downtown Seoul. All I needed was some soju at dinner and the tangents and one liners were flying. Luckily they don't know alot of the material is recycled, haha. Its so different over here but yet its the same. Its a huge city, but you have to learn to get around just like everywhere else and now I have as of yesterday. Not feeling like I'm locked up in my apartment definitely is a confidence booster. I think the teachers have figured out I like to party so they have come knocking on my door to hit up a soju tent in the middle of the night. Who needs to sleep when you don't go into work until 2:00pm?! Doesn't matter that I was sleeping. I threw on a shirt, some flip flops, and I was good to go. Working in the afternoon and evenings there's no real need for an alarm.

The kids here are just as precocious as back in the states running around like crazy and I have to lay the rules down on them (no therapeutic restraints needed). There's a lot of pressure to get everything in and for now I'm definitely struggling to fit in all the material. But that will change with time. Adjusting the new culture and my surroundings will ease the stress making it easier for me to excel here, but I can say I do miss my at-risk youth back in the Noke.

My 1st weekend was interesting. I don't get out of class until 9:30pm Friday and went straight out to an area called Hyundai. Its pretty much anything goes drinking on the streets, fire breathers, just wandering in to bars and clubs. Some playing old 90's music and others breaking out some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle techno. Needless to say I woke @ 1:30pm Saturday with a Gatorade next to me and a random wrapper in my pocket. Don't know what I ate, but I'm sure it was good. The food is good here and even though I can't use chopsticks that does not stop me from throwing it back.

Korean Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend which means a 5 day weekend! It looks as though I'll be hiking the 3rd highest mountain in Korea and then hitting up a beach on the other side partyin' down for the weekend. Its so crazy to think that college football is going on and I have no idea what is going on and I am missing out on all the tailgating. I'm in my own little bubble over here and even writing this blog or catching up with everyone on Facebook it doesn't feel the same. I miss everyone so much, but at the same time this is a great experience that I feel more confident about each day. Luckily one of the teachers has the NFL ticket so I can stay abreast with one sport atleast.

So yeah I know this might not be the most thrilling blog, but its a start. As of now I don't have a camera, but once I register with the Korean immigration I can get the internet and cell and I'll get the pics flowing. My apartment is on the corner and I have two incredible views of the city (especially at night). I can see the Olympic soccer stadium where the 2002 World Cup final happened.  So until next time hugs and hands pound all around!

Wally