Work time and Playtime

Shazzam,
So I am still alive and kicking and I can't believe I have been here for almost a month already. Time is flying by, I think this year will blow by. I have a pretty normal work routine, but have yet to get paid so hopefully the money will start flowing soon.... I did take my kids on a field trip to a "playground" on the 3rd floor of an office building. Due to the space constraints it is pretty common to have indoor playgrounds here. It was loads of fun and quite chaotic for 2 hours. I posted some pics.

I have made a few friends, couple from Canada and my Irish co-worker. We have hung out the last few weekends. I visited a Hookah bar here (one of two in the city I believe). I did have a little shindig at my apartment, where I realized that I need to invest in cups. Nothing like having your friends drink beer out of bowls. I may go crazy that first check and invest in 3-5 cups. In other news I have slowly been growing accustomed to the food and with time I may actually grow to like it... hopefully. Other than that nothing new to report, but I am planning on getting out of the city in a couple weeks and see the surrounding mountains and do a little exploring. I'll be sure to post pics, until then it is concrete and flashy lights for me.

Playground time, Hookah and a few more city pics
Playground Videos

-LR

Little challenges..

Hey all,
So you definitely know you are in another country when you spend 10 minutes trying to figure out your washing machine and T-stat. (I took quite a few cold showers before I realized how to work the T-stat, since it is linked with the water.) I will have to say that I was a little spoiled in Chile by the fact that I could speak Spanish. Since I don't speak a lick of Korean, reading things is pretty much impossible. I am taking some classes to learn the alphabet, kinda funny actually: my Korean is at a much lower level than my 5 year olds' english.

I did finally make a couple trips on the subway system here. It is quite impressive and extremely massive. The good part is that it IS labeled in English... although I did manage to get stuck in it for about 20 minutes...... but you live and learn. One good thing that may come of this trip is that I may increase my cooking skills from 0 to 1.2. Since I don't particularly like the food it has resulted in me cooking most nights. I feel like in the 15 years I've lived with a Chef I should have picked up on something.. oops. Shopping is fun though, since I can't read any labels. Most of my shopping is based on pictures, if there's no picture.. I ain't buying it. I did manage to find an amazing pizza place 3 minutes walk from my place.... I've had pizza three times in the last week... dangerous.........

T-Stat
Washing Machine

-LR

Yes.. I am a cafeteria lady.

Hey all,
I am getting settled into working and thought I would share a typical day with you. Luckily some of my students, especially my home room class speak a little bit of english which sure helps. I usually arrive at school around 9:30am and greet my 4-6 year old kids off the bus. I help them change then serve them a snack for breakfast, which typically consist of some milk and bread. I then have class from 10-12 in 40 minute sections. I teach math, science and english. Try teaching math to kids in a language not their own.. it is fun to say the least. Then "Luis the lunch lady" springs into action and serves them lunch. I then eat with them, or atleast eat what I can. Lunch is very "interesting" (posted some pics, don't ask me what it is.. the only thing for sure I know is "rice") Then I have class from 1-3, and load them up on the bus. Finally I have older kids (1st -3 rd) grade in the afternoon from 3-5. Not too bad a schedule, but anyone that works with kids knows how they suck the energy out of you like tiny little energy sucking vampires. They are tons of fun though and continually make me smile... for now........

Kids, Class and Lunch

-LR

Getting Settled in

Hey all,
So I a settled in my new apartment which is about 2 blocks from school. So I will essentially sleep walk to school. My school is nice and most speak english there which is good. Unfortunately I found out I am not just teaching english, I am also teaching math, and science WHILE teaching english to 4-6 year old really cute Korean kids. This should be fun.

I have explored a little of the city and saw what is supposed to be one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, called Lotte World. It is located in a mall that is like a giant maze. The mall runs under the streets, and is also attached to several buildings. You can enter through the building or walk down steps like your going into a subway. It was huge. I also visited the foreign part of town which consists of a bunch of American type bars. I went with some of my teachers who are locals and they didn't like it. In Korea typically you go out and eat and drink and it is a little calmer. Next I'll get to experience a Korean bar with them.

For now I am getting settled, trying to pick up on a few words here and there and just adjusting to being in a huge city. People are very friendly here and always helpful. For a big city it is surprisingly very safe, atleast in the part I live in. Anyway hope you all are doing well!! Here are some pics and video of my apartment. More pics are coming.......

Apartment Video and City Pics

-Luis

Arrived Safely

Hey all I have arrived safely last night. I have my first class today. I also plan on getting internet in my apartment, because I am having some serious trouble using these Korean Computers!! I'll post some pics of my apartment and school soon!