I’ve been here nearly three weeks now and this week saw a number of significant happenings.

Firstly it is the longest I have even been outside of England. And I have to say that apart from my friends and family I’m not really missing England that much.

The main things that are strange are still having to remember to look the other way when crossing the road. The lack of rules and regulations when it comes to speed limits and red lights. Having to catch a bus everywhere and the realisation that I will never be brave enough to drive around this place because the driving here is insane!

Not being able to read signs – was very strange at first but in some way it’s kind of nice not to be constantly bombarded with advertising. At least I know I’m not being unconsciously influenced into buying a product I don’t want! It does, however, become a problem when I am looking for somewhere or wanting to order dinner. Daniel still orders everything for me cause I can’t read the menu. I will have to rectify this at least to some degree before he leaves. Otherwise I may starve! Or alternatively have to live on chocolate…. Ummmmm on second thoughts………

Talking of food. The Koreans (well the teachers at my school anyway) are obsessed with foreigners not liking Korean food. I am going on a school trip tomorrow and it is traditional for the children’s mothers to make food for the teachers. The school director actually came to me earlier today and said he would have to get me some sandwiches because I don’t like Korean food. He started going on about a traditional Korean roll assuming I didn’t know what it was called, (which incidentally is called Kimbap (pronounced Gimbop)) and how I didn’t like it! To which I told him I’d eaten it a few times and actually quite like it, he was mega surprised.

The teachers here seem to judge foreigners by the way they have acted when they have been abroad. I know from chatting to them that when they have been to England or America they find it hard not to have Korean food and often cook Korean food at home rather then eat western food.

The teachers here are convinced that I am really missing western food. Which for the first week I was, but once your find you way around there are plenty of nice restaurants that serve decent Korean food. And I have tried more random things since I’ve been here than ever before (yellow radishes and dried squid for example). There are a few things that are not likely to be seen anywhere near my plate – whole octopus being one of them. The food here is a post in itself, which I will try to add soon (with pictures!).

Another significant thing that happened this week was getting my alien card. I am now officially an registered alien living and working in Korea. Having this card also meant I have been able to open a Korean back account. So gone are the days of having (literally) millions of won in my flat!

The other significant event and also (possibly) highlight of my stay so far was on the way home from work last night. I was walking up to the big crossroads near my house when I noticed a few western looking people stood at the lights. As I got closer they looked at me and shouted ‘Hi’. I got to the junction and introductions were made. I was absolutely gob smacked – three whole other foreigners in my area – and it turns out there are plenty more. I went for a beer with them and found out that there are about ten of them living in one building which is about five minutes from my flat, and opposite the internet café where I normally post my blog. I can’t believe I’ve not bumped into them before. I spent most of the evening drinking beer with them totally shocked and relieved to have finally found some more English speakers in my area. And to top it all of they all seemed very nice and very friendly.

There is an American guy called Rob who is also a journalist, he has a degree in television production. Another guy called Joseph who was so laid back he was almost asleep – but also quite attractive. He didn’t speak much so I’m not sure where he is from. And also a bird from either New Zealand or Australia (I can’t remember which) but she went to Nottingham University and liked living in England. She was possibly the most excited to see me because apart from a 60 year-old woman she is the only other girl in the area. She was even more excited to here that Katrina will be coming over soon.

Emily is coming here for the weekend and I have arranged to go out with them on Saturday night. Wey hay – bring on the party! I’m so excited to have more people in my area.

Over and out for now. Probably no more blogging till Monday, but I’ll be sure to fill you in on the details of the school trip I’m going on tomorrow – complete with pictures.
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j150vsc – Thu, 2006 – 09 – 21 11:39