Now that I've navigated my way through the Korean tape, I'm ready for my post. Moving to another country, Korea for example, is like deciding to jump in the ocean and setting up shop. Communication is tough to impossible right now (that's expected to change), finding food is a daily struggle, and I'm wet once I leave my flat. Admittedly, this is all part of the fun.
Take my trip to Seoul today. Saying you're visiting Seoul is like saying you're going to check out an Asian Mexico. I mean, it is huge! With over 20 million people in the metropolitan area, it is the second largest city in the world. And I felt it. The energy there was overwhelming at times. Throughout my trip I had to constantly stay focused, whether I was transferring subway lines or walking down the street taking note of where I came from. My first stop was Itaewon, which is the supposed foreign area. Yeah, almost half of the people were foreigners speaking english. And unfortunately there is an Army base in Itaewon, so most of them looked like big Army dudes. There was tons of shopping and foreign foods, including a Mexican restaurant, but it was all dirty, and expensive. Wandering there for 45 minutes was enough. On the subway I met a nice Canadian girl who was happy to help me out. I was surprised to see so many foreigners since in Cheonan there are almost none!
Next I went to this huge electronics mall-literally 9 floors of electronics. I found my Korean wall converter there, but that's all I bought. That place was so crowded that I felt drained afterwards.
Then going home was a huge disaster. I thought the subway went all the way to Cheonan, so I boarded. But, no, it's last stop was well before Cheonan, so I had to board a $10 train. This is one of the new KTX trains that hauls (it goes up to 200km/hour), and it's smooth, too. Finally I was in Cheonan Asan. It was raining, and I had no idea where I was, so I had to take a cab. The cab cost another $8, and I wasn't sure if the taxi driver was screwing me or not. I kinda think all cab drivers are going to screw me. It cost about $20 to get home, but by that time I was so exhausted and hungry (I didn't eat all day except for a couple snacks I brought), I had to get home.
For a summary of Seoul-be prepared to spend money, even if you don't buy anything. Next time I go, I think I want to go with a purpose, or with someone who knows their way around. It's just too huge to try to wander the streets and explore.
Tomorrow is my first day teaching! I'm a little nervous but really excited. I think the kids will respect me and cooperate with me. I'll post about how that goes.
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3 comments:
Oh my. What an adventure! Nine floors of Korean electronics would be just jaw dropping! (how's the ac?)
AC- no go yet. I gotta get the remote fixed-a simple change of the batteries didn't work.
Sounds like the Big City Blues with an amusing twist. I recall as a New Yorker I would routinely get lost on the subway. I woulkd not stand a chance in Seoul.
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