Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Three Weeks In...

It seems my lack of blogging has put me near the end of my first three weeks of teaching. As I'm only teaching for six weeks this makes it a pivotal point in my return to Korea. This time around I am teaching college freshman who are finishing their English requirement. Thankfully I've been blessed by the higher level students, but I will admit, it has still been quite challenging as only half the class really understands the daily conversations and tasks. With that said, it will be interesting to see what the next three weeks will bring as I will also be balancing a 3 credit course, 3 hours, 4 days a week. It should prove interesting, but of course, I'm always up for a challenge.

Life in Daejeon is a bit more laid back than life in Seoul, but not without its unique eccentricities of course. I actually prefer the pace here to the pace in Seoul however, I do like that I know my way around Seoul, know how to get places and was privileged to live in a prime location. Woosong is hectic. I say that with some restraint as I've had some problems with things here, but at the same time, it is more me adjusting to Korean life again. Having previously been to Korea I know that things do not always happen the way they are supposed to or even in a fashion that I am accustom to. With that said, it has been, once again, a learning experience on my part. I am so blessed with this opportunity once again and I'm trying to make the most of it.

My days in Daejeon are filled with teaching, hiking and once again devouring delicious Korean food. I try to eat kimchi daily as I missed it more than I eve knew. I also try to eat something different everyday, not necessarily something new, but different at least. Below are a few pictures from the past few weeks.
















Daejeon as seen from my hike















Uma Park, about a mile from my apartment

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Welcome to Daejeon + Thankful Thursday

On June 6th, I left for Korea. Again. This time a two month stint in Daejeon, which pales in comparison to my previous 13 months in Seoul. I spent the first two days in Seoul and on June 9th, made my way to Daejeon. Daejeon is about an hour southwest of Seoul by the high-speed KTX train or about 2 hours by normal train. I'm sharing an apartment with my friend Sarah and it is quite nice. Daejeon is smaller than Seoul, but not small by any means. 1.5 million people occupy this city and while it's subway system is a one liner at the moment, extensive bus and train systems are in effect. I spent my 25th birthday here with Sarah and Jenna and then headed to Seoul for the weekend. Not a whole lot to report yet. I will recap my first week teaching at a later date (probably tomorrow)

Thankful Thursday
This wonderful opportunity to be back in Korea

Turning 25 a week ago

Getting to visit BIS, my old school in Seoul

Amazing Korean food

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Round Two

I leave for Korea on June 6th! I land in the land of the Morning Calm at 5pm on June 7th. Watch out Korea, I'm coming back!

P.S. I know I've neglected this blog the last month or so, but that's all about to change my friends. I have updates coming soon about Target Field, running and of course, more KOREA!!!