Subway and Walking Around

On Saturday I wanted to do some exploring, but it was pretty hot and humid (not that this is any different from any other day) so I didn't stay out as long as I would have liked. However, I did take the subway for the first time. The pocket sized subway map is in Korean, so it can be difficult to know where one is going, but luckily I have a tour book with the English version printed in it. I only went two stops, but I made my way to the Gangnam stop where I found a plethora of stores and restaurants. I found a really cool store, Artbox, that had all sorts of stationery, pens, planners, journals, etc. I bought a planner because I didn't have one and have already found it useful and I also bought a red and pink pen to coordinate with the stationery I purchased. All of this only set me back 7,800W ($7.80). I also found a really great store with tons of makeup and nail polish but I only looked.

Yesterday, I met up with my friend J.T. and we walked around my neighborhood for a good couple of hours. We probably walked over a mile and a half in total. Later we went to dinner at Momotaro, a Japanese restaurant right by my apartment. I found a Chrysler dealership and Hyundai department store along with Lotte department store. I will most likely explore the department stores at some point. When I got home last night I continued looking at walking tours of the city. I want to become acquainted with the city outside of my little bubble. So, next Saturday I will be taking a walking tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace (and others) on the other side of the river. It means more using the subway (and transferring!) and getting to see some of the historical parts of Seoul. I am planning on signing up for a walking tour once a week (until they are all done) in order to become more familiar with Korean history and culture. I am also planning on visiting the DMZ and a green tea plantation at some point as well.

My second week of teaching starts today. I have a few tests to give this week so I'll be in the process of writing those tonight. The good thing is that I have a folder on the computer at school that previous teachers have used so I can either take their tests, or use them to make my own. I feel confident that I can write my own test, but maybe for the first couple I'll see what they have done.

First Night

I promised an update, so here we go. I got into Seoul (after the driver picked me up from the airport) around 7-ish. When I got here, I was taken to my apartment and then to BIS. I start teaching today, and the school director will be here in just a few minutes to take me to orientation. Anyway, the school is really nice, small, but good. I have my own classroom and I will be teaching Social Studies, Science, Math and English, so basically I am just like an elementary teacher back home. I'll learn more about my duties as today progresses.

After seeing BIS the school director (Mr. Kim) took me to dinner at a Japanese restaurant where he proceeded to laugh at my lack of chopstick skills. I was slightly embarrassed, but it serves me right for not practicing at home. Then I finally got to come back to my apartment (around 8:30). I decided not to do any unpacking because I was pretty tired, but I did take some pictures of my apartment and did a little on the computer. I will post the pictures on Flicker later today.

Here are some things I saw yesterday: a Milwaukee Brewers hat, a LSU shirt and a man selling socks on the side of a busy street. Also, they have a YMCA not too far from my apartment (I have a gym in the basement here though) and Starbucks on my corner.

Well, I need to finish getting ready for my first day. I am kind of nervous because I don't really know what I'll be teaching today. I have an idea for an icebreaker and getting to know the names of my students, we'll see.