It's 10 pm on Friday.
I will move tomorrow around 6pm.
I am a little annoyed that it is so late, but I don't really have much of a choice.
I have all my clothing packed (except the stuff that is still drying from my laundry yesterday).
I have all my bathroom stuff packed.
I packed everything in my bedroom (essentially).
My kitchen, however, is a freaking disaster.
I can't pack up kitchen stuff because I just don't know how. It's totally over my head.
Also, I ran out of boxes (I have one left and all my kitchen stuff left to pack)
But, I am way better off than I was in the last move.
Plus, I got word from the part-time job that she will pay for the visa run IF I get my fbi background check by the first week of September. That gives me one month. LET'S GO FBI!
Please, everyone, fingers crossed please. I really need this job. Like seriously really need it.
Showing posts with label apartment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apartment. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Moving and Tears
I move to my new apartment on Saturday, which I'm sure I've mentioned like 600 times.
Tomorrow is my last day to come to Shinheung Girls Middle School. Next week I have an English camp at another nearby middle school.
Today I have to move a bunch of my boxes and stuff from my office.
Yesterday I had my last dinner with two of my co-teachers (the two I am by far the closest to)
We went to the same place where we had our first teacher dinner, mostly just by coincidence.
It was fun and talk-filled, but seriously, it was so so so so sad. Seriously. I cried like a baby. We took some polaroids and ate and chatted, and we all cried. And they gave me this beautiful pair of earrings from J.Estina and I just can't tell you how thankful I am to them.
They have helped me when I didn't know enough Korean, or when I didn't know where to look for something, or when I needed to sneak out early to go to the post office or bank, or when I just wanted help with anything. They have so much stress as homeroom teachers and with paperwork and discipline and extra classes I never could understand how they managed it, but they always did everything they possible could to make my life that much easier.
It's not like I'll never see them again, but I won't see them in the same capacity, and it's just so crazy.
A huge chapter of my life is closing. And a new chapter is opening. It's exciting, but bittersweet.
I'm no longer in the beginning of my Korean life.
Tomorrow is my last day to come to Shinheung Girls Middle School. Next week I have an English camp at another nearby middle school.
Today I have to move a bunch of my boxes and stuff from my office.
Yesterday I had my last dinner with two of my co-teachers (the two I am by far the closest to)
We went to the same place where we had our first teacher dinner, mostly just by coincidence.
It was fun and talk-filled, but seriously, it was so so so so sad. Seriously. I cried like a baby. We took some polaroids and ate and chatted, and we all cried. And they gave me this beautiful pair of earrings from J.Estina and I just can't tell you how thankful I am to them.
They have helped me when I didn't know enough Korean, or when I didn't know where to look for something, or when I needed to sneak out early to go to the post office or bank, or when I just wanted help with anything. They have so much stress as homeroom teachers and with paperwork and discipline and extra classes I never could understand how they managed it, but they always did everything they possible could to make my life that much easier.
It's not like I'll never see them again, but I won't see them in the same capacity, and it's just so crazy.
A huge chapter of my life is closing. And a new chapter is opening. It's exciting, but bittersweet.
I'm no longer in the beginning of my Korean life.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Stress in Korea
I'm continuing to have a moderately stressful time here in Korea. I am two days into my final week at my middle school. I am packing things up in boxes and praying I don't forget anything too important here at school.
I officially move on Saturday July 30. No, I have not packed a damn thing in my apartment yet. I haven't really had time to do any packing. I'm hoping to really buckle down on Thursday and Friday.
Today I have to go to the Immigration Office again to attempt to file my visa extension. So far my visa extension experience is as follows:
After the immigration office I am paying my apartment deposit and buying all the furniture from the current tenant.
At least I have an apartment, right? The only problem is that I am not sure if I'll be legally permitted to live/work here.
lol
I officially move on Saturday July 30. No, I have not packed a damn thing in my apartment yet. I haven't really had time to do any packing. I'm hoping to really buckle down on Thursday and Friday.
Today I have to go to the Immigration Office again to attempt to file my visa extension. So far my visa extension experience is as follows:
- Call Immigration Office for information. Get convoluted answers and the response that to get personal information I must visit immigration office in person.
- Go to Incheon Office of Immigration. Deal with an idiot who has no idea what is going on (partly because no one has any idea, including myself, what the rules are)
- Call Immigration Office. Am told I will probably be required to go on a visa run because they cannot process visa applications in advance (one month is too much notice???)
- Call Immigration Office again. Speak to helpful woman who reassures me that I should have no problem extending my visa anytime from now until I leave for America. She reiterates that I will have to return to the Immigration Office after my vacation in America to fill out some additional paperwork. No problem
- 7/21 Call Immigration Office again to confirm required documents and procedure. Am told that I may be able to file my employment transfer form at the same time (if I am lucky).
- 7/22 Go to Seoul Immigration Office with the following items: visa appointment reservation ticket, passport, Alien Registration Card, apostilled and notarized diploma copy, my current school contract, new hagwon contract, hagwon's business and teaching licenses, 30,000 won, and completed immigration forms 34 and 38-3
- Wait until my appointment time. Go to appointment desk. No one is there. Get help from a not very nice looking employee who offers to serve us since there is no one in the appointment booth. My new Korean boss explains why we came and what we are looking to do. Without so much as looking at any documents checking a computer or doing anything, she says I cannot file for my visa extension until within 15 days of my visa expiration. Unfortunately, I will be in New York City, Philadelpha and Florida at that time. My Korean boss explains this, and the women says I must bring in my airplane tickets to show I will be gone and then they will process it early. I have already explained my whole situation on the phone with immigration help a total of five times at this point and there was never, ever an instance in which I was told I needed plane tickets.
- Return home defeated.
- Discover in my mailbox a letter from immigration. It reads: Your visa will expire soon. If you plan to extend your visa please go to the nearest immigration office and complete the necessary paper work to do so.
- WHAT. THE. FUCK.
After the immigration office I am paying my apartment deposit and buying all the furniture from the current tenant.
At least I have an apartment, right? The only problem is that I am not sure if I'll be legally permitted to live/work here.
lol
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Sorry
I feel a little bad because I've let this blog kind of fall by the wayside a little, which is unfortunate. I've been really busy with the other blog and giveaways and stuff (if you are into kpop, check it out here)
Plus tumblr really is a much easier platform, and nicer on the eyes.
Nonetheless I will try to recap the last few weeks, but it's been a haze in a lot of places.
I tested 650+ students for speaking exams. Every student at my school grade 1-3. Grade one had a dialogue which they had to translate to Korean and memorize. The dialogue was pretty simple. But the students had real trouble memorizing it, I noticed. And grade 2/3 received three questions. They had to choose one and prepare a speech answering the one question. This went better than the dialogue, but not that great. Grading was the most difficult thing as I got no guidance regarding the division of grades (I am under the impression that ideal distribution would be like a bell where the largest number of students got a middle score. I was later informed that 20-30% of all students should receive a 10/10. lol My grading scale had to change quick.
Then I had my open class. Open class is a period when your class is open for your principal, other teachers from your school, teachers from other schools (foreign teachers and native teachers), and district supervisors to come in and watch and evaluate your lesson. Then there is a open discussion afterwards. Luckily, I knew most of the people who came in to watch and I got great feedback. Also, my class was PERFECT. So that was a relief because the class I had tends to be crazy talkative.
Now, exams are all finished, and I've got 6 more days of school left (I think it's only five days of classes, if my memory of last year serves me right). Today was my first day telling my students that I won't be around next semester. It was actually really really sad. I had some not very good classes today, and it was still sad. When I have class with my grade ones, and the grade threes (who are the only students I've taught the WHOLE time I've been here) it's gonna be super hard. I didn't cry today, but I almost did.
Well, what's next?
I have been accepted to study Korean at Sogang University (not a big deal, the acceptance, they accept everyone; the big deal is what level I test in to). I will be attending Korean classes Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 1 p.m. no breaks.
To help pay for this little endeavor, I've also secured (well, contract isn't finalized, but I've been offered) a part-time job at a pre-kindergarten hagwon (private after school program). The students are super young, 24 months to 4 years, and really adorable. I've visited the pre-k before and my good friend works there. I've currently been offered a job Tues-Fri 4-6p.m. so 8 hours a week, with a possibility for the addition of Monday and/or Saturday classes (up to about 15 hours/week). I'm really excited about this job and how great the timing works into my schedule (it still leaves evenings free for studying and plenty of time in the afternoon for lunch and class prep/studying.
The problem?
a) Housing: It's really difficult finding housing in Seoul. Especially without a ton of money. You see, monthly rent is often quite cheap (consistently less than 600usd/month, usually close to 450-500usd/month for a furnished studio in the middle of the 5th biggest city in the world is pretty damn cheap). However, Korea has key money, which is basically a gigantic deposit. I'm used to a first and last month's deposit policy. Here, however, it's not uncommon to pay 5-10,000 US Dollars in a deposit (which is returned at the end of the contract assuming no damages are incurred) before the contract starts. This policy stems from the 전세 system, which is this crazy idea to pay an enormous deposit (25,000 usd+) on an apartment and then pay absolutely no rent for the next 12 months and receive your original 25,000usd back upon contract termination. Basically free rent (the landlord profits from the interest earned on that deposit typically). Ten-fifteen years ago, this was almost the only system in place. THese days, they are moving to a 월세 system, or monthly rent system. But, still, the huge deposits are a result of the previous area of monster deposits. Needless to say, I don't have a spare 5-10,000usd hanging around for me to use on a deposit, so I'm super limited. Add my two beautiful kitties to the mix, and it's been tough. Hoon is looking at a place tomorrow, and I'm checking a place out Saturday that hopefully might work.
b) Visa Oh My God. Immigration is the most obnoxious thing ever. You see, I am currently here on a teaching visa, and actually my part-time employer has offered to sponsor my visa (same kind) which is very kind (part-timers often don't get visa sponsorship... without a connection at the place, I'd never have had this kind of support). However, I am going to be in America at the time of my current visa's expiration and Immigration seemed to have no idea how to handle this situation and the prospect of extending my visa, claiming I couldn't file to extend my visa until the very day it is set to expire. They repeatedly said to me, well, just come back on the 25th of August. As if it is feasible for me to change my non-refundable plane ticket and all my plans at the drop of a hat. When I said that wasn't possible, they just sucked air through their teeth and said, well that's a problem. Then they indicated that I would have to go on a visa run. To those of you unfamiliar with this term (almost everyone who isn't currently teaching abroad) a visa run is when you make a trip to a foreign country in order to apply for a new visa (this is if you currently are not on any teaching visa, only like a tourist visa) because you cannot apply in Korea for that visa. Most people go to Osaka for this procedure, and typically your employer will cover it. However, I don't know why I'd have to do a visa run if I am here now ready to submit all the required documentation a month and a half before my current visa expires. They are telling me to just let my visa expire and then travel abroad. When I will be in America, abroad, for three weeks. Right, sure, no problem. WHAT? WHY CAN'T I EXTEND MY VISA BEFORE I LEAVE? That's crazy.
Finally I found someone with a brain who told me that actually all I have to do is go now to immigration once and then again to the same office after I return to mark a change of workplace. Welp, that's simple enough. Why didn't someone tell me in the previous 5 hours I spent trying to figure this situation out???
Now I'm at a cafe, and it's getting late and I should hit the sack.
The reason I can't write at my apartment is because the kitties managed to chew the ethernet cable (the little plastic part at the end). They bent the plastic just enough to make my internet non-usable. So I cancelled my internet and go to a cafe twice/week to get the wifi. The rest of the time I only use my phone or my work computer to access the internet. It's cheaper this way anyhow. I'd probably be going to a cafe this often anyways. and now I don't have to pay the 38,000 won/month that my internet cost.
Thanks for listening to this ramble.
This weekend a follower of my tumblr is coming to town and I'm looking forward to meeting up with her. Also, wish me luck with my doggone housing search!
xoxo
Wally
Plus tumblr really is a much easier platform, and nicer on the eyes.
Nonetheless I will try to recap the last few weeks, but it's been a haze in a lot of places.
I tested 650+ students for speaking exams. Every student at my school grade 1-3. Grade one had a dialogue which they had to translate to Korean and memorize. The dialogue was pretty simple. But the students had real trouble memorizing it, I noticed. And grade 2/3 received three questions. They had to choose one and prepare a speech answering the one question. This went better than the dialogue, but not that great. Grading was the most difficult thing as I got no guidance regarding the division of grades (I am under the impression that ideal distribution would be like a bell where the largest number of students got a middle score. I was later informed that 20-30% of all students should receive a 10/10. lol My grading scale had to change quick.
Then I had my open class. Open class is a period when your class is open for your principal, other teachers from your school, teachers from other schools (foreign teachers and native teachers), and district supervisors to come in and watch and evaluate your lesson. Then there is a open discussion afterwards. Luckily, I knew most of the people who came in to watch and I got great feedback. Also, my class was PERFECT. So that was a relief because the class I had tends to be crazy talkative.
Now, exams are all finished, and I've got 6 more days of school left (I think it's only five days of classes, if my memory of last year serves me right). Today was my first day telling my students that I won't be around next semester. It was actually really really sad. I had some not very good classes today, and it was still sad. When I have class with my grade ones, and the grade threes (who are the only students I've taught the WHOLE time I've been here) it's gonna be super hard. I didn't cry today, but I almost did.
Well, what's next?
I have been accepted to study Korean at Sogang University (not a big deal, the acceptance, they accept everyone; the big deal is what level I test in to). I will be attending Korean classes Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 1 p.m. no breaks.
To help pay for this little endeavor, I've also secured (well, contract isn't finalized, but I've been offered) a part-time job at a pre-kindergarten hagwon (private after school program). The students are super young, 24 months to 4 years, and really adorable. I've visited the pre-k before and my good friend works there. I've currently been offered a job Tues-Fri 4-6p.m. so 8 hours a week, with a possibility for the addition of Monday and/or Saturday classes (up to about 15 hours/week). I'm really excited about this job and how great the timing works into my schedule (it still leaves evenings free for studying and plenty of time in the afternoon for lunch and class prep/studying.
The problem?
a) Housing: It's really difficult finding housing in Seoul. Especially without a ton of money. You see, monthly rent is often quite cheap (consistently less than 600usd/month, usually close to 450-500usd/month for a furnished studio in the middle of the 5th biggest city in the world is pretty damn cheap). However, Korea has key money, which is basically a gigantic deposit. I'm used to a first and last month's deposit policy. Here, however, it's not uncommon to pay 5-10,000 US Dollars in a deposit (which is returned at the end of the contract assuming no damages are incurred) before the contract starts. This policy stems from the 전세 system, which is this crazy idea to pay an enormous deposit (25,000 usd+) on an apartment and then pay absolutely no rent for the next 12 months and receive your original 25,000usd back upon contract termination. Basically free rent (the landlord profits from the interest earned on that deposit typically). Ten-fifteen years ago, this was almost the only system in place. THese days, they are moving to a 월세 system, or monthly rent system. But, still, the huge deposits are a result of the previous area of monster deposits. Needless to say, I don't have a spare 5-10,000usd hanging around for me to use on a deposit, so I'm super limited. Add my two beautiful kitties to the mix, and it's been tough. Hoon is looking at a place tomorrow, and I'm checking a place out Saturday that hopefully might work.
b) Visa Oh My God. Immigration is the most obnoxious thing ever. You see, I am currently here on a teaching visa, and actually my part-time employer has offered to sponsor my visa (same kind) which is very kind (part-timers often don't get visa sponsorship... without a connection at the place, I'd never have had this kind of support). However, I am going to be in America at the time of my current visa's expiration and Immigration seemed to have no idea how to handle this situation and the prospect of extending my visa, claiming I couldn't file to extend my visa until the very day it is set to expire. They repeatedly said to me, well, just come back on the 25th of August. As if it is feasible for me to change my non-refundable plane ticket and all my plans at the drop of a hat. When I said that wasn't possible, they just sucked air through their teeth and said, well that's a problem. Then they indicated that I would have to go on a visa run. To those of you unfamiliar with this term (almost everyone who isn't currently teaching abroad) a visa run is when you make a trip to a foreign country in order to apply for a new visa (this is if you currently are not on any teaching visa, only like a tourist visa) because you cannot apply in Korea for that visa. Most people go to Osaka for this procedure, and typically your employer will cover it. However, I don't know why I'd have to do a visa run if I am here now ready to submit all the required documentation a month and a half before my current visa expires. They are telling me to just let my visa expire and then travel abroad. When I will be in America, abroad, for three weeks. Right, sure, no problem. WHAT? WHY CAN'T I EXTEND MY VISA BEFORE I LEAVE? That's crazy.
Finally I found someone with a brain who told me that actually all I have to do is go now to immigration once and then again to the same office after I return to mark a change of workplace. Welp, that's simple enough. Why didn't someone tell me in the previous 5 hours I spent trying to figure this situation out???
Now I'm at a cafe, and it's getting late and I should hit the sack.
The reason I can't write at my apartment is because the kitties managed to chew the ethernet cable (the little plastic part at the end). They bent the plastic just enough to make my internet non-usable. So I cancelled my internet and go to a cafe twice/week to get the wifi. The rest of the time I only use my phone or my work computer to access the internet. It's cheaper this way anyhow. I'd probably be going to a cafe this often anyways. and now I don't have to pay the 38,000 won/month that my internet cost.
Thanks for listening to this ramble.
This weekend a follower of my tumblr is coming to town and I'm looking forward to meeting up with her. Also, wish me luck with my doggone housing search!
xoxo
Wally
Saturday, October 2, 2010
I hate Saturdays.
Today I am a little sad. I don't want to point fingers, but it's not my own fault that I'm sad. I'm thinking about going shopping in a bit. Today actually started off really well. I woke up at noon, which was awesome. Then I made eggs and toast for breakfast and it was delicious. And I did french-press coffee, and everything was looking up. I put together this little shelf cabinet thingy (it was really simple... 16 screws, a box with two shelves, but I had no screwdriver so I had to use my scissors). I bought some hooks and hung up a frisbee and put up hooks for some bags near the door, and I put a bunch of shit in my shelves, and took out the garbage and recycling, and folded some laundry (the rest isn't dry yet), and then I even vacuumed the whole apartment. Paigey'd be so proud of me.
Hopefully, now that my apartment isn't a totally pigsty, I'll finally be able to film a tour of the NEW apartment. I still need to buy a desk so I don't have to always use my computer in bed, and a chair, so I don't have to always sit on the floor to eat my meals (I also don't have a table, so eat off the floor, too. Paigey'd be so NOT proud.
Anyways, now I have no plans, but I am enjoying my suddenly much cleaner apartment.
Tomorrow I've got frisbee. This week highs are in the mid-upper 60s, low 70s, which is awesome. It's fall, people, and I'm happy about that.
Also, I HAVE NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY!
Hopefully, now that my apartment isn't a totally pigsty, I'll finally be able to film a tour of the NEW apartment. I still need to buy a desk so I don't have to always use my computer in bed, and a chair, so I don't have to always sit on the floor to eat my meals (I also don't have a table, so eat off the floor, too. Paigey'd be so NOT proud.
Anyways, now I have no plans, but I am enjoying my suddenly much cleaner apartment.
Tomorrow I've got frisbee. This week highs are in the mid-upper 60s, low 70s, which is awesome. It's fall, people, and I'm happy about that.
Also, I HAVE NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY!
Friday, September 17, 2010
VLOG!
I'm gonna start vlogging because I think it's cool.
I hope you enjoyed it. More to come!
xoxo
A
I hope you enjoyed it. More to come!
xoxo
A
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Not Hot List
1. SHINee. Seriously, I really really really don't like them. I'm pretty loving towards all the kpop groups, male and female alike. I don't judge the girls for getting plastic surgery or wearing skanky clothes or not being able to sing well. Granted I like some (2ne1, f(x), Boa) better than others (T-ara, 4minute), but I don't hate on any of them. And I don't judge the boys for being too skinny, or having a million people in their group (uh, Super Junior), or lip-syncing, or being too damn sexy (uh, Big Bang). I'm pretty open-minded. But, I just can't get behind SHINee. They are not very attractive (imho), they are mediocre singers, they are mediocre dancers, and their entertainment company/stylists make them wear hella ugly clothing and give them hella ugly haircuts. Plus, whoever is producing and writing their music sucks. The English lyrics on both of their major releases (Ring Ding Dong and now Lucifer) are freaking ridiculous. "Fantastic, fantastic, elastic, elastic" and "loverholic robotronic" WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT? I hate them. That's all there is to it.
2. Se7en's tattoo. God it's just freaking ugly. Luckily I can overlook it due to his sexy bod and his hot dancing. But still. Fix that shit YG. Y'all can afford the laser removal.
3. A perfect day wasted. Today, the weather is gorgeous. And by gorgeous I mean swelteringly hot, with sunshine. i.e. a gorgeous beach day. Where am I? Inside my apartment. There is no beach reasonably nearby (or reasonably accessible) and there are no outdoor pools nearby either. On a day like today, I really hate Korea for not letting me take advantage of such nice weather. Hopefully it'll be nice again tomorrow so Beks and I can tan on her roof after brunch!
4. Bugs. In my apartment. They are tiny. Not ants. I'm not entirely sure what (sorry ENT2042, I forgot all the lessons you taught me, except not to be afraid of bugs). It's not really an infestation (yet), but I've seen maybe 3 in the last two or three days. They are so small and can't really hurt me, it's just annoying. I haven't had any bugs before. Maybe it's just because things got a little dirty at my apartment. But, everything is thoroughly cleaned now (even the wasteland that was my shower) so hopefully that will ward them off a bit.
Finished.
xoxo
A
p.s. THIS is my 200th post? sheesh.
I'm sorry, Onew, you look fucking stupid. Unfortunately no pic of another haircut which is half head fully shaved, other half, long hair.
Photo Credit: AllKpop, taken from Inkigayo performance video 7/26
2. Se7en's tattoo. God it's just freaking ugly. Luckily I can overlook it due to his sexy bod and his hot dancing. But still. Fix that shit YG. Y'all can afford the laser removal.
Why Se7en, why? I still love you though. Even though I hate your tattoo.
3. A perfect day wasted. Today, the weather is gorgeous. And by gorgeous I mean swelteringly hot, with sunshine. i.e. a gorgeous beach day. Where am I? Inside my apartment. There is no beach reasonably nearby (or reasonably accessible) and there are no outdoor pools nearby either. On a day like today, I really hate Korea for not letting me take advantage of such nice weather. Hopefully it'll be nice again tomorrow so Beks and I can tan on her roof after brunch!
4. Bugs. In my apartment. They are tiny. Not ants. I'm not entirely sure what (sorry ENT2042, I forgot all the lessons you taught me, except not to be afraid of bugs). It's not really an infestation (yet), but I've seen maybe 3 in the last two or three days. They are so small and can't really hurt me, it's just annoying. I haven't had any bugs before. Maybe it's just because things got a little dirty at my apartment. But, everything is thoroughly cleaned now (even the wasteland that was my shower) so hopefully that will ward them off a bit.
Finished.
xoxo
A
p.s. THIS is my 200th post? sheesh.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Love Motel
Well, I had a crazy Thursday night. How I spent my Thursday night in a love motel:
I locked myself out of my apartment. I didn't realize I had locked myself out until I got home and couldn't find my key. You see, my apartment door locks automatically behind me and if I don't have my little key to let myself in, I can't do anything. So, at 11:45 at night, in freezing weather (legitimately... it was like 16 degrees outside) I was locked out of my apartment.
So I go downstairs to the security guard thinking maybe he has a master key or a keypad code to use to unlock the door. The security guard is sleeping when I approach his booth, and when I knock on the door and wake him up, he certainly looked less than thrilled. He emphatically waved to me to indicate GO AWAY, but I didn't. Instead, I opened the door myself and tried to pantomine a key, while saying, key oppsoyo (I don't have a key). He was just like, I don't know, go away. And so I was like, okay, I have to find someone who speaks english and korean to explain this prediciment. So I go to Family Mart because a lot of the clerks are younger and speak a little english and might be of some help. Naturally, it is my luck that this night, it was a girl who repeated emphatically, several times, "No Englishee" So, frustrated, I went back to the security guard to plead for help. More go aways.
I head upstairs to my apartment to try to use random number codes to get into my apartment. No luck. I'm crying. I had tried calling my coteacher a couple times, but since it was late, she was already asleep. Then, called my friend andre to see if he knew any korean speakers that might be able to help me. His friend joe called me and I went to the security guard to have him talk to him. The security guard then stepped out of his office/booth and said, no talk. HE WOULDN'T TALK TO THIS GUY IN KOREAN TO HELP ME?!?!!!!! But, he does usher me upstairs where he proceeds to rattle off a bunch of information in rapid Korean that I don't understand.
By a stroke of sheer luck, a couple step out of their apartment just as this is starting to get really awkward. This couple happens to be a Canadian man and his Korean (but fluent English speaking) girlfriend/wife. They ask whats going on and the woman begins to help me out. She started talking to the security guard and then started calling locksmiths to see what could be done. The locksmiths all said one of two things: 1) They were closed for the evening, or 2) The only thing they could do is rip the entire lock out of my door, thereby creating a giant hole in my door, and also making it impossible for me to lock my door until they replace it, at my expense. Unfortunately, this option was looking reasonable to me at the time. But the Korean woman suggested I just spend the night somewhere and deal with it tomorrow morning.
Good advice. So, I hop into a cab, and say, "Motel, chogiyo" Which means motel over there, while pointing to the area where all the cheap, seedy love motels are located near me. It was within walking distance but it was so cold and I was so flustered and upset that I refused to walk. I chose the least disgusting looking one, Motel White Castle, which actually turned out to be quite nice. I had a huge room, with a big bed, a couch, a toilet with heated seat, a HUGE ASS BATHTUB, which I didn't use, two computers, and a care kit that include bathrobes, toothbrushes (score), shower caps, facewash (score!) and condoms (less of a score). My apartment also had a phone charger which was really really clutch (all phones in Korea use a universal charger... USA, take note of this). I took a shower, and pretty much went right to sleep.
Woke up the next morning, went to school wearing the same clothes I had worn on Thursday, and explained everything to my co-teacher, who pulled out a spare key and said, here, go home and change. I'll take care of your first period class. THANK GOD!
Seriously, that is exactly what happened.
xoxo
A
I locked myself out of my apartment. I didn't realize I had locked myself out until I got home and couldn't find my key. You see, my apartment door locks automatically behind me and if I don't have my little key to let myself in, I can't do anything. So, at 11:45 at night, in freezing weather (legitimately... it was like 16 degrees outside) I was locked out of my apartment.
So I go downstairs to the security guard thinking maybe he has a master key or a keypad code to use to unlock the door. The security guard is sleeping when I approach his booth, and when I knock on the door and wake him up, he certainly looked less than thrilled. He emphatically waved to me to indicate GO AWAY, but I didn't. Instead, I opened the door myself and tried to pantomine a key, while saying, key oppsoyo (I don't have a key). He was just like, I don't know, go away. And so I was like, okay, I have to find someone who speaks english and korean to explain this prediciment. So I go to Family Mart because a lot of the clerks are younger and speak a little english and might be of some help. Naturally, it is my luck that this night, it was a girl who repeated emphatically, several times, "No Englishee" So, frustrated, I went back to the security guard to plead for help. More go aways.
I head upstairs to my apartment to try to use random number codes to get into my apartment. No luck. I'm crying. I had tried calling my coteacher a couple times, but since it was late, she was already asleep. Then, called my friend andre to see if he knew any korean speakers that might be able to help me. His friend joe called me and I went to the security guard to have him talk to him. The security guard then stepped out of his office/booth and said, no talk. HE WOULDN'T TALK TO THIS GUY IN KOREAN TO HELP ME?!?!!!!! But, he does usher me upstairs where he proceeds to rattle off a bunch of information in rapid Korean that I don't understand.
By a stroke of sheer luck, a couple step out of their apartment just as this is starting to get really awkward. This couple happens to be a Canadian man and his Korean (but fluent English speaking) girlfriend/wife. They ask whats going on and the woman begins to help me out. She started talking to the security guard and then started calling locksmiths to see what could be done. The locksmiths all said one of two things: 1) They were closed for the evening, or 2) The only thing they could do is rip the entire lock out of my door, thereby creating a giant hole in my door, and also making it impossible for me to lock my door until they replace it, at my expense. Unfortunately, this option was looking reasonable to me at the time. But the Korean woman suggested I just spend the night somewhere and deal with it tomorrow morning.
Good advice. So, I hop into a cab, and say, "Motel, chogiyo" Which means motel over there, while pointing to the area where all the cheap, seedy love motels are located near me. It was within walking distance but it was so cold and I was so flustered and upset that I refused to walk. I chose the least disgusting looking one, Motel White Castle, which actually turned out to be quite nice. I had a huge room, with a big bed, a couch, a toilet with heated seat, a HUGE ASS BATHTUB, which I didn't use, two computers, and a care kit that include bathrobes, toothbrushes (score), shower caps, facewash (score!) and condoms (less of a score). My apartment also had a phone charger which was really really clutch (all phones in Korea use a universal charger... USA, take note of this). I took a shower, and pretty much went right to sleep.
Woke up the next morning, went to school wearing the same clothes I had worn on Thursday, and explained everything to my co-teacher, who pulled out a spare key and said, here, go home and change. I'll take care of your first period class. THANK GOD!
Seriously, that is exactly what happened.
xoxo
A
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Weekend and my Apartment!
This weekend was crazy. Cocoon in Hongdae twice, plus I tried Chinese Beijiu for the first time. It tastes like paint thinner. Smells like paint thinner. It was disugusting. Cocoon is crazy. It was packed, mostly with Korean people, which was cool. Also, they played great music (mostly hip-hop) and there were a lot of AWESOME dancers there. There were like 4 guys who had almost choreographed dances to half of the songs. I wish I had taken a video. Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera.
I went to Insa-dong, which is a big traditional Korean arts area, with tons of shopping. I'm almost done with Christmas presents, which has been a tremendous hassle. I got my first christmas gift from Eric & Kate, which is awesome. Unfortunately, I have no Christmas tree, so I've just put it on my coffee table and figure there won't be too many more coming in, so it should be fine. The biggest problem will be having the willpower not to open then before the big day. Christmas is going to be super lonely here this year. Sad. Luckily though, it hardly feels like Christmas here. Sure there are some Christmas decorations, but not nearly as many and they aren't nearly as gaudy. This is good because most of the time I've almost forgotten that Christmas is right around the corner. ^^
Anyways, I took the time this evening to make a video tour of my apartment. I know most of you have skyped me and have at least sort of seen my place, but a lot of you haven't. I figured you might be interested to see how I am living here. Old habits die hard friends, so you will see me in standard form. I did clean up a bit (I even vacuumed today), but I left it mostly in my natural habitat so you could see what it's like. Enjoy!
xoxo
A
I went to Insa-dong, which is a big traditional Korean arts area, with tons of shopping. I'm almost done with Christmas presents, which has been a tremendous hassle. I got my first christmas gift from Eric & Kate, which is awesome. Unfortunately, I have no Christmas tree, so I've just put it on my coffee table and figure there won't be too many more coming in, so it should be fine. The biggest problem will be having the willpower not to open then before the big day. Christmas is going to be super lonely here this year. Sad. Luckily though, it hardly feels like Christmas here. Sure there are some Christmas decorations, but not nearly as many and they aren't nearly as gaudy. This is good because most of the time I've almost forgotten that Christmas is right around the corner. ^^
Anyways, I took the time this evening to make a video tour of my apartment. I know most of you have skyped me and have at least sort of seen my place, but a lot of you haven't. I figured you might be interested to see how I am living here. Old habits die hard friends, so you will see me in standard form. I did clean up a bit (I even vacuumed today), but I left it mostly in my natural habitat so you could see what it's like. Enjoy!
xoxo
A
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
This is my apartment. This is where I live.
Yo. So finally, the pictures are taken (after a bit of tidying) and they are ripe to be posted here. So, with no further ado, ladies and gentleman (yeojas and namchas), this is my apartment:
I live in a moderately large single apartment. There is no bedroom, as evidenced by my bed sitting in the middle of the floor next to
my desk, coffee table and nightstand. Note that the bed is on the floor, a la Asia style. There is very little to say about the bed arrangement except that it is very difficult to get out of my bed after frisbee practices on the weekends. For those of you who have lived with me before (that's you, sarah, paigey, ali & stella, and nicki too, who didn't technically live with me, but knows all about how I roll anyways), please not the mild accumulation of things on one side of my bed. Old habits die hard, my f
riends, or they don't die at all. I'm doing my best to keep this pile to a minimum, but it is a bit difficult. In my first two weeks, I was given about a zillion sheets of paper with important information, and I don't really have anyplace to put them, since my apartment is lacking in the desk department. The desk truly is the crappiest part of the arrangement. For some reason unbeknownst to me, there is packing tape ALL over my desk. I peeled some off, but it left a sticky residue of tape adhesive that was a huge pain to remove (luckily, they have BAM cleaner here, and that my aparment already had some). For those of you who care to make sentimental notes: 1) LOEF quilt, which I use nightly. 2) Giraffe items from Kate, Teen, Justin & Alisha litter my nightstand, as well as my door. 3) Where's Wally photo book sitting on my coffee table. That completes my list of all the comforts of home that I brought with me. If anyone would like to mail me additional giraffe things they happen to stumble across, that would be stellar. Holla bout my addy.
My kitchen is relatively small, but does the trick. I have a microwave which is sweet. I also have
a french press, but I made the unfortunate mistake of purchasing an enormous bag of coffee (see the big yellow bag off to the left) without verifying that it is, indeed, not instant. As such, I have been drinking copious amounts of very expensive instant coffee so that I can get real coffee sooner. Also note that my diet consists of a considerable flow of frosted flakes, ramen, and coke. haha. I have been eating rice twice daily, and kimchi at least daily, if not twice/day. I have two stovetop burners, and a clothes washer, but no stove. This is truly unfortunate as it precludes me from having home-baked cookies/brownies/cupcakes/muffins/cake for a full year.
I lucked out in terms of a bathroom. By this I mean, I have the following: a huge medicine cabinet to store all my toiletries (multiple what you see in the picture by two) and, more importantly, a shower. When I say that I lucked out by
having a shower, I mean that most people do not have an actually shower. They do not have a bathtub, or a shower stall or anything of that nature. Instead, most people have a showerhead that rests just over the sink that the user must adjust to provide a stream of water that is a simulcrum of a shower, but in truth is really little more than a hose. I mean, yes, it's a shower head (one of those ones you can move around, that I can't think of the name of), but without an actual showerhead, it kind of lacks the je ne sais quoi of a real shower. Plus it gets all your shit wet, including the floor which you must then use jelly sandals to walk on as you finish getting ready for bed/the day. While jelly shoes may make you feel warm and fuzzy with nostalgia of the ease of childhood as represented by those glittery sandals you used to don 24.7, trust me, it will wear off after just a week of forgetting to use them and stepping in a puddle of cold water around your toilet or sink. So yeah, I have a shower, which pretty much rules. Plus my toilet can flush toilet paper, which many cannot.
The bathroom is in the hallway near the door. Also in the entry is way
more closet storage than a single person could possibly EVER need. I have FOUR closets that are approximately equal in size to the ONE I had in Hume. The unfortunate thing is that I do NOT have a dresser. Luckily, there are a few drawers and shelves in the closets. Seriously though, I could probably purchase 100 new clothing items, and would still have leftover space. This is a bad thing because my closets seem sad and lonely and empty, and I long to fill them with fabulous pink Korean fashion. I have already bought a skirt, and I see many many more in my future. Please also note the plethora of shoes sitting at the door. How I am adapting to the Korean way of life! I take my shoes of whenever I go inside. Any visitors will be expected to do the same. I roll like Dianey's mom now. :-)
Now one to the best, and least functional aspect of my apartment: the LOFT! Now this is the part of my apartment that is the most envy-inducing amongst the other teachers, but frankly, it seems pointless to me. I can't stand there. My bed in on the first floor (although I would really like it to be in the loft, I can't move it up the stairs. It takes to much work to angle it properly and I don't have the time, energy or strength to do it). I made a sort of lounge space up there, but the only thing that lounges up there is my luggage and a vacuum. My t.v. and new dvd player are up there as well, 
but seeing as how I get just 5 channels of t.v. (all of which are Korean), I don't spend much time watch the boob tube. Additionally, I am typically so tired by the end of the day of classes, errands and dinner making that the thought of spending two hours watching a movie is overwhelming. As a result, it is just a cool space that remains unused as of yet. Additionally, I sincerely apologize for the overabundance of pastel pink and purple in the decorations. I found this in my apartment and it seemed better than spending money on seating and what not. All lucky visitors will get to spend the night in the fluffy corner of candy colors. I'm probably gonna get some more floor cushions and stuff from this little shop in the dongincheon underground shopping mall.
So. That is my apartment. Next post is about public transportation. I haven't had too many follies as of yet, and hopefully I can continue on my lucky streak for as long as possible.
I love you all dearly. I hope that the pictures of my apartment are enough to stave you off for a little while.
xoxo,
A
p.s. Today my students bought me sweet potato pizza for dinner tonight because I am helping them make a song/dance routine for an English festival. By helping them make, I mean I am participating in said song/dance routine. The song/dance is going to be amazing and the pizza was delectable. More on this later!
I live in a moderately large single apartment. There is no bedroom, as evidenced by my bed sitting in the middle of the floor next to
my desk, coffee table and nightstand. Note that the bed is on the floor, a la Asia style. There is very little to say about the bed arrangement except that it is very difficult to get out of my bed after frisbee practices on the weekends. For those of you who have lived with me before (that's you, sarah, paigey, ali & stella, and nicki too, who didn't technically live with me, but knows all about how I roll anyways), please not the mild accumulation of things on one side of my bed. Old habits die hard, my f
riends, or they don't die at all. I'm doing my best to keep this pile to a minimum, but it is a bit difficult. In my first two weeks, I was given about a zillion sheets of paper with important information, and I don't really have anyplace to put them, since my apartment is lacking in the desk department. The desk truly is the crappiest part of the arrangement. For some reason unbeknownst to me, there is packing tape ALL over my desk. I peeled some off, but it left a sticky residue of tape adhesive that was a huge pain to remove (luckily, they have BAM cleaner here, and that my aparment already had some). For those of you who care to make sentimental notes: 1) LOEF quilt, which I use nightly. 2) Giraffe items from Kate, Teen, Justin & Alisha litter my nightstand, as well as my door. 3) Where's Wally photo book sitting on my coffee table. That completes my list of all the comforts of home that I brought with me. If anyone would like to mail me additional giraffe things they happen to stumble across, that would be stellar. Holla bout my addy.My kitchen is relatively small, but does the trick. I have a microwave which is sweet. I also have
a french press, but I made the unfortunate mistake of purchasing an enormous bag of coffee (see the big yellow bag off to the left) without verifying that it is, indeed, not instant. As such, I have been drinking copious amounts of very expensive instant coffee so that I can get real coffee sooner. Also note that my diet consists of a considerable flow of frosted flakes, ramen, and coke. haha. I have been eating rice twice daily, and kimchi at least daily, if not twice/day. I have two stovetop burners, and a clothes washer, but no stove. This is truly unfortunate as it precludes me from having home-baked cookies/brownies/cupcakes/muffins/cake for a full year.I lucked out in terms of a bathroom. By this I mean, I have the following: a huge medicine cabinet to store all my toiletries (multiple what you see in the picture by two) and, more importantly, a shower. When I say that I lucked out by
having a shower, I mean that most people do not have an actually shower. They do not have a bathtub, or a shower stall or anything of that nature. Instead, most people have a showerhead that rests just over the sink that the user must adjust to provide a stream of water that is a simulcrum of a shower, but in truth is really little more than a hose. I mean, yes, it's a shower head (one of those ones you can move around, that I can't think of the name of), but without an actual showerhead, it kind of lacks the je ne sais quoi of a real shower. Plus it gets all your shit wet, including the floor which you must then use jelly sandals to walk on as you finish getting ready for bed/the day. While jelly shoes may make you feel warm and fuzzy with nostalgia of the ease of childhood as represented by those glittery sandals you used to don 24.7, trust me, it will wear off after just a week of forgetting to use them and stepping in a puddle of cold water around your toilet or sink. So yeah, I have a shower, which pretty much rules. Plus my toilet can flush toilet paper, which many cannot.The bathroom is in the hallway near the door. Also in the entry is way
more closet storage than a single person could possibly EVER need. I have FOUR closets that are approximately equal in size to the ONE I had in Hume. The unfortunate thing is that I do NOT have a dresser. Luckily, there are a few drawers and shelves in the closets. Seriously though, I could probably purchase 100 new clothing items, and would still have leftover space. This is a bad thing because my closets seem sad and lonely and empty, and I long to fill them with fabulous pink Korean fashion. I have already bought a skirt, and I see many many more in my future. Please also note the plethora of shoes sitting at the door. How I am adapting to the Korean way of life! I take my shoes of whenever I go inside. Any visitors will be expected to do the same. I roll like Dianey's mom now. :-)
Now one to the best, and least functional aspect of my apartment: the LOFT! Now this is the part of my apartment that is the most envy-inducing amongst the other teachers, but frankly, it seems pointless to me. I can't stand there. My bed in on the first floor (although I would really like it to be in the loft, I can't move it up the stairs. It takes to much work to angle it properly and I don't have the time, energy or strength to do it). I made a sort of lounge space up there, but the only thing that lounges up there is my luggage and a vacuum. My t.v. and new dvd player are up there as well, 
but seeing as how I get just 5 channels of t.v. (all of which are Korean), I don't spend much time watch the boob tube. Additionally, I am typically so tired by the end of the day of classes, errands and dinner making that the thought of spending two hours watching a movie is overwhelming. As a result, it is just a cool space that remains unused as of yet. Additionally, I sincerely apologize for the overabundance of pastel pink and purple in the decorations. I found this in my apartment and it seemed better than spending money on seating and what not. All lucky visitors will get to spend the night in the fluffy corner of candy colors. I'm probably gonna get some more floor cushions and stuff from this little shop in the dongincheon underground shopping mall.So. That is my apartment. Next post is about public transportation. I haven't had too many follies as of yet, and hopefully I can continue on my lucky streak for as long as possible.
I love you all dearly. I hope that the pictures of my apartment are enough to stave you off for a little while.
xoxo,
A
p.s. Today my students bought me sweet potato pizza for dinner tonight because I am helping them make a song/dance routine for an English festival. By helping them make, I mean I am participating in said song/dance routine. The song/dance is going to be amazing and the pizza was delectable. More on this later!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Remember how I said this post would be about my apartment?
I lied.
I will post a picture of my apartment building and the view from my room, as a teaser for whenever the apartment post comes. I have not yet taken picture of my apartment due primarily to its messiness and the hectic nature of my schedule which has me waking up at 6:45
a.m., at work until 4:30/5 p.m., sleeping and eating almost immediately there after. This is interspersed with bits of facebooking, blogging, and general cleaning, as well as errands that need to be run (getting internet, buying groceries, getting stuff for the classroom, etc. etc.). So my apartment is called C Palace, which, frankly, is hilarious to me because it is a far cry from a palace. Fortunately, my apartment itself, while not a palace, is still more than sufficiently big for little ol me. I have a loft that I pretty much never use (except for storing my luggage, vacuum, tv and dvd player) and then everything else downstairs. The big blue building in the picture is my apartment. It's actually two buildings, but I live in the one in the front, building A, on the 11th floor. It's an ugly color, frankly, 
but I make it work. At the bottom of the apartment, there are a couple restaurants (chicken & beer, a kimbab place, and another restuarant), a family mart (which is a convenience store chain), and an office for the apartments. The view from my apartment overlooks the port of Incheon, which sounds like it could be cool, but really is nothing short of LOUD and bright regardless of the time or weather. Come rain, wind, sleet or snow, the port is still going to be banging cargo and honking horns from 11 p.m. straight on through to 5 a.m., when it becomes inconspicuously quiet. This, to say the least, is inconvenient.
Anyways, so the real reason I am posting is because I wanted share with you something wonderful about Korea. This wonderful thing is waffles. Now, you may think to yourself, "Now Allison has really gone off the deep end on this one. We have waffles in the United States!" This is true, yes, but you do not have waffles like the ones in Korea. I don't know what it is, but they are amazing. Along with a couple dozen other street food vendors selling everything from chicken kabobs to really really crunchy french fries to silkworm larvae (which I DID try once at orientation) to dried squid and octopus tentacles to dokbokki (sp? rice cakes in spicy sauce) to WAFFLES. These waffles appear to be your standard-issue circular, non-belgian, traditional waffles. However, their scent as you walk unassumingly down the streets is simply overpowering. Wafting around your nose is the sweet scent of breakfast food, just a touch sweeter than that which you might find back in the Western World. These waffles are cooked in waffle irons right there on the street before your very eyes, pulled out and then slathered with light, fluffy whipped cream and sweet apple jelly, and folded upon themselves to make a little waffle sandwich of glory. All for 500 won, or just under 50 cents. I could eat about 30 of these if the lady could make them that quickly. They are served warm, and the jelly just melts and blends with the whipped cream and I swear to god it is the most delicious taste sensation I've had in a long time.
It could just be the familiarity of waffles in an unexpected environment that makes these treats so tasty, but by god, they are amazing. It is a good thing for my waistline that the food street vendors don't set up shop near my apartment (although if they did, they could make a serious KILLING), but rather near the subways station (which I happen to frequent at least biweekly).
If you come to Korea I will buy you a waffle. or two. or three. Maybe you won't love them as much as I do, but I think they are worth every won and then some.
That's all for now folks.
xoxo,
A
I will post a picture of my apartment building and the view from my room, as a teaser for whenever the apartment post comes. I have not yet taken picture of my apartment due primarily to its messiness and the hectic nature of my schedule which has me waking up at 6:45
a.m., at work until 4:30/5 p.m., sleeping and eating almost immediately there after. This is interspersed with bits of facebooking, blogging, and general cleaning, as well as errands that need to be run (getting internet, buying groceries, getting stuff for the classroom, etc. etc.). So my apartment is called C Palace, which, frankly, is hilarious to me because it is a far cry from a palace. Fortunately, my apartment itself, while not a palace, is still more than sufficiently big for little ol me. I have a loft that I pretty much never use (except for storing my luggage, vacuum, tv and dvd player) and then everything else downstairs. The big blue building in the picture is my apartment. It's actually two buildings, but I live in the one in the front, building A, on the 11th floor. It's an ugly color, frankly, 
but I make it work. At the bottom of the apartment, there are a couple restaurants (chicken & beer, a kimbab place, and another restuarant), a family mart (which is a convenience store chain), and an office for the apartments. The view from my apartment overlooks the port of Incheon, which sounds like it could be cool, but really is nothing short of LOUD and bright regardless of the time or weather. Come rain, wind, sleet or snow, the port is still going to be banging cargo and honking horns from 11 p.m. straight on through to 5 a.m., when it becomes inconspicuously quiet. This, to say the least, is inconvenient.Anyways, so the real reason I am posting is because I wanted share with you something wonderful about Korea. This wonderful thing is waffles. Now, you may think to yourself, "Now Allison has really gone off the deep end on this one. We have waffles in the United States!" This is true, yes, but you do not have waffles like the ones in Korea. I don't know what it is, but they are amazing. Along with a couple dozen other street food vendors selling everything from chicken kabobs to really really crunchy french fries to silkworm larvae (which I DID try once at orientation) to dried squid and octopus tentacles to dokbokki (sp? rice cakes in spicy sauce) to WAFFLES. These waffles appear to be your standard-issue circular, non-belgian, traditional waffles. However, their scent as you walk unassumingly down the streets is simply overpowering. Wafting around your nose is the sweet scent of breakfast food, just a touch sweeter than that which you might find back in the Western World. These waffles are cooked in waffle irons right there on the street before your very eyes, pulled out and then slathered with light, fluffy whipped cream and sweet apple jelly, and folded upon themselves to make a little waffle sandwich of glory. All for 500 won, or just under 50 cents. I could eat about 30 of these if the lady could make them that quickly. They are served warm, and the jelly just melts and blends with the whipped cream and I swear to god it is the most delicious taste sensation I've had in a long time.
It could just be the familiarity of waffles in an unexpected environment that makes these treats so tasty, but by god, they are amazing. It is a good thing for my waistline that the food street vendors don't set up shop near my apartment (although if they did, they could make a serious KILLING), but rather near the subways station (which I happen to frequent at least biweekly).
If you come to Korea I will buy you a waffle. or two. or three. Maybe you won't love them as much as I do, but I think they are worth every won and then some.
That's all for now folks.
xoxo,
A
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