The Longest Two Days

I have now been in Changwon for 48 hours and what a whirlwind it has been. My day of traveling went well and my coordinator was there waiting for me with a sign that read "Britta." After a 30 minute drive from Busan to Changwon, I was dropped off at a hotel, because my apartment would not be ready until Saturday. I was able to quick change out of my flying clothes and into pajamas for bedtime.

Monday morning I was able to sleep in a little due to our half school day, but that quickly turned into an entire day off, because there was a typhoon which hit all of South Korea. It was my first encounter with a typhoon and boy was it crazy. Rain poured like I had never seen before and the wind was so strong I lost my footing a few times while I was out in the city. I was blessed to have an American teacher, Allison, from my school to take me out to lunch and show me around town a little bit. We went to a typical Korean restaurant with the grills in the middle of the table. She did the ordering and I proceeded to ask her numerous questions about town, school, and her experiences in Korea. When the server came back to the table and began cooking lunch on the grill, I noticed there was lots of red pepper paste, which is VERY spicy. That was when I decided I will eat all the spicy food, even if it kills me, because I live in Korea and this is what Koreans eat. HA!

Tuesday (9/18), I got to spend my first full day at school. I spent most of the day observing Allison's kindergarten class, because I will be taking over for her class on Monday. As I was just beginning my day of observation, Victoria (school director), took me to get a health check so I can get my alien resident card. I got back to school just after lunch and was able to see some afternoon and evening classes. I know that the observation will help me in the future teaching here, but gosh was it just tiring to sit and not participate.

One plus side of being new is that the students just love to come up to you and stare a little bit before asking, "Teacher, what's your name?" These kids are some of the cutest kids I have ever seen. I am sure if it's because they are young, silly kids or beautiful Korean children.... perhaps both. The kindergarten class I have is called the lions and boy do they live up to the name. My class is very loud and energetic, which will be a good fit for my personality and teaching style. 

Here is a few fun facts about my school:

-Korea Poly School

-English immersion school beginning at age 4

-12 maximum per class

-Chain of schools all over Korea under the same name

Although it has only been two days, it feels like I have been here much longer. I am eager to get more settled by moving into my apartment and to actually take over the class I will be teaching. I am also eager to get to know more people in Changwon, because for a social person like myself, not having friends nearby is a strange and uncomfortable feeling for someone outgoing and social like myself.

Ok, I think I have written enough for now and will have lots more to say once I become more accustomed to life here. 

사랑 (pronounced: sarang, which means love)

Britta