The Aftermath, Straight Hair and The DMZ

This is going to be a long update, so hold tight ( : A lot has happened in a week! And by the way, A LOT of people read my last blog update! I was shocked! Over 100 people came to the entry the first day, alone! Apparently quitting in Korea interests a lot of people! Thanks for reading ( :

Let’s start with the Aftermath that was quitting my job.

I told you all that I expected the absolute worst to happen considering how the past months have been with my co-teacher; I was so worried I might be fired that I actually had packed some stuff over the weekend! I went and first had a meeting with the coordinator for our area (a young female, who speaks great English) and she told me she couldn’t really do anything, but that she understood and wasn’t upset. Armed with this information, I went back to school, dreading the minutes as they counted down to when I would have to tell the Jang.

I planned to tell him after he was done teaching classes, but then all of a sudden after he was done he is like, “we have English teachers meeting, come.” I was like shitttttttttt, I can’t go to a meeting and pretend I am NOT quitting! So, I said, “Mr. Jang, I really need to talk to you, it is very important.” He ignored me (of course) and just said come again. He walked away…so I followed him down the hall and in the middle of the hall handed him my letter (lol! I had no other choice) and said, “Mr. Jang, I am quitting.” He just kind of looked at it and read it again and again and didn’t say much. His first words out of his mouth were, “When will you return to Korea?” For fucks sake! I just QUIT! I of course didn’t say that, instead I used language he understands, one of his favorite phrases, “No, it is impossible.” He then seemed to understand and as he did we walked right into a meeting with all 7 other English teachers. Awkward!!! Well, at least it killed 8 birds with one stone. I had letters in envelopes all ready to go…but whatever, TIK. He announced in Korean (I assume this is what he said), “She is quitting” and there was a collective gasp. I apologized and said I had a personal family issue to attend to back home and I must go home. Turns out that the entire meeting was about an English camp that they decided to have that I would be running…well the meeting was quickly dismissed as I won’t even be here when it happens…LOL. They all wanted to know why, specifically, but I said it is personal. Everyone understood and respected this except…guess who?

After the circle of truth, we went up to the principal. Again, I was expecting the worst. Instead, the principal gave me a 10,000 won (about $10) gift certificate. Ok?!?! Wasn’t expecting that, but whatever. At this point the Jang started in on his three day tirade of continually asking me if I will stay, or if I can come back next semester. Here are some samples of things he has said to me and our conversations:

Jang: “"I have heard, it is difficult to get a job in America, it is my opinion you should consider your resignation because it is so hard to find a job. The principal and me and the vice-principal think it is better for you if you stay.” (I didn’t tell him I had a job)

Me: Sigh.

Jang: “It is my opinion that if you find no job, you come back here to Jochiwon Girls Middle School.”

Me: “It is impossible.”

Jang: “What is the problem? Tell me.” (As he popped his face literally into mine)

Me: “No, I told you, it is personal.”

Jang: “Tell me. Is it money problem with your family?”

Me: (very irritated and angry at this point) “I TOLD YOU, IT IS PERSONAL AND I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU SO YOU CAN STOP ASKING.”

Jang: “Drink green tea.”

Jang: “Next month, you come back and teach here.”

Me: “No, it is impossible.”

Jang: "Mr. Sok and I (another male English teacher, also a dick) loved you like a daughter." (Then, he laughs.)

Me: I say nothing, don’t even look at him.

Jang: “Kimberly, stay a little longer.”

Me: “No, I bought my plane ticket.”

Jang: “Oh you have very serious family trouble.”

Me: Sigh.

He has tried to bribe me with ice cream, going out of his way to be nice to me, offering rides home and other random stuff. No amount of ANYTHING could get me to stay with him longer than I have to. I am so happy I now have 10 working days (not counting this one) left with him!!! The final full week of work for me I will be at an English camp, away at a university, with the Jang NO WHERE in sight!!!!

In none Jang related news. I got my hair chemically straightened last week! I’ve had a few friends here do it, and I thought what the hell! It was less then $150 USD, so why not?!? I have pretty straight hair, but it does require a straightener to make it pretty and straight and get rid of the poof. So, I headed to Cheonan where Lindi and Molly live (both have had this done) and together we were able to mime and string together words for them to understand us! They both had gone with our friend Sarah who speaks Korean…so it was a bit easier for them, lol! The initial price was going to be around $180 USD because of my length, but then I asked what if I get a haircut? She said the haircut was “service” aka free, and she would knock off 20,000 won! It brought the price down to 160,000 won, which is less than $150 USD! Sweet! During the straightening process (which took about three hours) I got a FREE hand massage for about 10 minutes on each hand and a short shoulder massage. Gotta love Korea and their free services! It was a good day. I didn’t even care that I had to wait 40 minutes for the next train or got home super late, because I had STRAIGHT ASS HAIR!!!! The straightening is supposed to last for the life of the hair that had the chemical on it. So, as it grows out, that hair won’t be straight, but I should have pretty straight hair for about 8 months or so! I probably also will have brain cancer, but oh well. Yay for straight hair!

On Friday, I headed up to Seoul by myself to spend the night so I could be in Seoul for a 7 am departure for the USO DMZ tour!!! DMZ stands for “de-militarized zone”, which is along the border between North and South Korea. Each country has 2 km on either side of the border in their possession. Most tours just take you to this tunnel that was discovered years ago by the South Koreans that the North Koreans had dug to South Korea and the northern most train station in South Korea, that is supposed to (someday with re-unification) unite with the Northern Korean railways. These tours are cheaper and easier to make reservations for, but I had heard from many people that the only tour worth spending any money on is the USO tour through the US Army because you get to go to the JSA (Joint Security Area) along the border and inside the “Blue Room” the room that the two countries have joint possession over. One door leads to the South, the other to the North. So, I opted for the much more expensive USO tour, and I am SO glad I did!

I stayed the night in an area of Korea known as Itaewon because it was very close to the departure place. Itaewon is known (or infamous) for Americans in Seoul and all of Korea. Why? There is a US Army base there. Because of the base, Itaewon is the place to go for all things American. It has a foreign food mart, most any major fast food places you can think of (including ones that are hard to find in other areas of Seoul) and tons of international food (Mexican, Indian, sushi, Greek etc…). Most people either love or hate this place, or have both feelings simultaneously. I only have been to Itaewon during the day for a visit to the foreign food mart, English book store and to eat Mexican food. I have been warned that Itaewon is in fine form at night though, when all the American GI’s come out. I am sorry to say everyone was right. Pretty much every negative stereotype foreigners have about Americans are all over Itaewon. “Ugly Americans” are about in full effect. It is unfortunate, but true. But, what can you do? Pretend you are Canadian.

I got Coldstone Cake Batter ice cream mixed with yellow cake for dinner (lol) and got a Quiznos veggie sandwich to eat for breakfast and lunch tomorrow on the tour. I also found Diet Coke in a convenience store (very hard to find here) and American gummy bears! Yummy! I was a happy camper. I went back to my hostel and proceeded to talk with other travelers.

I want to talk a moment about traveling alone. My traveling alone elicits varying responses from people. I went on the DMZ tour alone because I couldn’t find anyone that 1) could go 2) hadn’t been or 3) wanted to shell out the money. So, I went alone. It is something I really wanted to do before I left, and I don’t let something little like being alone stop me! I was really surprised at how many people (people who moved across oceans to live alone, in another country lol) were completely shocked that I was going alone. Wasn’t I going to be lonely? Who was I going to talk to? Who was going to take my pictures? Who would I eat lunch with? These are all actual questions I was asked, lol! They amuse me a bit, because I am very used to them by now. The first time I traveled alone was on a trip to Disneyland during December of 2007. People just couldn’t fathom that I would go alone. Why?!? Since then, I have come to expect these types of questions and know how to answer them. Don’t get me wrong, I would prefer to have a traveling partner, but I refuse to let it stop me from experiencing what it is I want to experience. I also understand people’s hesitations to go alone. I used to be freaked out to go eat dinner at a restaurant alone, now I have no problem. I don’t even need a book or whatever to pretend I am busy, lol. Some people don’t have personalities that can just jump out and be like, “Hi, I am alone, be my friend.” Which is exactly how I work. I have many friends from countries all over the world, met in various countries, precisely because I was alone. It is not that you can’t make new friends when you aren’t alone, but you don’t seek it out as much because, well, you don’t have to. I just straight up walk up to people and ask their name, where they are from, why they are here etc… It is definitely a skill I have honed over the years, but there is really no where I wouldn’t go alone. If you wanna do something, but don’t have a buddy, just go. What is stopping you? I am about to embark on my Australian Adventure largely alone. Colin will be with me part of the time in Sydney, but the rest? All on my own. Sometimes it is the best way to go!

Case in point: In the hostel, I met two very interesting guys from Hong Kong and Singapore. They spoke great English and were very young, 18 and 19. The guy from Hong Kong happened to be Gay, and we talked for over an hour about his coming out to his family, and his Christian family rejecting him and the aftermath of that. It was like he just opened up and spilled to me. It was amazing. We talked about the Bible and God and our thoughts on both and what being Gay means in Hong Kong, America and our perceptions of what Koreans think of it. Such a fascinating conversation. Never would have happened had I been traveling with someone else. I also had a great conversation with the guy from Singapore; he is currently studying in Australia so we talked at length about that. We also talked about our experiences being a foreigner in Korea and how people have treated us. Again, just great conversations. It is moments like these where I love traveling alone.

I ended up only getting 5 hours of sleep due to my conversations with the hostel-mates, and at 6 am when my alarm clock rang, I wanted to die. LOL. I got out of bed knowing Quiznos (one of my favorite things) was waiting for me to be washed down by Diet Coke!! (another favorite thing of mine). I went into the bathroom as people were coming in from a night of partying (LOL) and another girl was getting ready in the bathroom. I asked if she was going on the DMZ tour as well (because why else would you be up at that Un-Godly hour in Itaewon on a Saturday?). She was, with her brother. They were Australian, she is working here in a shipyard as safety inspector for an Australian company that is building an oil-rig for Australia, and her brother is just visiting. Again, we talked about Australia, they talked about the deeply spiritual moments they had at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia (where I am going) and we bitched back and forth about all things that living in Korea entails. Great conversations again!

We arrived and we were split up onto different buses. I was the last to board the bus and there was only one seat left, next to an older man, so I plunked myself down and immediately asked him where he was from, his name etc…Turns out he was from Norway!! My uncle (Aunt’s husband) is from Norway, so I just happen to know way more about Norway than the average person, lol! He was fascinated that not only did I know so much about Norway, but I had eaten so many Norwegian foods! He was surprised because he said, “Us Norwegians, we are not known for our kitchens.” LOL. If you have ever met a Scandinavian abroad they all have one major thing in common: They speak PERFECT English. It turned out his daughter and niece were on the other side of the aisle, and his daughter has studied in the states, Ireland and a year at an international school in Korea, so speaks English as if she is a native speaker. I never would have guessed she was Norwegian, she had a slight Irish accent, it was cute! The girls were both 19. He works in Korea, again on an oil-rig being built in Korea for Norway (apparently it was the day to meet foreigners working on oil rigs for their respective countries, lol) as an engineer.

We traveled by bus for about 90 minutes to the border, and went through a zig-zag maze along the highway through cement barriers where we were met by an Army guy on base. He de-briefed us on what we were and were not allowed to do, take pictures of etc… The dress code for this tour was very strict: No shorts, no capris, no writing on shirts, no tank tops, no dresses, no open toed shoes. Don’t want to give the North Koreans a reason to strike apparently, LOL!

We drove up to the JSA (Joint Security Area) and were able to see North Korea! I could have literally thrown a rock into the country; of course I wasn’t allowed to, I wasn’t even allowed to point, motion or wave at the North Koreans. We could see North Korean guards! However, we were allowed to take pictures…weird, but ok. After snapping some photos outside, we were allowed into the Panmunjom aka “The Blue Room”. This is a building (which happens to be completely blue inside and out) that both the Americans/South Koreans and North Koreans have possession of. It straddles the line of Demarcation along the DMZ. It literally is in two countries. The room had ROK (Republic of Korea) soldiers inside, protecting the door to North Korea. We were allowed to pose with them, but our Army guide warned us not to get too close. If we got too close for comfort they would grunt and throw their arm up as a way of saying, back off, or else. If you didn’t back up, they stomp their feet and grunt more. He said we didn’t want to know what happens next. So, I kept a distance, and my friendly Norwegian friends took a picture!

I have officially stood on North Korean soil! Pretty exciting if you ask me. The logical question is: Do I get to count this as a country I’ve been to?!? LOL. The wood tables in the room have obvious foot prints all over them. Apparently, though cleaned daily, the Americans/South Koreans can’t get the footprints off. The North Koreans (when in possession of the building) take off their shoes and socks and stand on the tables, with backs to the South, as a sign of disrespect. Apparently, they put something on their feet to make a permanent mark on the tables. Strange, but whatever floats your boat!

After the Blue Room, we headed out to various look-out points, one of which we were surrounded on three sides by the North Korean border. Again, could have thrown a rock into North Korea. We also made stops (but weren’t allowed to get out) at the Bridge of No Return and in front of “Propoganda Village.” Both Koreas were given the opportunity to have a village on either side of the border within the DMZ. The South Korean village is a fully functioning village, with schools, farms etc…people actually live there. Apparently, no one lives in the North Korean village (you can see the village) and the Army guy said the buildings have no floors; there are lights at the top, and they become dimmer and dimmer as the “floors” go down, meaning no floors, just walls. Very, very strange and so secretive. I thought this whole experience was just so fascinating. Who knows when the countries will be reunited, maybe sooner rather than later? Who knows when there may be no more DMZ?

After the first part of the tour, we moved on to the areas all other tours take you on (only the USO tour gets to see the aforementioned sights). We stopped at the DMZ tourist center and got to walk down one of four tunnels that have been discovered by the South Koreans. They are/were infiltration tunnels dug by the North Koreans, into the South. We went 450 meters down, it was pretty cool!!! At the end of the tunnel we got to see directly into the North Korean side of the tunnel (which was blocked off except for a very small window)…creepy. It was all very eerie and strange feeling.

After the tunnel, we headed to Dorasan station. AKA the last station (furthest north) in South Korea. It was constructed in 2004 as a symbolic gesture for re-unification of the two countries. The hope is that someday the peninsula will be re-united, and with reunification, the tracks will also be brought together. The station is fully functional and has two trains daily that go to and from Seoul, but not North. There is even an unused customs area. Very, very strange and quite amazing to see. I even got to stand on train tracks! I have always had a weird fascination with being able to stand on tracks, but clearly haven’t ever been able to because…well you know, TRAINS.

I left with more respect for Korea. I have at times been very critical of this country and culture. The DMZ was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had traveling, it was really amazing. If anyone comes to Korea, or is living here, I highly recommend spending the money to go on the DMZ tour. It is just such a unique opportunity that most people just don’t ever have. I have decided that although Korea isn’t my favorite place on the planet (by a long stretch) it definitely has its good points. I love Seoul. I feel alive in Seoul. Most foreigners that go to live in say, Arkansas, probably don’t much like their experience, but I am sure they enjoy NYC. I just have to keep that in mind, where I live is not the entirety of Korea nor my Korean experience. I am so glad to have done something that I enjoyed so much to tip the balance of my feelings towards this place. I highly, highly recommend doing this!

I think that is about it for now; I told you this would be long! I have been slowly packing and coming to terms with the fact that I soon, (NEXT MONTH!!) will be HOME. I can honestly say, I have never been so excited to go home, from anywhere, ever. I just am ready. In the meantime, I am trying to enjoy my remaining days (20!) left in this country.

Today (and in the states now, too) marks the 4^th of July. I realized the other day that this is the first 4^th of July that I have been out of the country. I have been out before, and shortly after, but never during. I am not an overly patriotic person (or at all, lol), I have even been called Un-Patriotic and Un-American at times, but this holiday gets to even the biggest skeptics of us (me). I just feel the need to hold a sparkler in my hand while smelling a BBQ and eating a red, white and blue cupcake. There is always next year. I will be thinking of you all, when in about 18 hours you start lighting off fireworks and partaking in good old American BBQ and watching the fireworks from the Space Needle go off (for the Seattleites reading). Someone should save me a sparkler! Lol.

Have an amazing (and safe and hopefully not too wet) 4^th, everyone.

See you all soon!

Love, Kimberly

Going, going...almost gone.

Yes, if you have seen my Facebook, you know by now. I am leaving Korea; leaving a lot earlier than planned.
 
Why? That answer is easy and difficult to explain. I think most people by now know that I have not enjoyed my Korean  experience all that much. Most of that blame can be placed on my coteacher and my constant string of ailments and sicknesses. But, in the end, it is more than that. Quite a few people have blamed my "issues" with Korea on culture shock. It is more than that. I have lived in another country before, one where I lived without water and electricity much of the time. And, I LOVED it. Simple as that. It goes beyond culture shock. There are things about Korea that just conflict with who I am. 
 
Some people chalk it up to cultural differences, but there are things that I just have had a very difficult time ignoring. The chaining and beating, followed by eating of dogs. The beating of children. The blatant and overt racism and sexism against foreigners and women. The unbelievable disrespect for younger people. Again, many people will claim this as, "culture" and not discuss it further. Over the weekend I had a long, philosophical debate with a good friend here. Someone who really likes it here, and we agreed on this. Culture can only go so far in explaining things. Some things are just morally wrong. Again, maybe that is me over symplifying things, or perhaps it is me taking an unpopular stance. Or, maybe its me being an American. Either way, it is how I feel. There is very little in this country that I enjoy, or even respect. 
 
Pretty much since the beginning, I have woken up daily HATING my life, due to my job. My coteacher has made my life absolute HELL. That is NO secret. I should put a disclaimer up, I know people who absolutely LOVE their jobs, and have amazing and wonderfully supportive co-teachers. I would say I am probably the exception, not the norm. My experience with my co-teacher has, without a doubt, colored my experience here. I decided awhile ago, that I couldn't, even for a year, wake up, every single day dreading going into work. Life is too short for that depth of discontent. Don't get me wrong, there are aspects of my job that I LOVE. Namely, my girls. Some are absolutely wonderful, and they have kept me going this long. But again, it isn't enough.
 
Why did I come to Korea, you may ask? Well, again, that is complicated. I finished my Master's last July and started looking for jobs in September. After four solid months of looking with no prospects, I sort of well, panicked. I needed a job to pay the ever mounting depts from school I had. So, I fled. Some people accused me of running away, maybe they were right. But, I knew I needed money and I knew that I wanted to travel. Plus, I knew people back home who loved their experience here and described it like another college experience. I can agree with that! I have had an amazing time making friends, drinking with them and seeing this country. It really has been like another college experience; lots of drinking (too much at times, haha), few responsiblities other than work, no rent payments etc... When I came here, I craved part of that. I wanted a simple life, free from everyday worries about money and loans and life and the future. 
 
What I realized in the process is that money is not the answer to almost anything. Not all, but a lot of people here don't really know what they want to do with life, and that is fine, life is about discovering what it is you want to do; and Korea is a great opportunity to figure out what it is you want to do while making money and traveling. But for me, I know and knew what I wanted to do. I want to work in maternal and reproductive healthcare and development. I spent a lot of money going to school to do that and it is something that I am deeply passionate about and brings great joy and fufillment into my life. I knew coming here would be leaving that field, if only temporarily. I realized while being here that money isn't enough for me. I can't HATE my job and not enjoy a large aspect of my life because of it, while living in an at times hostile culture and country I do not really enjoy and being away from my family and friends. There has to be more. I realized I would rather be dirt ass poor, doing something which I love, rather than stay here. I didn't care where it was, as long as I was happy where I was. I think in life, there are always aspects of your life out of balance, or whacked the fuck out. That is the essence of life, it is never perfect. But, for me at least, it can't mostly be shit. I just don't operate like that. I couldn't wake up for nine more months and hate life, counting down the days. I couldn't continue to not live authentically and in the moment, looking forward to a time when I wouldn't be here. So, I made a choice. I said: FUCK IT.
 
At about this time, maybe around a month ago or so, one of my best friends, Kelsey, sent me a text and told me: Go apply for the Doula Americorps position RIGHT NOW!!!! Those were her words. What was she referring to? An Americorps position (more on Americorps in a minute) in a community health center in Seattle that serves primarily Latinos. It was a position that trained the person as a Doula (more on Doulas in a minute) to be a Doula during births for Spanish speaking women. I have known about this position for years, and wished I could do it. I always felt that my Spanish wasn't really up to par or good enough. The position required  "fluency". So, I always ignored it and proceeded on with life. With Kelsey's command, I thought: FUCK IT! I can do this, what is the worst that can happen? They say no? So, I e-mailed the woman in charge knowing it was a long-shot, that the position was probably already filled. The position is for a year, and it is posted in January, for an August start. I just figured it was filled, but what the hell. So, I e-mailed her, described myself and my background and low and behold, she said the position was still open! Not only that, but she encouraged my application!
 
So, I submitted my application. Thinking that this position was made for me; integrating birth and Spanish, in Seattle! But, I still doubted my Spanish. After multiple interviews, including with a native Spanish speaker, I got the job! My Spanish was deemed indeed good enough. When I found out, I was absolutely estatic. I can't remember being that genuinely happy and excited in a very, very long time!!! The position starts August 15th, and I am beyond words excited. I know it will be an extremely challenging position, with the first month or so really adjusting to speaking Spanish all the time, allowing the language to slowly seep back into my brain. It will be emotinally trying, but it will be invigorating. I am so excited! So, what exactly am I doing?
 
I will be trained as a Birth Doula. What is a Doula? Here is the definition taken straight from the Seattle Midwifery School's site, where I will undergo training to become a Doula as a part of the program:  

"What is a Birth Doula?

Doula (doo’-luh) is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. Today the word is used to refer to a trained person (usually a woman) who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to women and families during and after childbirth. The Simkin Center trains two types of doulas: birth doulas and postpartum doulas. A birth doula assists the pregnant woman and her family in preparing and carrying out their birth plans. She stays with the laboring mother throughout the entire birth process, providing emotional and physical support and an objective viewpoint. She helps her clients get the information they need to make informed decisions. The birth doula recognizes childbirth as a transformative life experience. Her primary objective is to nurture and protect a woman’s memory of her birth experience."

So, that in part, is what I will be doing! I will be serving primarily Latina women whom speak Spanish. Myself with another Doula (there are two in this position) will visit the women during their pregnancies, get to know them and discuss things related to birth, put on educational classes relating to birth and attend births. I will be on average, attending about four births per month. I will be working at a community health clinic in Seattle called, SeaMar. SeaMar describes themselves as, "Sea Mar Community Health Centers, founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health and human services in Washington State. Originally founded to serve only Latinos, Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual preference, and regardless of ability to pay for services." They describe the Doula position as, "Doulas serve in maternity support services, providing pre- and post-labor education and assistance for clients who lack a support system." So, in a nutshell, that is what I am doing! I will be part of Americorps, under the Healthcorps program, which, "...is part of the national AmeriCorps program. Community HealthCorps is intended to promote health care for America’s underserved populations, and helps to develop tomorrow’s health-care workforce. Community HealthCorps members provide direct service to Sea Mar clients while enhancing their skills and experiences in the field of health and human services. Each member’s personal growth is fostered through a highly supportive, challenging, and educational team environment." Americorps is a national volunteer program that has been around for many decades. I will be earning a stipend; nothing huge but enough to live off of on my own, in Seattle and pay my bills. Why did I choose this route? Well, the position really is perfect for me, for starters. Also, I need experience working in public health and the economy sucks, so this seemed to be very serendipitous. So, I leaped at the opportunity, knowing it would mean leaving Korea and having to pay back my flight money and returning to Seattle making very little money. But, I was and am perfectly ok with that.

A lot of people have suggested (and I even heavily considered) just leaving in the night. AKA a "midnight run." Which in Korea, is when you leave your school and break your contract and literally leave in the middle of the night without anyone knowing. You don't pay back your flight money or anything else you owe the school. I decided, as a firm believer in Karma, regardless of how unbelievably shitty my school has been (namely, my co-teacher), I couldn't do that. I refused to run away in the middle of the night. I also believe, that what comes around goes around. My co-teacher will get his in the end, and I can know I left as a good person, upstanding, doing the right thing. I can also bid farewell to my friends and experiences here with a sense of closure. So, that is why I refuse to run, for those wondering. 

Many people have asked (and I know are probably wondering), do I regret coming? Do I regret moving my ass over here? Assuredly, I can answer: No. Not even a little bit. This experience has changed me in ways I didn't anticipate. It has caused me to grow and stretch and has taught me so much about myself. I shouldn't be suprised, really. Honestly, coming here I thought, I've done the whole culture shock thing, I've lived abroad, I've spent a significant amount of time the last five years being outside of the country or away from everything and everyone I know. No problem!

Silly me. Life and experiences change and shape you in unimaginable ways, if you let them. I know from experience, the full realization of the change experienced, doesn't really occur until you return home and have more perspective. But, even without having returned yet, I know, I have been changed. I have encountered a culture I really don't meld very well with. I underestimated how not speaking the language would drastically change my experience. I really didn't even consider it. I have only been in countries where I speak the language, or the majority of the populace speaks excellent English. I greatly understimated how not speaking a common language would shape every aspect of my life. I have learned things about myself, realized priorities and shifted others. I have also made some great, amazing friends. The kind that can only come when you are forced into an unusual situation that others can't even being to understand. Living in an isolated community (a foreigner living in another country, for example) bonds people fast and fiercely. It is just what happens and I am sure anyone who has lived abroad, or in an unusual, tight community, would agree with me. I have made friends that I know, without a doubt, will remain with me through my life. Most, I will never see again, and I know that. That is part of the course of living the life I lead. You leave people behind, which is why leaving is almost always, bittersweet. But, I have a vibrant life to return to, and I am oh so excited. These past months have felt at times like years stretching on end that would never end.

I know many people thought I was making a mistake coming. Other people supported me with enthusiasm. I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason, exactly as it should. I told a few people that I KNEW, in my core, that if I didn't go, I would regret it. Maybe not right away, but I knew that I would. I still believe that. I am glad I came, because I was always supposed to come. I subscribe to a daily inspirational quote e-mail. I love quotes, because they can so often capture what you are feeling, but lack the words to express. These two gems came to me while I was in the midst of heavy deliberation on whether or not I should go or stay. They are, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." -T.S. Eliot and "Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over." -F. Scott Fitzgerald. The later one especially, spoke to me. Could I stay and persist, merely surviving, not really living? Just waiting for this experience to be over? Of course I could, I know I could. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is surrender, and let it go. So, that is what I chose to do; let this experience go and move on towards something new, that spoke and called to me.

 

Kelsey gave me a card right before I left that said, "1. the path is not straight. 2. mistakes need not be fatal. 3. people are more important than achievements or possessions. 4. be gentle with your parents. 5. never stop doing what you care most about. 6. learn to use a semicolon. 7. you will find love." -Marion  Winik. I brought that card with me and have seen it every single day since I arrived. I really love the sentiment of the card, and although Kelsey sent me away with it, it is part of the reason I am choosing to come back. It was a daily reminder that this choice does not have to be permanent and that I shouldn't ever stop trying to do what I am most passionate about. Inside the card, Kelsey wrote, "I saw this quote and thought of you. 'Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until they are 75.' I assure you, you will not be one of these people!" That is one of the highest compliments she could have paid me. What I hope people gain from that quote, is regardless of how old you are, regardless of your life circumstances, never stop living. If you don't like something, change it. If you need a change, make it. Skip off to another country, travel, see the World, move. Hell, come to Korea if you feel so inclined! Just refuse to be unhappy in your life. It is your life, you only have one, and it is shorter than we know.  

I talked with a friend over the weekend as to why I came here. What brought me here. I talked about the reasons above, but we also talked about what I refer to as, "The Net" or more specifically, MY Net. I have a very strong and loyal support system at home. I have a close family, not just immediate family, but extended family as well, and a ridiculously close group of friends. These people are the net that I fall upon when things go badly. It is one of the main reasons I feel so confident in my ability to go. Because I KNOW these people will be there to catch me if and when I need to come home. I will be welcomed with open arms. They will support me no matter what. As I get older, I realize this is NOT something everyone has. Some people are fortunate to have one or the other (good friends, or good family); but I am extremely lucky to have both. I realize how important that is as I continue through life. So, why do I leave? Because I know there will always, always be people rooting for me from home to succeed and welcome me back into my life when I return. 

Some people have inquired to my financial situation with my loans, because that was a huge reason I came here. There is a loan forgiveness program that forgives all of your loans after 10 years of working in public service/non-profit (which I plan to work in anyways) and you have been on an income based repayment plan (it makes the payment very affordable). So, that is what I am doing, and the stress from the loans is very much lifted knowing that this is an option! It has taken hours and hours upon hours over Skype trying to figure this out, but it is finally coming through!

So, come July 26th, I will leave Korea. I will leave for Australia to see Colin for a week and a half or so, where I will go to Sydney, Uluru (Ayer's Rock) and check off one of my ultimate Bucket Lists goals: Scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef. I am very, very excited for that trip! I will return to Seattle August 8th! I will start my new job on August 15th. Or so, goes the plan. I am telling my school today that I am quitting, and I know it probably will not go well. I am just hoping that they don't fire me. If they do fire me? Well, I will be going home sooner than expected, because that is just sometimes how life goes. I will let you know all how that goes! Hopefully WWIII doesn't erupt. It will probably make an interesting blog update, in the least! Maybe I will be fired...or maybe they will just make my life hell! I will let you all know, soon enough!

 

There are so many things I am looking forward to, they are almost too numerous to list, and so many things I will NOT miss about this place, that I will write about them at a later date!

 

Stay tuned.

 

See some of you VERY soon!!

Rainy times.

It has been quite a long time since I updated you, so here goes ( :

It is official; the monsoon season has officially begun. Summer here is characterized by high temperatures, high rates of humidity…and lots of rain; unfortunately. I have experienced summers in a lot of different countries and a lot of different states. I am NOT A big fan of humidity. Nicaragua was crazy humid, but there was the beach. Plus, it only rained in the afternoon and was sunny the rest of the time. Not so much here! Being from Seattle, I have (as all Seattle-ites do) different names for rain. There is never really just, rain. There is drizzle. Light rain. Mist. Downpours. Light drizzle. Pelting rain and many more. For the drizzle or the mist, Seattle people don’t usually use umbrellas, unless they are concerned about their hair, lol. So, I often don’t use one here (what’s the point, if it is a little mist or drizzle?) and the Koreans are always very confused. The sidewalks after school have become a mass heard of hundreds of girls ALL with umbrellas. It is taking me literally ten minutes longer to get home, trying to weave through the umbrellas! It is quite a funny sight.

The humidity here is very bad. Not as bad as I have experienced, but bad. For some reason, the air-conditioning in my school is almost NEVER on. So, you sit or stand and teach…and sweat. On the plus side, I have stopped wearing a lot of make up to school (which cuts down on my getting ready time in the morning) because by 9 am, it was just melting off and leaving big nasty streaks on my face. Fortunately, I have AC in my apartment, so I turn it on intermittently because it is expensive. Ah, the gloriousness of AC.

In more unfortunate and frustrating news, the AC Adapter (aka the battery/thing that plugs into the wall and my computer) DIED. My computer is old (nearly 3 years old) and was only $300 to begin with. So, needless to say, it is on its last legs. BUT, I don’t want to deal with buying a new one here, if at all possible. As my laptop slowly died, I frantically was backing up my music and anything else I could onto a 16 GB memory stick that I had just bought at Costco for this very purpose. I have had horrible luck with laptops, and am used to this process. I have a WD External Hard drive at home, but hadn’t backed up since being in Korea. Let’s just say I have lost a lot of data in my life, and have since learned (the hard way) the merits of backing up your shit. If your data isn’t backed up (so I was told be a techie friend) it isn’t important to you. Truer words were never said! I found replacement universal cords online for like $20 in the states. I was told I could easily find one in Korea, in the electronics district in Seoul. I had nothing going on one day last week, so asked my co-teacher if it would be at all possible to leave school after lunch (and not get paid) to head to Seoul so I could make it there in time before the shops closed, to get a cord. He responded in one of his favorite lines of, “It is my opinion, it is not possible. Korean public schools are very strict.” Ok, whatever, I tried. But then, to my amazement, he suggested I bring it to the technology teacher at school and that he could probably fix it or had a replacement one! Best of all, he said the school would pay for it! I was in shock! The school AND co-teacher offering to go above and beyond and help me?!? Insanity! Too good to be true! I was super happy and accepted. I learned the hard way 5 days later that I will never accept help from my school AGAIN.

The technology teacher cut my cord up, didn’t have a replacement and then sent it to a computer engineer. Or that is the word they used. They said the computer engineer couldn’t fix it. Well, NO SHIT Sherlock!! You cut the POS up!!!!! I kept asking for it back, so I could at least have the info to go to Seoul (I was heading there that weekend regardless). My co-teacher said the computer engineer was going to order a new one and the school would pay for it. You know, since they cut it up and all and I didn’t even ask for help. Sweet! No worries! So, I went to Seoul (more on that in a minute) and didn’t go looking for an adapter.

I have had to work the past two Saturdays (which I’ve been paid for, but still sucks, haven’t slept in in weeks, but anyways) and last Saturday, I was called by my co-teacher (I was working at a neighboring school for a special event) and he asked me where I was. Which he always does whenever he calls. What does it matter where I am? It isn’t any of your business!! It is fucking Saturday!! I tell him I am working at the neighboring school. He tells me to come in because my adapter replacement is in. Yay! I tell him I can’t come in, because I am working, so I will just get it on Monday. No big deal, I told him. He kept saying, come in, come in, come in. I kept explaining, no, I can’t, I am working, sorry. He then eventually says, you have to come in, the computer engineer must be paid. Uhhh say whhhaaattt?? The school was supposed to pay for it. He then tells me it is going to be 40,000 Won, about $40 USD. I found some online for $10 in Seoul!!!! I was pissed. I explained sorry, can’t come in and we hung up eventually. Then, he kept calling and calling. But, I just ignored him. What an ASS!!! So, I come in Monday and he wants the money, I don’t have it because it is almost payday and I am pretty much out of money. I send home the bulk of my money and leave here only what I need to survive. I tell him it will have to wait until payday. I am hoping he just forgets and the school has to pay for it, like they said they would. Why? The POS doesn’t even work!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, it works, but only if I hold it in place. Nice, eh? So, I have a $40 adapter that is for all intensive purposes, useless. Never trust the Jang. I am essentially computer-less at home, thank god for smart phones!

As I said, I went to Seoul! It was a fun weekend with my ladies from Jochiwon. We went to a spa in our town on Saturday (a Jingilbang) which is a Korean naked spa! There is one in the Seattle area, but I’ve never been. I’m not really a “naked” person publicly, but I thought, what the hell, when in Rome! Err, Korea. So, off we went. I turned out to just be the four of us in the entire spa (which was very small) and a cleaning woman…who was cleaning naked. Weird, but ok. It was so nice to just relax and have some girl time. You really forget you’re naked very quickly and just relax. In the dry sauna, they were cooking eggs. So freaking strange! It was overall a very nice, if interesting, experience! Got to soak in the tubs and sit in the saunas.

After that, we headed off to Seoul! My friend Maryam and I headed to the shopping districts of Seoul for H&M and Namdeumun Market (an enormous market, the biggest I’ve ever been in), while Charlotte and Rebecca headed off to the aquarium. Boy, did we shop! I spent way too much money, but had an awesome time! The market place was huge and very overwhelming at times. You can find literally ANYTHING there you could possibly think of. It is most definitely the place to go for Korean souvenirs, which are WAY cheaper than anywhere else. And not the tacky shit (well, that is there too), but I am not a fan of that shit. I am not the person that buys key chains that say, ‘Korea’. I like to decorate with stuff from my Wordly travels, so I tend to buy pottery, art prints, wall hangings and that sort of stuff. I got a few really pretty pieces to add to my collection! They are hard to transport, but whatevs! I also got some cheap, awesome clothes! You can barter in this place, which is awesome! It made me think of all of Kristina and I’s adventures, because one of our favorite things to do is explore markets in other countries and shop! It was a lot of fun! Don’t know how I am going to get everything home…but I will deal with that later ( :

After shopping, we met back up with Rebecca and Charlotte, and went to a Hello Kitty Café! Only in Korea. It was SO awesome! Pink EVERYTHING! Even the food and drinks were Hello Kitty inspired; either in color or appearance. Such a cute little place. There are pictures of it up in the “Seoul” album on Facebook. After the Hello Kitty Café, we went to Mexican food. I have officially given up on Mexican food in Korea…it just isn’t good! Maybe I am being a Mexican food snob, but I know what I like! Plus, it was CRAZY spicy! I didn’t even get to enjoy the tacos! Afterwards, we trekked home for the 90 minute train ride back to The Joch. It was such a fun, and very much need, ladies weekend!

I feel like something else big has happened, but I can’t remember! So, I think that is about it for now. Look for another blog Monday…it will have some interesting and exciting stuff to report! ( :

Next weekend I am going to the DMZ (the Demilitarized Zone) between South and North Korea, which I am really excited for! Something I have wanted to do before even coming here! Two weeks after that, The Mud Festival the beach! PUMPED for that!

Talk to you all sooner rather than later.

Peace!

Korean Packing List: My opinion on the must-brings and unnecessary items

This blog is materializing out of the sheer fact that I am BORED OUT OF MY MIND, rather than having something to update you all on. I have been meaning to blog about what to bring and not to bring to Korea. Why? I love lists AND I spent countless hours (as did others I know) scouring over blogs, sites and forums over people’s lists of what to bring and what not to bring, to Korea. If you have ever traveled with me, or seen my packing, you know I DON’T travel lightly. One would think that after 23 countries and years of being in physical pain from TOO MUCH SHIT, I would learn. But, I don’t. Instead, I always hear Kristina or my sister telling me to get rid of my shit or telling me I don’t need the 4th bottle of shampoo, I can buy it there. So, anyways, here it goes. But, remember, this is just my opinion on the topic! Other people (especially guys) may have very different opinions!

Here are some things I brought, because I was told they are impossible or very difficult to find in Korea:

1.)    Tampons (Read that Korean women don’t use them/they are really hard to find)

2.)    Vitamins (Read they are impossible to find)

3.)    American toothpaste (Read/was told that it tastes like ass here)

4.)    American gum (Same as above/loses its flavor quickly)

5.)    Spices (Spices are very different here, so bring your favorites from home)

6.)    Favorite tea (same as spices)

7.)    Light colored face make-up (Koreans have different colored skin)

8.)    Birth control (in its various forms) (Read this will be hard to find/you will meet wrath at the Pharmacist for birth control)

9.)    Bras/underwear for a year (Korea doesn’t have American sizes if you are bigger than a B cup)

10.) Enough clothes for a year (Pretty much if you aren’t anorexic, bring clothes)

11.) Shoes for a year (Westerners feet are bigger than Koreans)

12.) Lotions (Was told/read most lotions here have whiteners)

13.)  Deodorant for a year (was told it is impossible to find here)

Ok! About half of above I would bring, half I wouldn’t.

First on the list: Tampons. Say what? These are EVERYWHERE. Costco has many American brands. If I can find them at the corner mart in my little Podunk Jochiwon, you can find them ANYWHERE. Enough said. Ladies, they weigh nothing, but you can get them here, don’t fret.

Vitamins: Costco has all the vitamins/supplements that I brought. The same brand (Kirkland) in fact. Had I known this, I most definitely would NOT have brought these. Why? Do you know how much space a years worth of daily vitamins and Fish oil pills takes up? Let’s not even talk about weight. I probably had about five pounds in vitamins. Get a Costco card; it will be your friend. Unless you take some strange ass pill, it is probably here in Korea. They are all about health.

American toothpaste/gum: I would bring this again. BUT, you can find it in foreigner markets and at Costco, though it is very expensive. It doesn’t take up a lot of space/weight, so this one can stay or go. I would bring it, because of the cost here. I am NOT a fan of Korean Xylitol (the gum, that isn’t mint flavored) or the funky toothpaste.

Spices: If you plan on cooking (I cook almost everyday, most people here don’t). I would say bring spices because they don’t weigh much. I have so far found almost everything here in foreigner markets or at Costco, but for a significant price. I brought a few with me and would probably do so again.

Favorite tea: I am a tea drinker and most Korean tea is made with rice (yuck!). If you are a fan of British teas (what I drink) you can find it at Costco or Homeplus…but they weigh nothing and are more expensive here. So, if there is space, I would throw them in!!

Light colored face make-up: You can find it here. It is more expensive. They have lots of Western products (I.e. Clinique) but for an exorbitant cost. You can get face make-up at local places though for about what you would pay at home. No need to bring a years supply like I did….

Birth Control: Depending on what you use, this may change things. The pill is readily (and cheaply) available here without a prescription from a pharmacist. Though I have never gotten it here (I brought it or have had it sent), I have been told it is in the $5-7 range per pack. Although it is probably worth mentioning that some of the girls I have talked to have gotten some awkward grunts and disapproving stares from the male pharmacists. Anything else more specific (Nuva, patch etc...) I would probably bring. Supposedly Korean condoms don’t fit guys. I can’t offer advice on that one! Other than every guy (Western) guy saying they are too small! But, you can find Western brands at E-mart (like Wal-Mart).

Bras/underwear for a year: Yes, absolutely, 100% stock up on that shit before leaving! If you are bigger than a B cup you will NOT find bras here. If they exist, I haven’t found them. Costco carries many of the same bra packs Costco in the states carries, but only up to the B size. Underwear: It is ugly, poor quality and weird material. AND my washing machine destroys my shit (especially the delicates) so stock up!!!

Enough clothes: Unless you are very large (speaking for females here, not sure about guys, I imagine tall and/or very large guys have issues). You are fine. There is GAP, Forever 21, H&M, Zara and other places in the bigger cities where you will find clothes with no problem. You won’t be shopping at your local underground place easily if you aren’t a stick, but you won’t be running around naked here. No worry to bring everything you need for a year. Evidence? My shopping trip to H&M last weekend!!

Shoes for a year: Unless you have really large feet as a woman (or maybe guys have more of an issue) you will never have problems. However, Korean shoes are very narrow. But, you can get western brand shoes at all the big stores in bigger cities and at Costco. No worries here.

Lotions (body/face): Sunscreens and face lotions, I would say bring them. Most I have seen have a whitener in it. So, unless you like looking like Casper, bring your own. For body lotion, there are plenty here that don’t have whitener. Costco carries the same double Aveeno pack that I brought here with me! More expensive of course, but those things were freaking heavy and took up a lot of space!!

Deodorant: Yes, it is very hard to find here. Koreans don’t really wear it (but yes, they have BO, the smell is starting to appear with the warmer weather, blech). I have seen men’s deodorant (but in very limited quantities and for a lot of money) in random places and foreigner markets, but haven’t seen women’s deodorant. I brought enough for a year, I would recommend doing the same!! That is one item you really don’t want to be without!!

Something I wasn’t told to bring/didn’t read anywhere about, was face wash. That shit is EXPENSIVE here. I have no idea why. Probably because stores carry primarily Western face washes (I.e.: Clearasil, Neutrogena etc…) but OMG, it is very expensive. I haven’t bought any here yet because I brought two with me, but that is something I would defiantly add to the list!

Also, medicine. MEDICINE! MEDICINE! MEDICINE! Bring cold medicine!!!! I brought some, but I wasn’t prepared for the way Korea would ravage my poor body and immune system. Thankfully, I have people that love me and send me medicine from home, because Korean cold medicine SUCKS and doesn’t work. I would (If I ever did this again, LOL) go to Costco and bring two or three Costco size boxes of Dayquil/Nyquil pills. Seriously. Cough drops (Halls) are everywhere, so no need for those. Benadryl, cold meds, Excedrin…haven’t found it here. Didn’t bring nearly enough for a year, and have since had lots of it sent over.

Hand Sanitizer: It is here but VERY expensive. I would say it is about 3x the price you would pay in the states. A pump style bottle that might run you $3 or so at home, I paid around $12 for and it was ON SALE! Little mini ones are $3-4. I don’t understand why, probably because it hasn’t caught on here yet. I am now a freak about using this stuff since I work in a school and am always sick. Bring it! I would have replaced the lotion with bottles of sanitizer, lol.

English books: I am an avid reader. I didn’t bring a lot of books over (due to weight), but I have found everything I have wanted here. There are multiple English bookstores in Korea, so you can really find anything.

There were only a few things I was told specifically to NOT bring. That was hair appliances: Hair dryer, straightener, curling iron etc… Why? I was told that even with a converter they tend to short out. I have had friends use their American straighteners and hair dryers abroad that shorted even with an adapter, but I decided to risk it. Well, guess what happened? The very first time I plugged my straightener in (with an adapter AND converter!!!) it sparked and died ) : I haven’t tried my curling iron because I am afraid of what will happen. I didn’t bring a hair dryer because they take up too much space. I bought a good straightener for like $25, they are everywhere. Leave the hair appliances at home!

Something I brought, but a lot of other people I know didn’t bring, are converters/adapters. Maybe it is because I have traveled a lot and know you need them, but once in another country, finding the adapters you need is quite difficult. It isn’t impossible, but they are MUCH more expensive and really hard to find. I came with an international set for traveling and such. I use my Korean one everyday for my laptop! So, be sure to pack those before coming over.

I think that is about it. I am sure there are a million other things, but that will have to do it for today.

I promise to have a real update soon! Not much to report here, same old same old!

Miss all you who are stateside or in other countries!!

Love,

Kimberly