Wake me up, when September ends

After about a month in Korea I’ve started to get accustomed to the culture, food and general way of life.  I’ve eaten things I would never have imagined, seen 1,000 red lights ignored and even began to learn Hangul (Korean’s written alphabet).  Though the list of things and people I miss in America is lengthy I’ve learned to adapt to my surroundings and start to have fun with things I might not have before.  Initially the red light district was an uncomfortable idea and place, but now I take many comfortable strolls through the area.  It’s amazing how less intimidating hookers, pimps and sleazy motels are with an ice cream cone and renewed attitude.

The most interesting and challenging thing so far (no surprise) is teaching.  I’ve never been entrusted with well being of children (mostly because I’m still a child myself) and it has been a tough task everyday.  They need to be kept in line but they are still children so understanding and gentleness are required as well.  This balancing act can test my patience but it’s hopefully making me a better person and, someday down the road, father.  My parents used to say “I hope you get a child just like you.” Well Mom and Dad rest easy, I’ve got about 65.

 

This place is still strange, but it’s certainly growing on me.  With every new discovery Jeonju feels less like a place and more like a city.  And though it’s far from home it’ll do for 11 more months.  I even found a new favorite lunch spot, they have amazing corn dogs.  And they put ketchup and mayo on it…might be the death of me.

My School, Minsoksagwan Language School