Korea is Dynamic!

In one of our numerous lectures we were were told, "Korea is dynamic." People have been continually telling us to "go with the flow." We abruptly found out just how dynamic Korea is. After planning on being in the small rural town of Seongju, we were shocked when our co-teachers brought us to west Daegu. They first showed us an unfurnished studio apartment, with no windows, and a Little Mermaid bathtub. Surprisingly, after looking at a few other apartments, we chose that first studio. At this point we were in shock, experiencing fear, and uncertainty. In addition, our co-teachers speak to each other in Korean, and they spoke to the rental agent and apartment owner in Korean, so we had no idea what they were say; however, after saying a little prayer asking God that we would be understanding, trusting, and patient, we received a simple but huge relief. The other two native English teachers, who will be teaching in Seongju as well, came to the rental agency. We will hopefully be living very close to them!

As the long evening in the rental office progressed, we became more and more comforted that our situation would be just fine. By the end of the night, we were both extremely excited. We will be two blocks away from a very beautiful university where we can walk, run, play basketball, etc. There is a river a few blocks west of our apartment, and there is shopping and dinning just out our door. If we want Korean pizza, all we have to do is walk down our stairs to the first floor of our building. For a small town Grand Marais girl, this is a big change. The whole city is covered in flashing neon signs, and people flood the streets, even late at night. It is very different than downtown Minneapolis. Like Seth said, it reminded us of Times Square. Just think what Seoul will be like!

My co-teacher's name is hard for me to pronounce, so she asked me to call her Mrs. Gung. My guesstimate is that she is in her 40's. She lives in South Daegue, has a house, and has two children, a girl who attends Gyeongbuk University, whom is excited to meet me :) and a son who is in high school. I think I will have a good relationship with her. She has been very willing to answer all of our questions. On the ride to Daegu, Seth's co-teacher said, "We are very lucky. You are very handsome and Anna is very beautiful." :) Towards the end of the night, both of them said that they were very happy that we are their native English teachers.

The song "Love Shack" came to mind last night as we arrived at our hotel. It is a very fancy, clean hotel, except it is a "love" hotel :) We have a round bed with mirrors, another queen bed, mood lighting, a vanity with cosmetics, a jacuzzi tub, an enormous TV, a CD player, surround sound, a mini frig, a computer, etc. It reminds us of the movies!

Today we will furnish our apartment!