Sorry we haven't updated more... it's been slightly crazy lately. We were warned to worry about the culture shock, but what they didn't warn us about are the little things. For example: a computer that just decides to lock it's control panel, network manager, and security center overnight; washing machine hoses that leak; the amount of trips to E-Mart needed to obtain enough drawers/hangers/cleaning supplies; etc. To me, these do not fall under the category of culture shock. Culture shock, to me, is language barriers, confusing or "unusual" customs, the disregard for pedestrian safety, the fact that all Korean meals are spicy (and food in Gyeongbuk is spicier than normal)... and also that all food that is "American" is sweet (e.g. pretzels).
Unfortunately, it is the former that is the most frustrating. The things we knew about which are supposed to bother us, don't. The little things, that would happen at home anyway, are still what drives us nuts.
This weekend we will take time to update everyone on everything that has happened this week. There really is no timetable right now on when we will have internet, for those of you we are dying to skype. We SHOULD be able to connect right now... Who knows.
It definitely is not all bad. We have both met numerous christians, excellent co-workers, and adorable kids. Our apartment is at least 75% clean, and we have TV, dvd, and Wii capability. We can do cold washes whenever we want, we have an air conditioner, and for the week our transportation to and from school is arranged. Food is cheap and plentiful, we are living in a busy, interesting town, and we are 2 blocks from these internet cafes.
Anyway, we miss everyone! Will be writing again soon.
Seth
Most of the non-spicy Korean foods I can think of are soups (Seollongtang [beef soup], ddeok guk [rice cake soup], mandu guk [dumpling soup], kalguksu [noodle soup], samgyetang [chicken and ginseng soup]). Then there's the meats: samgyupsal (pork belly), kalbi (rib meat), bulgogi. We usually seek out a Japanese- or Chinese- style place and get odeng, tonkatsu, or jajjang myeon [black bean sauce on noodles].
ReplyDeleteHope you can figure out all the kinks! When we arrived here our fridge was full of food, including a molding steak, and there was trash all over the floor. Totally not what I was expecting! Also I think most houses have a thermostat where you can control the temperature of the water. We still haven't figured ours out just yet...^^;
Well Spanny, if you are eating American then it sounds like you should be satisfying that sweet tooth of yours. :) And by the way, what is a 'cold wash'...no running hot water?
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