Couples in Korea

Fun fact about couples here: They do EVERYTHING together. And by this, I mean that they buy couples sweatshirts, couples shoes, they have couples restaurants, they wear couples rings, etc. The guys also carry their girlfriend's purse for them wherever they go. It's super ridiculous. It's like they are trying to rub it in everybody's face, that they have a significant other and you don't. You'll never catch me carrying my girlfriend's purse, EVER.

Night 3 in Seoul

So, for the passed couple of days I have been able to get a grasp on what life will be like here. I have been at the school, observing classes and meeting the students. So far, it is great. I love it. Yesterday I spent the day at the school with the 7 and 8 year olds and their classes. I was partnered up with a teacher who is leaving at the end of the month and he has kinda been showing me the ropes. It looks like school will be a challenge, but the kids are freakin adorable, and I have been schooled on what a Tiger Mom is. They are crazy! They are so wealthy and have nothing to do in their spare time except for shopping and keeping up with their kids. They control everything in their kid's lives. I am extremely shocked at how hard they push their kids. At one point, the teacher wanted to show me what their daily lives were like so he went around the room asking students what they did all day. For example, an 8 year-old student goes to elementary school from 9-1 in the afternoon. After that, they go to swim class, then our school, then to violin practice, then to math school, and possibly art school. They are in class ALL day long! They don't get done till around 9 at night. It's crazy! In one of the classes, every student was wearing glasses. I asked why and my partner teacher said it was probably cause they strain their eyes from looking at school work all day. They also go home and study and get about 5 hours of sleep (if they are lucky). I couldn't believe it. I heard their work ethic is so high because their country was completely destroyed after the Korean War and they had to build up from nothing. The parents push and push and push their kids to succeed.

Aside from school, I have been able to experience a bit of the culture. Last night some of my new friends took me to Gyeongbokgung Palace in the heart of Seoul. It is an amazing place and looks especially beautiful lit up at night. After taking some pictures and exploring, we all went to a Korean BBQ joint. What a cool experience. The food was great except I was not able to stomach the Kim Chi. It was just too spicy.

Today was spent in class again and tomorrow I get to meet my new student's moms, which should be interesting. I hope to make a good impression, and will let you all know how it goes.

Keep checking back because I am trying to upload a video on what my apartment looks like if this site will ever let me. In the meantime, here are some photos of last night.

My Journey Begins

Sitting in a hotel while I count down the hours till my first trip to the far East. It has been a long, hard week of preparation. While I am excited to start this new chapter of my life, I am also sad to leave a life I have grown so accustomed to. The Central Coast can be a very nice place to live and a very difficult place to leave. So as I sit here, wondering what this trip has in store for me, know that I will miss all of you very much. I am leaving behind a lot of good friends and a wonderful family. Though, I am sure I'll be back... we always are. Until then, I will be posting pictures, video and stories about my trips. I hope you find them to be as exciting as I do.