Well back in Korea. Almost feels like I haven't left, but at the same time it felt new again since I am at a different school. Been kind of busy so got to say sorry for not contacting anyone. I decided just to write in my travel journal instead of emailing everyone seperate. Lazy, I know. But here is whats up so far.
The flight was very long, but I at least got to play video games and watch movies of my choice since each seat had their on TV. I slept some and sharpened my Tetris skills. I also watched Blood Diamond and realized how crappy of an actor DiCapreo is. His accent ruined the movie.
I arrived in Deagu and was met at the airport by two guys holding a big sign with my name on it. They rushed me to the school to meet everyone. I told them I would prefer going to my apartment first but they insisted that I go to the school first. I guess they don't understand what 18 hours of travel does to someone. I was able to manage a fake smile and after 30 minutes they wisked me to my place.
I was promised a 2 bedroom but I got a 1 bedroom apartment because of a disagreement between the landlord and my boss. The apartment is nice and is brand new but kinda on the small side. It was furnished and is actually in a quiet neighborhood. The funny story about the neighborhood is that I actally live on the corner of a red light district. The first night I found that out the hard way by unknowingly walking through the middle of it. Since I am a foreigner they didn't mess with me but I did get afew random hellos and a lot of stares. In the states that would = me living in a really bad part of town but my neighborhood is pretty normal and safer than most neighborhoods in the US.
Hmm what can I say about the school.... Well first of all its big. It is staffed by 15 Korean teachers and startin in July, 4 westerners. Also in July we are moving to a new building which will include a computer lab and a library for the kids. That is really uncommon for a private English school to have such things because directors usually care more about there finances than the students. The school is pretty big and I have about 300 students. I teach 6 classes a day with no break which is brutal but does make the day go by quick. My weekends right now are Sunday and Monday but I put my foot down and refused to work saturdays so the new schedule I will have Saturday and Sunday off. I get 2 weeks vacation and I don't have class if the students have midterms or finals. I am only working 4 day weeks with a very light load the next 3 weeks due to this and I am going to fly to Japan the 27th for 3 days to get a visa. I guess you could say the next month is gonna be a breeze. My coworkers are really cool and I am quickly becoming friends with the other westerner. I really got to say that it is going much better that last year.
I have decided to buy a scooter. hehe funny thought, me on a scooter but I am planning to work privates with an old coworker and need some form of transportation because taxi fares add up quickly. I will be doing privates at kids homes for 100 bucks a week which will mean I will be making around 2.7-2.8 million won (3,000 US) a month. So the scooter will pay for itself. I am also planning to buy a futon so I will have a couch and an extra bed if anyone feels like visiting.
Well I think that pretty much sums it up. I don't have long distant calling but promise to have my Skype up and running as soon as I get paid. I miss you all and see ya in 11 months. I now know how to mail packages so if you want anything from Japan or Korea let me know.
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