This has become my favorite show in Korea (in English it translate to Infinity Challenge). Luckily I found English subbed verison of many episodes on youtube. I find it hilarious. The contestants are famous comedians in Korea and the show's premise is basically them completing random missions and the first to do so wins some type of prize.

So some updates. I don't think this post will have one common subject. It will kind of be all over the place lol.

First some random observations since being here:

1. If you ever come to Korea and want to get a driver's license, you need to take the test, and then forget everything on the test because that's what the Koreans do. I thought Michigan drivers were bad...here, running red lights is common, nearly running over pedestrians, riding motorcycles on the sidewalk, and constant lane changing (way worse than what people do in the states) is how you drive here. I don't think I could survive the streets here.

2. I see a lot of baseball caps here and surprisingly it's mainly Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Son, and New York Yankees (for obvious reasons). I don't know how the Tigers became popular here.

3. When on the subway, you better learn how to be a pushy person or you will get rundown.

4. I like how whenever you enter a restaurant or place of service, they are really their to serve you, unlike the states, they say hi with a smile on their faces and a goodbye with a smile.

So the previous weekend was pretty boring. It rained and was kind of cold all weekend so I really didn't go out except to buy a few things from the grocery store. I went to church again Sunday and met a Korea there who is in school so we are going to try to hang out on Friday.

I have a pretty easy week into next Wednesday. Students have had midterms since Tuesday and will be over Thursday. I'll be back to teaching on Friday and then on Monday and Tuesday I have days off because of school holidays.

On Saturday some people from the church are riding to Costco....yes there is a Costco in Korea!! I don't have a membership though so it's pointless. I'll still go just to get out.

Then later on Saturday the recruiter that got me my teaching job here is having a dinner for all the people they've helped get here....and they are paying for dinner so DEFINITELY cannot miss that. Sunday I'm supposed to meet someone who's going to help me with Korean and I'm going to help them with English. Pretty cool.

Today since I got off school early, I decided to head to Itaewon to get my hair cut. The shop was located in a small community of Africans and I'm just trying to figure out what made them come to Korea...then again they could ask me the same thing. They gave me a real nice cut and I hope they don't go anywhere because that is the only place where a brotha can get a good haricut right now.

Afterwards I found a KFC and a Coldstone...yes COLDSTONE...I devoured some great chocolate ice cream.

Speaking of food, that is what I love about my apartment is that it is part of a little "town" so to speak. That is popular here. They build "officetels" and surround them with shops and restaurants. So I basically have everything I need right at the bottom of my apartment. I've found several favorite restaurants and there is even a grocery store in my building. A Dunkin Donuts opened up yesterday and there is also a Papa John's not too far away. Basically I have my choice of fast food, Korea food, Japanese, American, etc within 2 minutes walking distance. And the food is so cheap.

Also, I believe that within 30 years, a lot of Koreans will be dealing with the same health problems many Americans are dealing with and overweight issues. Asians in general are known for being smaller and slimmer than westerners (not all of course), but with all the Western restaurants coming here, mainly catering to the younger generation, it's only a matter of time.

One more thing...WHEREVER I GO, I always seem to live enxt to someone who is just stomping on the floor and bumping around their apartment for now apparent reason. In college I had neighbors and people above me who just stomped on the floor. Back home in Detroit, the same thing only people were slamming doors and bangning and walls with loud music. Now here, I am next to someone who does some type of exercise where he is stomping on the floor. He was doing the exercise late one night and I asked him could he quiet down and he did, but now lately he's started up again only earlier. I mean really...I think sooner or later I'm just going to have to find a place to live in that is not attached to anyone...in other words A HOUSE. I can't wait to buy a house....a house with 100 yards of open space all around it...yes that sounds nice.

So that's basically it for now. God bless.

So earlier in the week, one of the male teachers invited me to play soccer with them against another middle school.

*Sidenote...when talking about invited here in Korea many times it may mean it is imperative that you go, or they insist that you go...aka if you don't go, will will be angry lol...I assume it's seen as disrespect*

Now I have poor stamina so I was not looking forward to it. I hadn't played soccer (at least a full game) since elementary school and it's not something I'm good at. Nonetheless I went with it raining and all and I actually had fun. I was out of breath and I missed the ball several times when I went to kick it, but all they cared about was if I was enjoying it. The teacher that invited me who is very nice kept saying "just enjoy...enjoy!!" So I did. They understood that I had never really played and soccer is very popular here.

So afterwards, they tol...ahem invited me to come to dinner with them. We went to some kind of seafood place and again I was wondering what type of food I was going to be trying today. I learned it was a type of stew or soup with octopus, veggies, and what my teacher friend described as "fish stomach" (can't remember the korean name)...At first I was like hold up, but then I thought about it, a lot of my african american counterparts back in the states eat chitterlings (CHITLINS LOL), pig feet, and the like and they smell way worse than what I was smelling at the restaurant. (Oh yeah at the restaurant you sit indian style which I'm sort of used to because I did it all the time as a kid)

So after they brought the soup out, I tried it and it wasn't bad. It was actually quite good with this sauce that they had. This is a big feat for me considering my picky taste buds. I also ate a type of dried seaweed that was salted and wrapped it around rice which was pretty good. I tried the octopus but couldn't roll with that. It was rubbery and I didn't like the taste. I also tried a fish egg lol. It was so so. Later one they also brought out a type of fried potato which tasted like hash browns to me so I tore that up.

So the fun part comes in with the alcohol. Now me being a christian I try to stay away from alcohol. As a matter of fact, I don't think drinking a beer or something every now and then is a sin, but getting drunk is the problem...overindulgence. So part of the culture here in Korea, especially among co workers and bosses is drinking the shoujo, Korea's famous liquor (kind of like saki in Japan). So I tried just a bit and it was very strong. Also in Korea, you don't pour your own drinks. When your glass is empty, you ask someone to pour you more (while holding two hands) and vice versa. So people kept trying to fill my glass, but thankfully my teacher friend told them I was a christian and as a matter of fact another teacher there was a christian as well so many understood and backed off. Too bad I couldn't speak korean because we could have some good conversations. I ended up drinking a few more shots because the principal was very thankful for me being at his school and said I was doing a good job, and that was it. Not nearly enough to get drunk and I spent the rest of the time drinking Fanta pop lol. My teacher friend said that this is the part of his culture that he doesn't like lol.

So after that, it was time to leave and by this time, the principal and other school bosses were drunk and tried to get me to come with them for more!! You kiddin me??!! LOL.

My teacher friend and I slipped away and he dropped me off at my apartment. I am so tired right now and I am going to rest for the rest of the night. Tomorrow I have to wash clothes and clean my apartment for the first time and then head off to Seoul to see a play of some sort preaching against violence against women. Then off to church on Sunday.

So until next time...1

Here is a video at hall passing time so you can see what my school is like. One thing you will notice about one minute or so into the video is that korean kids (specifically the boys) are always beating the crap out of each other (in a playful way)...I've heard this from teachers at other schools as well. It's quite hilarious.

So today was my first day with a class all by myself. There was a co teacher still in the room, but the class was in my hands. Since it was my first day, one of the other co teachers thought it would be a good idea to do a powerpoint about myself, where I'm from, etc. This was a good idea, only I wish I'd made the plan longer. Classes are 45 minutes and I got to 30 minutes with 15 left and the coteacher had to bail me out and we came up with something for them to do for the last 15 minutes.

Basically I did the presentation, and had them answer questions about it. I wanted to get them to use complete sentences and they did. I also gave prizes (American quarters...you'd be surprised at how excited they were to receive american money) and then me and the coteacher came up with the idea of having them do dialouges of them introducing their parents or other friends to me. So day 1...lesson learned.

I also sat in on two of the student teacher's classes as they are preparing to get their certification.

I'm also trying to figure out why my Korean students keep saying I look like Will Smith!! I'm not mad by no means but I don't see it lol.

The weekend was pretty fun. Saturday I met up with a few people who live in my city and we headed to Yongsan which is close to Seoul and is basically the place anyone needs to go if they want electronics. I mean just floors and floors of computers, ipods, cameras, etc. I was able to get a tripod for my camera for 15,000 won (about $10) Afterwards we headed to On the Border a mexican food place which was delicious. Afterwards I headed to a game night that this church was having where we played some uno and Guesstures. Pretty fun time.

Sunday, I went to that church and afterwards a few of us headed to the Tulip Festival in our town. I have pics below. The pics with the gate and the waterfall running through it is part of Suwon Wall which I plan to walk sometime in the future (it takes around 4 hours to do so)

So all in all one week in, I am enjoying it. I'm still getting adjusted and still looking to meet more people I click with and I'm sure that will come with time. I think I'm gonna have to make a calendar because I just randomly signed up to go to a lot of events and whatnot. Tomorrow I'm headed to register for Korean classes in Seoul. The classes are once a week on either Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.

Oh yeah... the name of this blog has Seoul in it even though I am in a city called Suwon that is about 40 minutes away from Seoul. I would change it, but I don't want to...simple. Enjoy the pics...

So I really haven't taught yet. I've basically gone to several classes and introduced myself. I got my timetable today and it looks like I'll start Tuesday. I decided to make a powerpoint with facts about myself, Detroit, Michigan, etc and then afterwards have a short quiz for the students to take (a good idea for all you future esl teachers on the first day). Of course this is if your school gives you a computer.

I tell you I'm real fortunate (at least SO FAR lol) because everyone at my school have been helpful and very nice. The students are very shy at first but once you try to get them to ask you questions they open up a bit more. Today one of the students said I look like Will Smith LOL.

Also a thing I'm noticing is that my personality is real laid back and not talkative (ISFP on the Myerss Briggs Test) and I hate talking in front of people. But surprisingly, I'm quite calm in the classroom. Maybe because it's kids and not adults.

Here are some more pictures...oh I don't know what it is but all the boys are always ready to take pictures...they jump at the chance, but the girls run away, hide their faces lol.

For those that are interested....

So I've arrived. It's been 2 days since I've arrived and so much has happened.

One of the teachers at my school was there to help me on wednesday with getting my medical check and showing me around my neighborhood. We had a bite to eat at some restaurant down below in my building. It was fried shrimp and some type of fried potato along with some soup. It was pretty good. Unfortunately it was raining all day and we had to walk everywhere. I was able to see the school for the first time on Wednesday, but today was my first official day.

I met the principal and vice principal and I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't nervous. But everything seemed to go well and everywhere I walked throughout the school was filled with korean students smiling, waving, running away, etc. when I walked by. They were very excited to learn about me when I got into the classroom. I only went to two classes and talked for aobut 15 min in each one with them asking me questions such as

"DO you have a girlfriend?"
"Do you like korean food?"
"Do you think our teacher is beautiful?"

Too funny.

I also took the subway today for the first time because I had to find a converter for my american plug. The two student teachers at my school helped me find the correct bus but from there I was on my own...and after 4 hours, I finally made it back home. I didn't get lost per say, it was just me trying to make sure I was getting on the correct trains and buses. Some of that Korean I learned before coming here came in handy.

As for food, I tried kimchi and I have to say it is not for me. I made up my mind that I was going tot ry different foods while here, but my tastebuds are funny anyways. I don't like watermelon or sweet potato pie and I'm black so that should tell you somethin j/p

But even with that, I will still try new foods.

As for friends, nobody yet, but I'm meeting some people on Saturday who are headed up to Seoul. One of the people helped me know where to find a converter. Also later in the day I'm going to a game night at a church that I looked up before coming here. I just have to find out where it is lol.

So that's just a brief time of my time so far. I'll be back with a few pics and other stories as well. Peace.

So I'm back from visiting the fam in West Virginia. Saw the Cousins, Aunt, and grandma (she came back home with me and my mom). It was really entertaining and funny listening to all of "the old heads" (I'm the youngest in the family) talking about relatives I had never known because I was born so late. I wish I could've met these people..I think lol. Some of those stories of whoopings back in the day make me question that j/p.

All in all it was good. Ate some good food and now I'm back in the D trying to get everything ready to be packed this weekend.

I think it's REALLY starting to set in that ok, I'm going to SOUTH KOREA. Over the Pacific...to a new country...a new continent and I am going to teach and live there for a year. It's a very weird feeling of excitement and nervousness, hence the title name of this post.

But I am ready and ready to face whatever life brings me and whatever God uses on this trip to grow me. Should be interesting.

Also lately in life other than Korea, I've been moving on and cutting people out of my life. Some voluntarily, some involuntarily. It's some relationships that I just have to let go of and problems. I'm not gonna say let go and let God, b/c that's not even in the bible and it's so cliche these days. So with that, this next chapter in life, I'm looking to make new friends that will last a lifetime even after my time in Korea is up...LET'S GO!!! Peace.

Ok so I wake up this morning not really ready to drive 6 hours, I check my email and I get an email saying that my school wants to change my flight to the 13th instead of the 11th because if I leave on the 11th, and come to school on the 13th, the kids will be on a field trip and they are afraid that I'll be lonely in the school.

Awwww...

lol...it kind of threw my schedule off a bit, but I get a little extra time to take care of some things, and I don't have to drive today because I'm tired.

So I should be sleep right now as I have a road trip to West Virginia to say goodbye to fam, and pick up my grandma and bring her back. I'll go to sleep after this brief post. So what will I miss?



- Reese's cookies
- Church home
- Nick at Nite
- My car
- Favorite restaurants
- My bed
- Detroit activities in the summer
- Pistons games
- Tigers baseball
- Golf...I don't think I'll bring my clubs...extra luggage :(
- ESPN
- And of course, friends and family

So the trip to Chicago was very interesting...let me break it down for you...

I planned to leave at 5 am (which would be 4am Chicago time) so I could to there about an hour and a half ahead of time. I left on time but it was raining and I hate driving in the rain. And to top it off, it was dark so of course that made things even more difficult. So I head off down I-94 West, and get to around Ann Arbor and somehow I got off 94. I don't know how but I did, and I ended up having to stop at a gas station for directions. I end up back on 94 and

Number of times lost: 1

So I continue on 94, it's still raining, but the sun is starting to rise and after about 3 hours, the rain let's up. I'm making great time actually and I arrive in Chitown at around 9am. I needed to find a post office first before I went to the building of the interview because I messed up the label for the envelope I was supposed to give them to mail my passport back to me. So I found that and then went off to find the building. I found it without a problem, but the problem was now trying to find parking. Traffic in Chicago is bad, and parking is even worse. So I finally find a reasonable parking garage, park my car, and I'm off back to the building where the interview is. Only thing is, I forgot which direction it was.

Number of times lost: 2

So I walk around for about 20 minutes and realized that I could actually be walking FURTHER away from the building. I decided to hail a cab and he got me there within 5 minutes for 6 dollars. I get there and I'm about 30 minutes early and there are 3 other people there waiting for their interviews. A half hour later, it's my turn and another guy came in with me. The Korean guy asked me and him simple questions like have you researched korean culture and why would you be a good teacher. It went by quickly.

So after the interview, I had to decide whether or not to stay over and get a hotel room, or drive back. I had only gotten 2 hours of sleep the night before and I was extremely tired. I wanted to find a cheap hotel room because my funds aren't exactly great right now. My mom's friend had given me the name of a hotel and the address. So I go off to find it yet I cannot find the street and I was sure I had seen it before.

Number of times lost: 3

I decided to do the cab thing again and ended up at the hotel. They were to expensive so the cab was pointless. I start walking around looking for other hotels and they are all expensive too. So I said forget it and said I would drive out of the city, stop at a rest stop, take a nap and then drive back. Great right?!! Well I couldn't remember where I parked my car. I'm walking all over trying to remember what the parking garage looked like.

Number of times lost: 4

I walk around for about a half hour when I decide to look at the ticket from the garage. Thank God the address was on it and I was able to find it. I pay the charge and leave the crowded downtown of Chicago. I wanted to take pictures, but I was just too tired. So I leave the city and I'm on 94 east. I'm hungry and decide to get some Wendy's and tale a nap in the parking lot of the welcome center next door. Two hours later I wake up and get back on the highway. I also needed gas so I got some about a half hour down the road. I get off, get my gas and get back on the road. Here is the funniest part to me. When coming from Chicago, you are going east. You're supposed to go into Indiana, then into Michigan. Well...I'm back on the freeway after getting gas, and 20 minutes later I see a sign that says "Wlecome to Illinois!"

Hold up.

Am I trippin? I should be seeing a sign that says welcome to Michigan!!

Number of times lost total in one day: 5

I realized I somehow got on the wrong on ramp after getting gas and ended up going west.

So anyways, I speed home, tired as ever, and get some rest after a long day.

I'm now waiting on approval of my visa and the date for my departure is the 11th. I said goodbye to my church family today and on Tuesday I'm back on the road to West Virginia this time to say goodbye to my aunt and cousins, and to pick my grandma up and bring her back to Detroit.

A lot to take care of before I leave.

So I received my visa number yesterday and I'm headed to Chicago tomorrow morning to head to the Korean Consulate to bring them all the paperwork they need. The interview is at 10:30 A.M, and from what I hear it's more of a formality than anything. It should take no longer than 15 minutes and then they will process my visa info (about 2-3 days), send me my passport and then I'm off to Korea!!!

I talked to my recruiter and gave her the date of the 15th as a date to leave so they are working on arranging the flight and getting my itinerary.

I tell though, if you plan on teaching in Korea, make sure you are sure about going because you will have to spend a couple hundred bucks getting everything done. Apostilles, background checks, sending documents overseas, etc, it adds up. Luckily I saved quite a bit of money from my last job say I'm thankful for that.

I've also got to get a couple other things done as well. I'll be headed to West Virginia next week to see the rest of my family (grandma, aunt, cousins). My grandma is 80 with a few health problems so I want to make sure I see her.

Tomorrow while I'm in Chitown, I'm gonna do a little sightseeing after the interview and try to find a theater so I can see Fast and Furious. So yeah I guess the countdown REALLY begins now.