So I know it has been a while since I have updated this blog, but I don't think you all would want to read about me stressing over writing my exit thesis and trying to navigate the word of post undergraduate life; especially the job market. Luckily for me I was able to apply and be accepted to a private after school English academy in Seoul, South Korea. I have a few friends who have worked for this program and really enjoy it, plus the reviews of the job on ESL program review sites were very positive. Essentially, I will be living in Seoul until August 2016 and then have the option of signing on for another year.
So after about 5 months of paperwork, interviews, and getting things pulled together, I am finally back in Seoul! I arrived yesterday (7/31) at 8:15pm and then had to lug all my luggage with me to the bus station so I could get an airport bus into the city, because there is no way I am going to be paying the $80-$100 taxi fare into the city with all my bags. Luckily for me there was a US soldier coming back from leave who took pity on me and since he was going to the bus station as well, helped me out. At first he thought that I was military as well, since I have about a year and a half's worth of stuff with me.
I am so thankful that that was not a one time thing. when I got to the bus stop for my hostel, I had some difficulty getting all my bags while following the directions to the hostel\. People were walking right past me, or they were outside of the convenience stores chatting with friends and just watching me. Eventually a really nice lady (she was about my age I think) came up and asked if I needed any help. She called the hostel owner who then called the hostel staff to send someone out to come help me. I feel so sorry for the man, because the hostel was on the 4 floor of the building and the elevator was broken. But we both pulled through and before I knew it I had my own room and cool water to drink! After relaxing and taking a cool shower, I passed out. Now as much as my room at the hostel was nice and the amenities were amazing, it was like most older Korean buildings where the walls are thin and noise travels quickly (also need to get readjusted to living in a city again), so I did not sleep too well because of random noises and such, but it all worked out.
Now today I planned on meeting up with a friend of mine who was going to help me move my luggage to the hotel that my company is paying for while we are going to be in training. I decided to try to cut down on the amount of stuff that we would have to lug through the subway, all while trying to figure out if it would even be possible (elevators, stairs, escalators, etc). So I woke up at 7 naturally and tried to sleep more, but ended up taking my carry-on roller with me on the subway to the hotel and seeing if they could hold it while I went back and got the rest with my friend. Well good news is that I was able to check in early (it was 10 am and check in is usually 2 pm) so I took my bag up to my room, cooled off some and then went back to the hostel to get ready for round two.
Well like most uncontrollable things in life, my friend was unable to meet up with me to help me out. But it was ok (after a mildly panicked check in with my mom after not talking to her since I left Charlotte the day before), because I got the Hostel to call me a cab that would take me and the rest of my stuff to my hotel.
After an $8 cab ride and help from the front desk manager (who was very impressed that I speak a little Korean) I am currently sitting in my room debating on if I want to take a nap or go out and explore/eat. My only hesitation on sleeping is I do not want to stay awake all night tonight, but on the other hand, I need to be well rested since I am going to a mini concert later tonight followed by dinner with some friends of mine. Decisions, decisions...
Anyway, this is a rather (long) quick update on my travels. I will be posting more tomorrow since it is a "work day" for me because I need to finish my pre-training info sessions online and also start getting all my accounts crossed over from their US settings. Maybe I will have a more in-depth post about my accommodations (with pictures!) since I have already had people ask about where I am staying.
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