First steps
Trip Start
Aug 26, 2008
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Trip End
Ongoing
Daegu, Korea Rep.
Friday, August 29, 2008
I'd come back to Korea because I love it here, I love the people, the culture, the way of life. I loved the life I lived when I was in Korea and I wanted that all over again. But this time it was going to be different. This was not a road of discovery of a new country, but a new person. As I took my first steps into my new life I couldnt help but feel a tad nervous.As I sat and waited for the bus to Daegu I smiled to myself at all the familir things I'd missed, forcing myself to stay awake and soak it all up.
Andy met me at the bus station and took me back to his place, a familiar mess, and a familiar face! It was amazing to see him again and catch up. For the first few days I struggled to get myself into a routine and get over my jetlag. It was not helped by several late nights in a row! I met up with old friends and ate lots of Korean food! I met new people and made new friends, the way you do when you're out here! My first weekend in Daegu was wonderful. Nice and relaxed, all the things I'd loved about it last time I was here. I was starting to get increasingly worried about my school and where I was going to be living, and if Im totally honet finding myself on my own in Korea for the first time.
So on monday I dragged myself and all my stuff across town to meet my school. My co-teacher seemed really nice and we came back to my apartment, which seemed very small and horrid! It stank of smoke (as the teacher before me smoked!). My heart sank and I couldnt imagine myself in this tiny room for a whole year! Off we went to my school. It turns out Im in a private all girls school. All girls are interesting, but it turned out to be fine! All my co-teachers are so sweet and helpful and made me feel right at home. That night I came home and unpacked, and soon my apartment started to feel more like home!
Deciding that I didnt want too much time on my hands I enrolled in a yoga class which my friends Greta and Jacinta go to. Its a very intense programme, 3 times a week! So I signed my life away for 3 months, and now Im on week 3 of 12! I love it. The yoga is great, it works me out, gives me time to clear my head, integrates me into the Korean culture and give me a chance to hang out with friends! I wont lie, last week was hard work! My initial enthusiasm had worn off a little and I ached! But this week Im excited to go again, so lets hope this enthusiasm lasts all week!
So my first week at work came and went and we went down to Busan a the weekend! I saw Brony, which was just amazing, and generally had an amazing time! On the saturday we went to a lovely temple on the coast. It sits right on the rocks overlooking the sea. Its an impressive temple. but its location gives it a whole new dynamic. Its like the calm and tranquility of the templs meets the rough and wildness of the ocean and the two collide to make an amazing atmosphere. It was unfortunately raining when we were there, but it didnt dampen our spirits!
That night we went to Gwangali beach, which has an amazing atmosphere at night. The road sits right on the beach front and is lines with bars and restaurants. It almost feels a bit European. The beautifully illuminated road bridge stretches across the bay, framing it and adding to its already chiiled atmosphere. All night the Koreans buy small fireworks and let them off, so the sky is always peppered with fireworks. Its beautiful! Anyway, we enjoyed some bars, and then moved onto a Nore Bang (singing room!) to end our night! It was my first time back in a nore bang, and boy did I enjoy it!! Always a hoot!
So that was my first 10 days in Korea. A rollercoaster ride of emotions, but someone very wise said to me once that thats why w do it. The fear and nervousness only makes it all better once it pays off and we're living the life we want and having a great time. I know I made the right decision to come back and not let my life pass me by. I start my studies next week, might have to cut down on the socail life somewhat now! Very excited to start studying again!
Do something that scares you everyday.
