Back to Work

It's strange to be working internationally. It feels like you're on vacation, but you go to work. Well, work so far hasn't really been work. The new staff orientation was mostly filled with free meals, trips to stores, Costco, and setting up bank accounts. There are about 40 of us who are new to Korea International School, and we've gotten to know almost everyone, especially the ones in our neighborhood. Everyone is friendly, excited to be living here and trying to figure out the basics. It almost feels like college again...new people (I guess with more broader ages and backgrounds) living close together, no one knows anyone and you're all in the same boat. It sort of bonds you all together.

The school has treated us so well. From the minute we got here we felt welcomed and taken care of. The staff is so on top of things and helpful. A couple of times we have called to just ask for subway directions, and they say "hang on" we're going to come pick you up. So I guess we can't ask for directions, or we'll keep making someone leave their desk.

One of our first nights here, we went out for dinner and drinks with the school director and most of the principals. I was nervous to meet them all, but was quickly surprised at how down to earth and funny they all were. They aren't intimidating at all and have been putting fun events on like dinners, BBQ's and nights out for everyone.

I'm working at the smaller campus called Gaepo. It's their early years program which is pre-k (3 year olds) to first grade (which is who I'll be working mostly with). Beth the head teacher I'm with is really nice. Our director there, Don, took us on a tour of Seoul last Saturday on his free time. It was really hot out, but we had a blast. We're feeling so thankful that this is where we ended up, we are loving the Korean culture and have had such a positive experience so far with the school.

Here are some pictures from the tour...

This one is for Bry and Chase...I think Don was telling us that this is the only Korean written sign that Starbucks has in the world.

We went back to Insa Dong...it was much busier on the weekend.

Chadwick happy with his pastry puffs from a street vendor.

We went to a Korean lunch in Samcheong Dong, a really cute street filled with art, boutiques and restaurants (and waffles-which is a Korean dessert here, which I haven't had yet, but want to.)

Authentic Korean meals have lots, and lots of side dishes. This meal had like 8 courses. Everything was beautiful, but I haven't gotten accustomed to Korean flavors yet. I miss familiar tastes and smells.

The magical school bus.

We went to Gyeonbokguna Palace, and this was where they would have big dinners and celebrations.

This is inside one of the many buildings on the palace property.

Here is most of the new Gaepo staff (Don our director is on the left).

This is right when you enter the palace walls.

I felt so bad for these guys...it was so hot out...

This was outside the palace walls...they were changing the guards.

Inside the race car bus...

We drove up the Bukak Skyway to a lookout point.

Here is a view of Seoul on an overcast morning.