Alive and well!

Ahn Nyung Hasae Yo! That means hello. It was the only word I knew when I got here, but luckily, I also know now: yes, no, please, thank you, goodbye, and here! (as in, Here I am server! Take my order please!) So Mark needs to quit teasing.

The plane ride was simply exhausting. I flew from Atlanta to Minneapolis to Tokyo to Busan. Yikes. Interestingly enough, on my flight from Tokyo to Busan, I ended up sitting next to a man who was visiting his finacee in Busan, but had gone to Tucker High School! Small world, I say.

I've been staying in Brittany's apartment because mine is not ready until tomorrow. The flat is nice, but smaller than my bedroom at home, and that includes a tiny kitchen, washer machine, and bathroom. Oh me oh my. Brittany has been an excellent hostess. I have already eaten many delicious dishes of Korean food, including the best sushi I have ever had. We ended up at a restaurant without an English menu, so we were daring and pointed at random lines. Our server took pity on us and brought us beepembop (phonetic spelling, only), which is a pretty generic dish of rice, meat and veggies all in a big bowl. I've gone out both nights (not really helping the jet lag!) and met all of Brittany's friends, who are now mine by default. Aren't they so lucky?

I met the manager of my school today and she showed me around the school. It is very nice and modern. I start orientation on Monday, so I still have several days to wander around. I will be teaching from 2-9, on average, with varying times for Tues/Thurs. The library there is outstanding. Emma would be in heaven! It has about 3000 English children's books. I saw many of my favorite Newberry Award winners with just a glance. Apparently I lucked out, I've already heard some horror stories.

Everyone has been extremely nice. I love it here already. I get curious looks, and a few kids shouted "Hi! Hi!" at me today, but nothing too crazy yet. I have learned to take off my shoes before entering a house (not so uncommon, after so many years with Fanli, my Asian piano teacher!), to give and receive with both hands (a sign of respect) and not to sit in the old people seats on the metro. All good lessons. Most of the people I have met are Americans or Canadians. I've hear rumors of Europeans and one South African, but have yet to have any sightings.

Well, I'm off to explore the surrounding area while Brittany is at school. I'm meeting "our" friend Diane, from Toronto, for coffee and food later tonight. She talks a mile a minute, is very cool, and lives just down the street. Miss and love everyone tons!