New City

Last night was my first night in Gwangju on my own! I still can't believe I'm here. It hit me when I was out shopping with my amazing co-teacher, Mihay at Lotte Mart when I was trying to decipher the huge selection of milk cartons.

We boarded the busses early yesterday morning in Jeonju. Our closing ceremony was nice. There were some performers that did a great job. We also received a certificate that said we had successfully completed the EPIK training, and got our medical exam back. It would have been interesting to read, except it was all in Korean. It did said AIDS- Negative, so I think thats good.

It was hard saying goodbye to my friends I met. We had a group that really clicked well, and I was sad to see them each go. I was in class 3 for orientation, and half the group was headed to Incheon, and the other half were going to Gwangju. Our group was split evenly, so hopefully those guys will want to come down and visit (hint, hint!). I know that our half the group will be headed up probably in September to visit and see their places.

When we got to Gwangju, we met our teachers at the Office of Education. Everyone in Gwangju was placed at 2 schools, and I was lucky in the fact that both my teachers were able to come meet me. My center school teachers name is Park, Mihay, and the secondary school teachers name is Jo, Hyunju. It is funny because they went to college together and are best friends, just working at different schools. They both seem very nice.

We had lunch out and it was delicious. I attempted to eat with chopsticks, but my co-teacher politely said, "it would be okay for you to use the fork." In Korean, that really means, "please use the fork." I was okay with that. I did buy a pair to practice with at home until I get good.

I got to see the school next. The name of the center school is Suwan Middle School. The building was completed February 2009, so it's brand new and has great technology. I found out today I get my own classroom and don't have to go to the students. They come to me. This method is not very common in Korea. Also, because it is new, they only have 7th graders. Next year, they are hoping to have 7th and 8th graders.

We went to my apartment, and I could literally throw a baseball at the school from my front gate. It is on the block next to mine. So convienent. It is a small building, only 4 stories. I am the only person living there besides the house manager. She doesn't speak English, so I write down Korean symbols from my teachers guide's dictionary to speak with her.

I have an entryway, living room, laundry room with washer, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The TV looks a little smaller, but it is flatscreen and doesn't take up much room. There is a dorm-size fridge, and a glass table top and chair set. I also have a pretty sweet looking clock. The house manager was nice and put some drinks in the fridge, gave me 5 glasses, toothpaste, a towel, and soap. She also came up last night to see if I had eaten dinner, which I had, otherwise she was going to offer me dinner.

I am going into town right now with my teacher to meet some friends, but I should have internet at my apartment in the next couple of days.