6 Months Reflection Post
So, as I sit here, reflecting on the fact that I've been in Korea for just over six months now, I can honestly say that it's been an interesting time so far. I've experienced many things, people, places, and activities that I would never had experienced had I just stayed in Lima or Denver doing my routine everyday life, working nine to five or studying.
I've seen many culturally different things here, such as motorcycle drivers speeding down a busy sidewalk, inches away from the pedestrians. You also can see some girls dressed in minimum clothing trying to advertise for a fast food restaurant or electronics chain, dancing to electronic Korean music. Or maybe the dogs caged in an area far too small for them, next to chickens.
I've met many new people as well. I have met some great friends, like Jiwon (my Korean co-teacher who also has done a language exchange with me, helping me greatly with my Korean). Jiwon also introduced me to Songjin, a Korean friend of hers that has really helped me by teaching and improving my non-existent Chinese to an almost respectable beginner's level. Some of the English teachers at my school have been great to be around with and spend time with, such as Jen, who finished her year at LCI, but is soon coming back, in January. Some other teachers I can't really relate to that much, since they tend to go to Itaewon, the foreigner district, to drink and party.
I've been fortunate enough to do several trips around Korea and even for a short week to Beijing. I've seen many great cities and festivals in Korea, such as the amazing mud festival back in the summer, Admiral Yi's festival down South, and the amazing trip to the islands of Dokdo and Ulleungdo between Korea and Japan. Beijing was also an amazing, yet way too short trip. As I mentioned before, all of the sights were amazing, but I really, really want to go back on my own, without the constraints of a tour group.
There have also been low points. I've missed my family, of course, and my friends, both in the states and in Peru. I miss playing music in Denver and spending time with my cousins and friends in Lima. I also had my laptop stolen a couple of months ago, which was a hard blow for me, as anyone that knows how much I love computers would know, but I was beyond that quickly. Another thing that bothers me lately is some of the aspects of Korean culture, such as the constant pushing and (to me) rude bumping into each other in the streets and in a worse way in the subway.
But enough of my ramblings. I'm definitely glad that I've come here, and that I've practically paid off my loans, with the last payment coming up in January. Then I'll be able to save up some money to go travel after I'm done here in June, as I travel back towards home.
Thanks for reading, and I'm ready for another six months in Seoul.
Bring it on.
I've seen many culturally different things here, such as motorcycle drivers speeding down a busy sidewalk, inches away from the pedestrians. You also can see some girls dressed in minimum clothing trying to advertise for a fast food restaurant or electronics chain, dancing to electronic Korean music. Or maybe the dogs caged in an area far too small for them, next to chickens.
I've met many new people as well. I have met some great friends, like Jiwon (my Korean co-teacher who also has done a language exchange with me, helping me greatly with my Korean). Jiwon also introduced me to Songjin, a Korean friend of hers that has really helped me by teaching and improving my non-existent Chinese to an almost respectable beginner's level. Some of the English teachers at my school have been great to be around with and spend time with, such as Jen, who finished her year at LCI, but is soon coming back, in January. Some other teachers I can't really relate to that much, since they tend to go to Itaewon, the foreigner district, to drink and party.
I've been fortunate enough to do several trips around Korea and even for a short week to Beijing. I've seen many great cities and festivals in Korea, such as the amazing mud festival back in the summer, Admiral Yi's festival down South, and the amazing trip to the islands of Dokdo and Ulleungdo between Korea and Japan. Beijing was also an amazing, yet way too short trip. As I mentioned before, all of the sights were amazing, but I really, really want to go back on my own, without the constraints of a tour group.
There have also been low points. I've missed my family, of course, and my friends, both in the states and in Peru. I miss playing music in Denver and spending time with my cousins and friends in Lima. I also had my laptop stolen a couple of months ago, which was a hard blow for me, as anyone that knows how much I love computers would know, but I was beyond that quickly. Another thing that bothers me lately is some of the aspects of Korean culture, such as the constant pushing and (to me) rude bumping into each other in the streets and in a worse way in the subway.
But enough of my ramblings. I'm definitely glad that I've come here, and that I've practically paid off my loans, with the last payment coming up in January. Then I'll be able to save up some money to go travel after I'm done here in June, as I travel back towards home.
Thanks for reading, and I'm ready for another six months in Seoul.
Bring it on.
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