Windowless

Part I: Shock
I like to listen to a podcast called Zencast. If you have ever done any study on Buddhism, especially the Zen kind than you come across koans. These are like little poems that offer mind bending powers.
For example:
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
When a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound?

I have a new one for the pantheon of koans:
What can you see through a windowless window?

This is the question I face in a my new home, because I have no window!!

Where a window should be is this:
As Roboseyo would put it, when he looked at it, that it is a thing that is mocking you. It looks like a window but does not function as one. And the light inside adds to the illusion.

When you open the "shade" you get this:

A fluorescent bulb glowing in all its glory.

When I realized that this window wasn't real and that my new home had no window at all, my heart completely sank. Claustrophobia sunk in as well.

Roboseyo and Gomushin Girl were there trying to cheer me up and keep me on the bright side. But my mind was in shock.

That was yesterday. Since then I have taken action and emailed my recruiter demanding the school work on finding me a new home with a window.

I noticed that across the hallway are other rooms that are on the window side. So all they really need to do is move me into an open room on the other side of the hallway. How this develops I will let you know.

Keep in mind that my school only had a week to find their new teacher a new home. They probably did it in a hurry and without getting all the details. So I do appreciate that they got me a home, but a window inside the home would have completed the job.

But having a room with a fake window, does open one up to either going insane, or experiencing a philisophical breakthrough. (perhaps both)

Part II: Exploration

We all felt it was time to get away from the depressing sight of a windowless room with a mocking window.

So it was time to head out and explore the area and meet up with ZenKimchi in Beomgyeo.

First we walked a little bit around Sanbon and the streets near my home.Do you see that building in the far background? The one with the circle shape? That is the subway station, which doubles as a shopping center for outlet clothing. Next to this building is the building I live in. Sorry didn't get a picture but will for you in time.

There was some kind of cultural festival going on with a stage and people gathered around it. This was very welcoming to see, because it felt like a real community thing.

Anyways, it was time to move on and meet up with ZenKimchi.

Part III: Rehabilitation

We got on the subway and made our way to Beomgye.

Flea Market:

Central Park:
This park was pretty central, for it was situated between many buildings. In it there was a water fountain, dung-beetle sculpture and open space.

After wandering around the area we settled upon going to a cafe. BK was coming to meet us so we thought to chill in a cafe. But on the way I was told that we were going to do a "Dr. Fish". First thought of mine was some kind of food, then as things transpired more I realized it had something to do with health and beauty.

Dr. Fish is a foot cleansing process where you put your feet into a tank of fish, which then proceed to nibble at your feet. They take little sucking like actions on your feet in all the nooks and crannies.

Gomushin Girl there in red going through laughing fits. Me next to her. Opposite me is ZenKimchi, with Roboseyo next to him.

Gomushin Girl going through her experience:


I thought of the experience in a way that these little fish are my workers and their task is to nibble my feet. I have to say they were good little workers.

I really found it pleasing, except for when a lot of them would gather in one spot and have a party. But to ease this I just shook my foot and they regrouped elsewhere.

After Dr. Fish we gathered ourselves and made our way to Lamb Galbi place, which was super delicious!!! Sorry again no pics, at this point my mind was getting tired.

Part IV: Hope

Today (Sunday) was spent shopping and resting. BK and I were tired. Plus, I am still getting over my flu from last week. It is now in the form of congestion and occasional coughing. I am beginning to think I may have a sinus infection, but haven't had any fevers. Anyways, I am managing through the day with Sudafed from America and some Korean medicine BK helped me buy.

But I think the point of today was to get myself mentally prepared for starting my new job tomorrow. BK gave me some pointers on how to make good relationships with my Korean colleagues. This is important because I will be the only foreigner there.

His pointers were:

• Don't be cold. When saying yes or no, do so without just saying frankly "YES" or "NO".
• Don't deny food. If I am being offered to try something, don't deny it. Instead try just a little and politely say you don't like it.
• Be Warm and kind. He made the point that I have this as part of my personality and I should try to use it as my dominant way of expressing myself.

Maybe it is the congestion or tiredness but I don't feel nervous about tomorrow. I am hopeful that I can use this fresh start to live here in Korea in peace.

So that brings me to show you my surroundings. On my walk to the school this is what I see:

The school is hidden behind the trees, we didn't walk up to it.

I will post more pictures of the rest of my new house when I get the next chance. Know, that besides not having a window, I feel cozy here. But I do feel far from BK...sigh. My move here was welcoming mostly because my blogging pals and BK helped me settle in.

Thank you guys!!!!!

America's Last Stand

When I left America I left behind not only my home, but my country. Having lived here in South Korea for 6 months, I understand now all that I took for granted back home.

But I am not talking about things like cheese or limes, that I took for granted. I am talking about the American way of life. This is that you can live in a house with a yard surrounding it. You could walk down the street and find businesses that sell knick-knacks. The workday starts at 8am and ends at 5pm.

Thinking of my country gives me a certain feeling, and this feeling is different from the life I feel here. It is probably because I have been living in Seoul, where every space is cemented over.

In America, I felt like the landscape and the city scape all catered to an appealing eye.

Yet when I left America it seemed it was heading down a spiral towards what it is today. Gas prices were high and in general people were beginning to feel the real affect that the choices Washington made had on their lives.

That is why I am proposing that people take the time to watch Obama's insane  amazing 30 minute infomercial.

Because I think this election is not about a White guy vs. a Black guy. It is about America, and what America needs. America needs a new start.



Next week, I wish America the best in the election. I hope that my country gets what it finally deserves and that it shows the world we aren't a bunch of overweight jerks with iPods in our hands.

HaHa

Looks like Roboseyo and Gomushin Girl will be helping me move to Sanbon.

And then they have some kind of adventure planned, afterwards!

;)

New Neighborhood

Looks like the place I have been given is planted right in downtown Sanbon, off the subway station.

It is also conveniently located near an Emart, so I can expect my bank account to dwindle.

As of now I am trying to arrange my moving day. I need someone to help me move and BK will not be available till 6pm Saturday. So far I have Roboseyo saying he can help me, but I need to confirm a time. If I don't hear from him I am going to have to give the pick up times for when my boyfriend can do it. Great more anxiety! haha~

Anyways, it is going to be interesting Saturday. Because I will move my stuff into the hallway so the cleaning Ahjumma can clean the place, and then the new teacher will move in. I already asked the new teacher if I could keep some of my stuff still in the apartment till my pick up comes. And she said no problem.

That is what is on the plate these days. Yes I feel excitement and relief to be leaving my hagwon. But a little broken hearted for seeing some of the kids go. Ah well~

Somethings Will Never be the Same

Embracing change is like going for a ride into the unknown. While on that ride one could end up whining the whole time or be wide-eyed and ready for what is next.

The second part is what I am learning to do. First of all they found me a new home, but what kind of home?

Is it small, dirty, or situated above a bar?
My instincts are that if I don't like it I should complain and demand what I want.

But my new instincts are telling me, that it will be a free home and I should make it what I want.

I think because of my situation and that the school doesn't have time to get it perfect, that I should be open-minded.

Housing for teachers here varies greatly, and some get lucky while others are left behind.

In perspective, though, change is just around the corner.

New classes, school, management, neighborhood and so-on. I brought myself to this by my choices and actions, so I don't want to complain.

Most of all I don't want to be fearful of what is next.

Hopefully it is not "easier said than done."

It was Heart to Heart

So I was heading to the elevator to go home my supervisor (the higher level one) told me she wanted to speak with me.

I didn't see Jay around so I had a feeling this wasn't going to be so bad.

And it went okay, no shouting matches or fits of crying. Just a heart to heart talk, about my leave, behavior and what's next for me.

We both shared the feeling of a little resentment for all the happened. But we are willing to move on.

And she is giving me the release documents, but on Thursday.
Oh and I am going to be deducted for going home sick, ah well.

But now it is time to focus on packing and moving to my new gig. They found me a studio apartment already in Sanbon. So I hope it is spacious and has a nice window.