Overwhelmed!

I think everyone can admit that James Bond and I share many of the same qualities: the chiselled pecs, the lascivious British charm, a thirst for danger and perhaps most obviously our ability to "rise" to the occasion with international women. But, the Bond skill I could most use right about now is 007's ability to instantly melt into foreign countries. Bond seemingly knows every custom, tradition, language and way to act in every situation. He doesn’t pick up a bowl of rice off the table to serve himself because he knows that in Korea it’s impolite.

The last six days have been, in a word, overwhelming. I have had to learn to say things like "hello" and "thank you" in Korean, discover the city, figure out how to live in a city (Seoul ain’t no Greensville), remember student’s names, learn how to be a teacher, figure out lesson plans, move into my own place, learn to order and buy food so that I don’t die, and befriend my other foreign teaching colleagues.

I moved into my own bachelor pad on Thursday morning, after David, the teacher I am replacing went home to Canada. I only briefly got to meet my predecessor, but he seemed like a fine fellow. He had a impeccable sense of fashion, enjoyed going to the gym and drinking protein shakes, and is part of the queer community. (I wouldn't mention the last point if it didn't have some relevancy... read on). David asked me if he should throw out some of the clothes he wasn’t taking back with him, or if I would be okay with him leaving them for me to sort through. Being the frugal folk that I am, and because he seemed quite rushed, I told him not to worry about his apparel. I had the pleasure to go through his remaining wardrobe and sort through it. While some of the clothes didn’t quite fit, I have definitely expanded my fashion horizons; this is my first step away from nothing but blue shirts.

If only it was a little tighter...

My first day of teaching was anything but smooth. My very first class on Thursday was devastating. I arrived with the wrong phonics book and stared blankly at 14, seven year-olds, who could only understand very simple sentences and small words. I, a grown man, was owned by seven year-olds for 50 minutes and now on Tuesday I have to go and show them I am boss and not a complete boob... although the latter may be up for debate regardless of outcome.

I am also trying to adjust to living in a concrete jungle. Take a look at the Google earth image of where I live. The major road running north and south is the one I take each day to get to school. I dare you to find an open space.

Mail carriers have nightmares about places like this.

This past weekend, my old university roommate, Jenn, visited me in Seoul after recently completing her year long teaching stint about three hours outside of the city. It was wonderful to see one of my dearest friends for the first time in over a year. She blew me away with her knowledge of the city and Korea. She helped me out tremendously and I am so proud of her Korean eruditeness. If I learn and accomplish a fraction of what she has, I will feel successful.

Jenn and I polish off a bottle of soju (Korean vodka made from sweet potatoes)... at breakfast.

I still feel reluctant to comment on my experience and the Korean culture so far, as I don’t want to make any rash conclusion. I also feel like I’ve been zoned out since I arrived. For example, one of my fellow English teachers asked me at dinner, "So, how old are you?" I replied, "No... I mean yes. I mean... I am sorry." I still have much to absorb; I see things and am unable to ask myself questions or determine what I feel about this or that due to being so overwhelmed by every sight, smell, touch, sound and taste.

With utmost passion,

Ian Teacher