We have been making trips to Pyongtaek rather frequently. Its so nice having Chris, Katelan and Chase so close to us! Sometimes I forget I’m in South Korea because I get to see my friends from WSU so often. On Thursday night we went out for dinner in Pyongtaek and ended up staying out and missing the last subway back to Dongtan so we had to wake up at 6am, after about 4 hours of sleep, and taking the first subway back to get to work on time.
We weren’t too worried about being tired all day because we knew we didn't have classes to teach that day, but it was still rough. I was so tired from the night before, all I wanted to do was crawl under my desk and take a long nap, but my classroom was empty, so I had no time to waste. It was sorta funny that I was getting paid to do arts and crafts, but I hate arts and crafts, so I wasn't happy about it. Everyone else is moving so much faster than I am and almost done setting up their entire classroom, but mine is bare and empty. I kept telling myself that it wasn't a big deal because I have weeks to fill the walls with activities my students complete in class, or I can just finish later, but I cant help but think about how my new students will react to such a boring classroom. I want my kids to come in and be so excited about being in my class. I think the spaceship theme was a bad idea; cutting out stars and spaceships gets pretty damn monotonous! When it is all done, I think it will look great though. I’ll be sure to post some pictures up when my classroom is more put together.
We decided to stay in on Friday night to save some money and let our bodies rest from the long week. But on Saturday we packed over-night bags to take to Pyongtaek. We were all heading up to Seoul together, and wanted to have a Sunday-Funday, so we came prepared. We went out in Hongdae to a few different places. It was Andrew’s first time in Seoul so we wanted to show him a good time- I think we were pretty successful! After the bars, we decided to go out for some food. Andrew ended up flirty with a little Korean girl for a while and she decided to buy all of our dinner. I knew we became friends with Andy for a reason ;-) We headed back to Pyongtaek at 5am but at some point Katelan and I got left behind, alone to navigate this giant city! We ended up getting off at the wrong spot, walking around for a bit, then heading back to the subway to buy train tickets The train wasn't leaving for another 45 minutes, which sounds miserable when its already 6:45am, but it gave Katelan and I a chance to get some Duncan Donuts and sit and chat for a bit. I’ve really missed having such a great friend around all the time. I can talk to her about anything, and she knows me so well, so she understands and offers a good point of view ☺ As soon as Katelan and I got on the train we passed out, mid- conversation.
We finally made it back to her apartment at 8:30am. I felt bad for coming in and seeing Andrew asleep on the floor, and Tia on the couch, but I was feeling pretty excited to snuggle up in Katelan’s big comfy bed!! We only slept for about 3 hours before we were woken up by Katie, Chase, Andrew and Tia. It was time for McDonalds and Sunday Funday to begin! This was my first time at McDonalds in forever! The menu overall the same as it is in the States but included things like kimchi and shrimp sandwiches.
Sunday Funday was a blast! We just hung out, watched some funny videos, danced around, laughed and told jokes, nothing too out of the ordinary. Later on we went to a restaurant for some food and beer. The chicken we ordered was like fire in your mouth. I forced Andrew to each some and his reaction was priceless! Tia and I were really upset that we left the camera at home because he was huffing and puffing, looking like he was going to cry and making hilarious faces. I think you had to be there, but it was probably one of the funniest things I have seen in months!! They should put a warning on their chicken!
The day after Sunday Funday was a not-so-fun Monday! Everyone went back to Dongtan, but I Katelan and I had plans to get her hair cut so I wanted to stick around. We watched 3 movies and Skyped with her mom before we finally got up to get her hair cut. The hair salons here are so nice and so cheap. They brought me candy and juice and I wasn't even the customer. A woman who spoke pretty good English came over to talk to me while I waited, asking me where I was from and if I was in the military. Apparently she owns a nail salon in Songtan, where a lot of militants stay, so she is used to seeing a lot of English speaking people. While I was at the salon with Katelan, I watched a girl get extensions, another getting her hair permanently straightened, and guy getting a perm. It was all pretty interesting to me- another example of how much Korean’s value good appearances. Katelan’s hair turned out great! She chopped off about 6 inches! She looks more mature and trendy now. I like it a lot!
I received a phone call from Katie around 4 saying that I needed to hurry up and get to work, so after Katelan cut her hair, I went straight back to Dongtan so I could spend my day off getting prepared for my next few weeks of ciaos and hell. This official transition to LCI is going to be such a pain!!! I’ll let you know how it goes, if I ever get the extra time. AGGGG
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