I'm Here!

I'M HERE!!!!

I have about 12 million feelings and thoughts swirling about me right now. I am, for the most part, beyond excited. I am thoroughly delighted with every step I take through this new adventure.

Peter, my boss's assistant, met me at the COEX bus station -- he's a doll, but speaks little English. He makes up his own grammar a lot, which I find kinda charming. He took me to my apartment and helped me move in. It's adorable, really cute. My favorite part is that I have a great balcony that surrounds two sides of my apartment. It overlooks my little neighborhood, which is a busy residential area filled with restaurants and shops. Even a pet store!! My apartment is kinda quirky, for example in my bathroom there is no sink, because as Peter says, "Eehhhh.... you sink in kitchen!...?" How silly of me to assume!

Peter took me out to a great Korean meal (yes, it was eatable!) and we had a nice time. I can't go too far without people staring. Also lots of bowing around here. Children are especially intrigued. Since all I've mastered is how to say "Hello" and "How much?" I can't really communicate, but soon I'll learn some good things to say to the kids. Perhaps something like "Where is the Hello Kitty mecca?"

The book Emily and Genevieve gave me is coming in very handy because no one speaks English. Not even the terrible broken kind. When I ask people they give me a nervous giggle, smile and bow. I thus do not go far without my handy phrase book. I am sure I sound like a mentally challenged zoo animal when I speak, but they are understanding me. Sillye Hamnida!

I am meeting a new friend from UVa at the metro stop near my apartment today, and since I was feeling a little nervous about finding it on time I left very early. Through pantomime and with the phrase book I asked a nice man where the subway station was ... lo and behold it was less than 2 blocks from my place. So now I am sitting in Starbucks and enjoying the free internet, and waiting for Erin to explore this wondrous city.

I had some ideas about Seoul before I left, but mostly I wanted to be surprised when I got here. I know that sounds irresponsible, because I'm here for a year like it or not, but I really wanted a very pure new experience. Before I'd ever been to Paris (or anywhere else for that matter) I'd heard nine million things about it and had all these notions about what it should and shouldn't be ... and I love Paris, but I wanted this to be a very different experience. So, here I am. I am continually surprised and thrilled with every step I take. Sometimes I just look around and laugh at myself. I couldn't be happier than I am in this confused and ridiculous state.

I understand nothing here; the people, the signs, the customs are all so foreign to me I might as well be on the moon. It's unnerving, but I like it that way. I am scared at times, but it's an excited scared that just pushes me. I miss everyone terribly and wish that you could all come and visit me. Sometimes I wish you could be here, experiencing everything alongside me. Give me some time to adjust to this new way of life, and when you come I will impress you with my vast knowledge of all that is Korean. See you soon!!

Lots of love,
Sarah