Chapter 2...at last.

Where to begin after our two week lapse? While M.I.A. we have officially become teachers, moved into our apartment, visited Busan and finally begun to make a home for ourselves in this crazy land called South Korea. Our days during the week now consist of taming young children as they tackle us for hugs at work, the daily struggle to teach a language even I have trouble speaking and learning the odds and ends of the working environment in a foreign culture. All in all, it's a sweet job. Grueling at times, but never boring. Apparently we are liked for being tall more than any other teaching skills we may or may not have, and for the first time in my life my pale skin receives much praise (I work hard to keep it so white, what can I say?). The cultural peculiarities are hard to swallow at times but mostly intriguing. At times we feel like we stand out like sore thumbs but more and more we can start to see the life we are making here on our own. Foreigner culture is an entity in and of itself. We live in what has been dubbed "the foreigner ghetto", which is actually a very nice neighborhood with parks and tree lined streets (as well as about 5 cafes within a three block radius... a major bonus for my cafe addiction). There are something like 60 foreign teachers in this area. Another plus in regards to our new neighborhood has been Siji Taco, the only semi-mexican place we have found is located a mere two blocks from our flat.

On weekends we explore. Our comfort zone has slowly but surely been expanding. Downtown in Daegu is like an amusement park for young adults filled with bright lights, an interesting variation of clubs, stands which serve things like pizza in a cup or cocktails in a bag, and an array or bars to boot (many of which have also been claimed as foreigner welcome zones). Hopefully we won't get stuck in the rut of only surrounding ourselves with other foreigners as it seems many people do. I guess we have to learn the ropes first. I still get excited when I hear people with British or Kiwi accents. Now I must learn Korean characters.

Last weekend we spiced it up with a visit to Busan to visit Jessie and Ashley, my friends from abroad. It is one of my favorite simple pleasures about traveling to share the absurdity of being in a random corner of the world with friends from another life. One of our main hopes is to make a network of people around the world (for the everlasting guaranteed free place to stay of course). While in Busan we discovered my favorite best kept secret about Koran culture so far: Jinjil Bongs or Hot spring spas, nestled all over and complete with foot baths hot salt baths, saunas, massages and meditation rooms. You can go in for a day for about $12 dollars and leave behind any stress. It's wonderful, I hope to become a regular.

Any who, I'm sorry this entry is a bit long, our next will be short and sweet and closer between. If your attention span or free time is short this entry comes complete with pictures as proof of our adventures. A quick summary if you will. I hope you all enjoy.

Much love.

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