Thanksgiving in Korea

My bathroom- notice the shower head in the left hand corner of the room

My kitchen!

This is basically the gist of my apartment...sorry about the mess!

On our walk to the Supermarket

The 2 Korean men who wouldn't stop taking pictures with us... infront of "street meat" outside of the bar

Downtown Gwangju

I have officially left the building!! That's right, I built up enough courage to actually leave my quaint apartment and tour around my neighbourhood. I'm glad I did because I had no idea that there was a gorgeous resevoir down the street and a huuge mountain in my backyard!! That's right, I live just beneath one of Koreas largest and beautiful mountians that has become extremely popular to hike up! It's so nice to wake up, walk outside and see a mountainous view... I love it!

So last night my co-worker Ryan who lives just above me in my apartment came down to say hi and showed me how to use the shower, stove, etc. You wouldn't think a shower is that confusing just to turn on! He also told me that there was a big party tonight because of Thanksgiving and that I pretty much had no choice in the matter... I was going. I took a quick nap, got dressed and headed downtown with both Ryan and Leigh (another co-worker of mine). They are both super nice and literally did not let me pay for a thing! They kept saying that I would need the money because I won't get paid for the first 5 weeks!! eek!! Anyways, we stopped for some authentic Korean food...KFC! haha. There is also a Berger King, McDonalds and a starbucks! I was definately happy to see some familiar restaurants! Once we finished eating we headed to a bar called "Songs" where all the foriegners hang out and that was where I was introduced to a lot of other native teachers. It was nice to meet so many other people in the same position as you! Right off the bat, you have something in common.

The bar scene in Korea is definately more wild then I thought! Technically, last call is at 4am, but when we left at 6am, I'm pretty sure we were being served beer haha. Naturally, I was hungry after we left and my co-teachers decided I should try some Korean street meat... MUCH different from home. I was served fried vegatable tempora, spring rolls and kimchi... cooked right in front of me in the middle of the street! Yum! As Leigh and I were waiting for our food, 2 Korean men came up to us and started taking pictures of us with their camera phones... it was soo strange! I guess since I'm tall with curly hair and Leigh is blond we definately stand out in a crowd! Oh well, it was kinda funny at the time. After our delicious "street meat" we hopped in a cab to go back home. Cabs are ridiculously cheap here! Our 15 minute cab ride cost 6,000 won ($6)!! Also, I figured out quite quickly that Korean drivers are NUTS!! Let's just say a red light is merely a suggestion!

So today i conqured a Korean supermarket and actually bought myself some groceries! The grocery store is right beside the Olympic stadium, so we went on a little tour around the area... it's really pretty! The grocery store itself was kinda hard to manouver around since the signs in each isle are Korean, I basically weaved in and out of each one trying to find something somewhat familiar to eat. They also have loads of samples so lunch was extra cheap today :)

Anyways, I just got back to my apartment and I have to unload my groceries and finish/start unpacking... I keep procrastinating my unpacking... it's just too overwelming!!

Write more soon!

p.s- My tv has 1 english channel...CNN! So i'm keeping myself up to date on the politcal and economic world! Dad, you should be proud!

Signing off,

Gillian