Life in South Korea

I said I'd be coming back to you after watching the MJ movie but SURPRISE!

Here, in South Korea, teachers have many desk warming hours/days. Today is one of those days for me and my goal was to finish the 3rd grade lessons for next semester & that goal has been accomplished. I still have an hour and change left of my day, though. So, let me spill my tea since I have the time.

Ya'll probably ^

The tea is sweet and glorious, only featuring hints of bitterness that you'll miss unless you are sitting there wanting to feel a sharp burn in your throat. Pro-tip: Don't do that.

Pulling you closer to make sure you understand

I love it here. Medical care is extremely affordable, I have my own employer-funded apartment above A BODEGA, my students all think I'm this shiny golden celebrity, I have a beautiful community of friends here, and I get to practice Korean every day. On days that there are no classes for whatever reason, I get a pass to chill or plan ahead so I can chill later. Top tier for sure after you get used to it.

Above all, I think I just like having the myriad of opportunities that I have to find myself. I really do learn something new about myself every day. And, I think that is the burning sensation some people feel stronger in the back of their throat than others. It can be a lonely life for some expats. I do think EPIK helped me greatly with this because I have my hot foreigner squad of friends. Regardless, there is a sense of otherness that comes with the territory of being a foreigner here. If you're planning on relocating to any Asian country, most people will express this sensation of loneliness and otherness that is felt. I say this so you can come in prepared. It may still catch you off guard on some days.

However, the amount of love and acceptance I receive from my local community here is much stronger than any one moment I've felt othered. Most times, I can even understand why such things are happening. I never hold it against anybody, I just take notice and keep it moving. I opted out of school lunch because for a month I was just existing in a corner, clueless and not really eating because I'm too picky (this is my real downfall). Now, I make my own meals and actually talk to more coworkers which feels backwards but I can't complain.

Like I said, I love it here. I love my students and how happy they get when I act like a clown. I love teaching English in general; kids have to really comprehend material so every class is a one-woman show for me. Yes, I have danced and sung in class. Last week, class 305 got free karaoke with me.

There are so many things to love. I love my Bodega store clerk who always makes small talk with me. I love my land lady who tells me to call her "older sister". I love the pizza and Mexican food here. I love how much walking there is to do. I love the safety. I love it here.

So, while I could choose to focus on the loneliness or the fact EVERYONE IS ALWAYS SICK (lord, help my asthmatic ass), I often pivot to feel the pure joy I feel in my veins as I live my Kdrama life. The K stands for Kayci like my therapist says because I am the creator of my own drama. He'd said that as a joke but I'll use it here as a reminder:

YOU ARE THE CREATOR OF YOUR OWN LIFE. CHOOSE JOY. LAUGH. DANCE. SING. PLAY.

Yes, I bought a second ticket to Michael even though I haven't seen it yet....

I'll be back the 13th or maybe sooner.... Who knows?

See ya! Keep Shining!