Hongdae

Annnyong Hasaeyo! Chal Chinnaesoyo? I think I am improving my Korean! The first part is hello in a more informal way and the second is how are you. I am trying my hardest to pick up a little Korean. It is easier said then done. Trying to speak Korean is actually harder than reading the symbols. I find that when I am walking around the streets it is almost too much to take in.

I have learned where the good "convenience" stores are for little things, but the good Korean places for food are still somewhat of a mystery to me. Usually I have to point to a picture of the food and hope for the best. I have been extremely lucky so far because everything is delicious. If you didn't know, the big staple here is the "Kimchi." It is cabbage and mixed with spices and seasonings. I have had it a bunch of times already and do like it. I am not as convinced that it is the most delicious of the Korean foods I have had. It is a great side dish to something such as rice, vegetables, beef, and noodles. I do however want Grandma Loie to know I will not become addicted to the Kimchi! It is good- but not THAT good.

Getting situated into my apartment or "officetel" has been somewhat of a challenge and rather eventful. Racheal (friend from training) and I were supposed to move in at 12:00 pm on Wednesday to our building. My school did not send the landlord our key money right on time, so we had to move in later and hang around for four hours with our luggage. Thinking about it now is actually pretty hilarious. We just explored and ate lunch during our waiting time.

My apartment is great! Today I went to Costco to find bedding and towels. I signed up for a membership because the chances I will end up there again is pretty good. I wanted to get more things at Costco today, however the subway and what I can carry limits me. I bought the essentials for now and will use a website called "The Arrival Store" to buy more items like a water filter and other things I will need down the road.

I also went to a type of dollar store called "Daiso" to buy some glassware, pans, dishes, and bath items. Alright so I might as well put this in my blog because I think most of you will get a real kick out of it. One thing I am not crazy about in my apartment is my bathroom situation. I have a western toilet, sink, shelves, and a shower hose. Yeah- the shower hose without a curtain or door is not my favorite. I took a shower this morning and just started laughing because I have never not had a separate part for a shower. Therefore everything in the bathroom gets wet including the sink and toilet. I had to put my towel on the other side of the door so that it wouldn't get wet. Just to let you know, I am not writing this in an angry or annoyed tone. I am writing it is a comical way because the scene this morning of me figuring everything out was way too goooood :)

The area around my place is perfect. I have already found the subway I will be using to go to work. I was thinking of what the town I live in reminds me of. I can't quite place it, but it slightly resembles a place in Pittsburgh where my brother used to live. It was called Shadyside. A couple of the streets here in Hongdae remind me of this one street in Shadyside known as Walnut Street. It is where all the shopping and some cafes are. If you ever come to visit me (please do!) do not quote me on the similarity. It was the closest I could think of.

I also find it fun that there are so many cafes everywhere you look in South Korea. When I was at the hotel in Gangnum, there was a cafe every two stores. It is the same here in Hongdae. Every cafe is packed and full of people meeting, studying, eating, or just listening to music. I have passed some small cute cafes I would like to try because they are unique and something different. Don't get me wrong I love Starbucks, but the little cafes owned by local people are where you feel like you can relax and take in the scene.

I have just finished "furnishing" my new place with all of my pictures, cards, and items I have brought from home. On the right side of my computer I have two cards my parents gave me right before I got on the plane. When I read them as the flight took off to Seoul, I suddenly realized how much I will be missing them. Those cards represent one half of my heart. Half of my heart for the people, friends, and family for whom I love and already miss. The other half is for my want to seek adventure and to find and explore new horizons. Hopefully I will have some pictures up of my new place here in Hongdae within the next couple of days.

Here is a quote that relates to this post and one from a great Dave Matthews Song-

"Sometimes the best way to found out who you are, is to get to that place where you don't have to be anything else."

Always,

Kristen