What a muffin!

so I went to one of the many many coffee shops in my town and ordered a muffin with my latte.  at coffee shops here you order at the counter and then sit down for them to bring your coffee over.  well koreans don't exactly have dessert items on menus or even as an option at restaurants.  if going out you usually visit several places- for example meet up and have drinks, go somewhere for dinner, have more drinks (drinking is very important here, ironically the beer/alcohol doesn't taste very good at all), then go somewhere for coffee or tea.  i learned that my simple poppy seed muffin order really means dessert.  it was toasted for me and adorned with chocolate syrup and whipcream! (Monkey not included)

Views of Hwasun

Gwangju is the 6 largest city in South Korean, but Hwasun is its bustling little suburb where I live and teach.

 The one small park in town, will hopefully be a nice green lawn come spring. The brown structure in the center is a small stage/amphitheatre.  The tall buildings are housing complexes.

 The building on the right with the red signs is the Post Office.

 Green crosses mean hospitals, medical clinics.

 A roundabout in town with some mountains in the back and more housing to the right.

 America finds it way in.  In the bigger city (Gwangju), so far I've seen Pizza Hut, Pappa John's, McD's, Burger King, Outback Steakhouse, TGIF, Baskin Robins, and Dunkin Donuts.  Ok, so I am pretty happy about the donuts, but you can keep the rest.

 Some older structures are still hanging on, barely.

 Again, I look forward to spring and some greenery.

This...well...

My first Korean haircut...

...went rather well considering the limited ability to communicate.  My hairdresser was incredibly stylish and perfectly groomed from head to toe so I was pretty sure he was gonna make my hair look good no matter what he did.  I'm learning that status, and one's appearance, is a top priority in this rapidly growing and modernizing society of South Korea.  I'm feeling like an oddball for so many reasons here, and coming directly from the mountains, my wardrobe is not quite up to par with the fashionable Koreans.  Well, at least now I have my hair trimmed up and looking nice.  The next step will be a dye job- yep, its time to give in.  My boss pointed out the other day that he is 49 and I am so much younger but have so much gray hair when he has so little, and asked why that is.  How do you answer that?

Koreans can be pretty blunt-haha.  A typical conversation usually starts with these questions (at least I've been asked repeatedly):

-How old are you?
-Are you married?
-Why are you single?
-What's your blood type?
-Do you like to drink alcohol?

Oh well, everyday is an adventure.  I look forward to a better understanding of ways here, and better communication skills.  I will be taking Korean language classes starting in March!

Haircut prices are a steal here!  $13, or 13,000 won, got me a shampoo/scalp massage, hot tea, cut, blow dry, and style.  No tipping here either.

안녕하세요 Hello, are you at peace?

Well hello everyone!  Its been one month so far that I have survived here in Hwasun, Jeollanamdo, South Korea.  I have lots of little tidbits and observations to share along with some stories so far.  First, I will start with some photos...

My studio apartment

 not a good shot, but bead is to the right, kitchen area and desk behind and left, the sliding doors open to laundry area and balcony windows

 this is the bathroom, which is better than most because my shower area is actually seperate from the sink area, most have a shower head right in the sink and toilet area with no shower curtain so that everything gets wet when showering (surprisingly the showerhead is tall enough for me to get under!)

 ah the washing machine, cute isn't it!  cold water only and no dryer, environmentally conscious without even trying

 Ok, so open window and look left...

 ...then straight ahead...

...then right....

then down, to the play area...

I am on the 4th floor of my building with 13 floors.  I live in what is essentially a suburb of the city of Gwangju (population 1.5 million).  From what I've seen thus far, Koreans don't sprawl out into the rural areas with neighborhoods filled with individual houses.  My town is mostly residential with large building living complexes and lots of schools.  Most complexes have their own little convenient store, a barbershop, maybe a dry cleaners, etc.  Then there are tons of restaurants and various markets and shopping around, and of course bars because Koreans LOVE to drink.  Its all very condensed and efficient.  Then you hop on a city bus (powered by natural gas) that runs about every 25 minutes and you are quickly brought to Gwangju.  The stereotype that Asians are bad drivers holds very very true here.  After a few rides with my coworker and employers I am glad to be riding in the large bus.  As a pedestrian you really have to watch out for motorcycle delivery guys.  When you get into the shopping/eating areas the streets are small and mostly car free which is nice, but the motorcylce guys are everywhere!


I know there isn't much here yet, but there will be more to come and better pics!  Leave a comment at the bottom here and/or ask me questions!  Also check out my 'Engrish' page on the left under pages.