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.