Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs

I think one of my favourite things about Uijeonbgu so far is it's mixture of Korean restaurants,Western style restaurants, brand name stores, and little family owned stores. . . especially the ones with funny names. When walking around, I have to keep reminding myself to look up because often there are 3 different restaurants or stores stacked on top of one another, each offering something different. And, almost every restaurant, no matter how small, has free wifi!

Neither a chocolate shop or a place to find black men. False advertising! 

Who knew he was a fashion icon?

I want to go in here so badly but am restraining myself so I don't end up spending all of my money on a new wardrobe for Autumn.

We live about two blocks from the main downtown area, so it's very easy to access whatever you want. Until I'm comfortable, I've decided to eat more western style foods when eating on my own and Korean food when out with a friend so that I don't have any surprises. Even though pretty much everything has pictures, Jessica told me sometimes they just sneak things in there. She ordered a cheese pizza once that came with corn on it.

Yesterday I ordered a Gorgonzola pizza thinking it would be sprinkled with blue cheese. Nope - just one dab of blue cheese on each piece. It was hilarious to me, but still delicious! 

My second favourite thing about Korea in general is their focus on health. Each restaurant has a listing of the calories in each dish. People exercise a lot. I'm looking forward to this. Some of the teachers do taekwondo and have asked me to join. I might got to a class to see how it goes . . .
The focus on health makes me laugh sometimes. I went to Mom's Touch to eat recently. It is advertised as a New Orleans style restaurant and has a lot of fried chicken. (I went there because it had a picture of a salad in the window and I find it hard to just eat vegetables here. Usually, it's a small side. Anyways I ordered the salad which came with friend chicken on top.)  Here is what their signage says. (Hint: just because it says it doesn't mean it's true.)

This reminds me of Pierce back home. One time he was trying to tell me that Wendy's is the best fast food because on their sign it says "quality is our recipe." I mean, why would you lie about something like that?

I think the thing I dislike the most is their garbage system. There are no garbage cans or bins, you just put your garbage beside a lamp post and it magically disappears at some point. I think this weekend it got pretty gross because it was a holiday.

I will leave you with this fun fact about me. I have never ordered a steak at a restaurant before. Even when I've been to a steakhouse - I always got the chicken. Well last night I ordered steak because we went to Steak Rave, and it was delicious! It was garlic steak and came with awesome sides. Those fries are so crispy and flavourful!

In a few days I get to move into my apartment .  . . can't wait!

Love,

Alli

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Lord have mercy on my soul (Seoul)! There have been so many ups and downs since I've arrived in Korea, I could be institutionalized. One minute I'm convinced I'm packing up my bags and leaving and the next I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for all the help I've received since I've been here.

In a very un-Alli like fashion I'll skip the bad parts and tell you about what I've loved about Uijeongbu (discovered it's pronounced We-jong-bu) so far.

This morning, after getting over the fear of getting lost, I practiced walking to school. I made it about half way before thinking I should stop and walked into the grocery store, bought an apple (after realizing I hadn't been eating much fruits or veggies), walked back to the hotel and went further into the downtown area. It was nice to get out and see things in the daylight, since I had only seen things in the evening.

Along the walking paths there are these pieces of gym equipment for stretching your legs and hips.

Name for a music store I found funny. 

There's about 8 foreign teachers at my school and we all live in he same apartment building (I'm in a hotel next door until I can move in on Feb 1.) These lovely ladies have help me so much in walking me to school, taking me out for delicious food, and even receiving packages I mailed here!

The day after I arrived, Jessica met me outside the apartments to walk me to school. I was so relieved to see her that I cried and hugged her. This did not phase her at all - this must be a normal reacting to moving across the world where you know nobody. She also walked me home, showed me where to buy pizza, and the next day (today) took me out for lunch and ice cream and showed me some of the cool shopping areas.

I can't remember what this is called but it is a bizarre mixture. It's a giant hot pot with a cheese melting station on the outside. Inside is chicken, potatoes, onions and some spices. As soon as she said melted cheese, I was in! 

Later today after I took a brief nap, two other foreign teachers, Danielle and Katy, were heading into the edge of Seoul so Katy could get a hair cut. I asked if I could tag along and they said yes! Taking the subway was confusing to me but they assured me it would come naturally after a few times.

Danielle was so sweet in giving me an extra subway card she had with some pre-loaded money on it and everything! Taking the subway is pretty cheap and it's all based on a card swiping system.

After arriving in Seoul we walked around for a bit. There are many parks and green spaces around. Although right now it isn't as pretty because it's winter (very similar look to Edmonton but with less snow) I'm sure it will be so beautiful in the Spring/Summer/Fall.

Katy got a beautiful hair cut by a Korean friend of Danielle's who offered us "hot choco" while we waited.

Then, we went for fried chicken. I did not know fried chicken could taste this good. We got a honey garlic flavour which was so delicious!

Me, Danielle, and Katy

Now I am in bed after a full day of sightseeing. I feel so much better than i did 24hrs ago. Thanks again to my new friends here and all of you back home for your support in this transition. It is hard, but I know I can do it!

Love,

Alli

The Night Before

'Twas the night before leaving and all through the house not a creature was stirring  - just kidding. My heart is beating faster than I think is recommended by a physician.

After receiving my VISA only 18 hours before my flight which I had already paid for (wishful thinking?) I said good-bye to my dear friend Brianne and her darling baby and was off to spend my last evening in Canada with my parents. Left on the agenda:

• Mom practicing driving my car. (Dad: It's a car. It has 4 wheels and a motor. Mom: But I need to know how to turn the windshield wipers on!)  
• Re-packing my suitcases since I've destroyed the top layer of each of them trying to find things to wear over the last few days.
• Trying to sleep tonight (hello Tylenol nighttime) 

Here's what I know for sure:

• Someone from the school will meet me at the airport and drive me either to the school or to my apartment. He may or may not speak  English. 
• I have to learn some basic Korean on my flight.
• I will have moments of wonder.
• I will have moments of freight!
• I will have many more moments of joy. 

As I fought back tears leaving Brianne's house today I kept saying to myself over and over again: The pain in this moment will not last and will be worth it in the long run. Your return after this journey will be full of love and welcome. And, your time in this journey will help you learn and grow. My life coach friend, Sharon, told me that while I will change when away, everyone else here will stay basically the same and that I have to be prepared for that when I come back. Good thing though, because EVERYONE close to me in my life is amazing. The support and encouragement from everyone that has brought me to this day has been astounding to me. 

Shout outs to everyone who:

• threw me going away parties
• bought/made me gifts 
• helped me move out
• helped me clean my carpets
• bought me lunches and dinners
• gave me so many hugs
• took pictures with me
• gave me Canadian flags to take with
• texted me to tell me this is going to be amazing
• Facebooked me to tell me this is going to be amazing
• told me there is a Pizza Hut in Seoul so not to worry
• set me up with people to talk to in Korea

I will keep you all posted as I move through this journey. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers! 

Also, did you know I like lists?

K Bye! 

Alli