Week 1

So, I successfully survived my first week in Cheongju. Yay!
The week started out a bit rough. I got into Seoul following a hellish 12 hour flight. My baggage didn't arrive for an hour. Then, the non-English speaking cabbie the school had sent whisked me away. He was literally running to the cab. The whole thing was quite confusing.
When I arrived at my apartment I passed out for awhile. When awoke I was starving but had no won on hand, so was basically starving. Then ted, my coworker, showed up and saved the day.
The rest of the week consisted in me going to the market and work. The market was pretty confusing; I rely on pictures for the most part. Bread is really thick and apples are huge! I was able to locate bagels at the dunkin donuts (which are as prevalent as bacteria here)
Throughout the week i observed the citizens of cheongju: The women are impeccably dressed-- full makeup and usually heels. I am astounded with their beauty and elegance. The men are less eye-catching. However, the younger guys are much more fashion-focused than most American men.
On Saturday some of the teachers and I ventured to chungju lake , where we planned to take a ferry to the gosu caves. The ferry dropped us prematurely, which we were not aware of initially. After several phone calls and the like we traveled by cab 12 km, where the caves were located. The caves were really cold and neat to look at. Korean families go on lots of weekend trips within the mountains so the place was packed. Totally different than American grannies, elder Korean women were huffing it up the cave's multitude of staircases. I was most impressed.
Next we headed to pyeongtek, nearby camp humphreys. My fellow teachers friend owns a burrito shop on strip of bars that caters to the army personnel. I was so thankful for the Mexican culinary delights, even if it wasn't as good as el torito. I bopped about and talked to some of the guys. It was nice to have a full conversation. Since I know so little Korean, unless I am talking with some one from school, the last week consisted in 3 word conversations.
Although I am missing home quite a bit right now, I am going to hold on. At the moment it is difficult for me to exist without close contact to others. I like hugs, smiles, and people loving me. I keep telling myself I will get there. In the mean time I am missing my family, friends, and American food.

P.S. Check out these photos
http://s538.photobucket.com/albums/ff343/hbingham14/