Newness

Where to even start - Friday morning I had to pack up my things in the hotel before school so I was up earlier than normal. The rest of the day was the same as before, just sitting in on different classes, the students knew by this point that I would be their new teacher though. I didn't mention before, but at school all of the teachers are called by their name + teacher, so I'm Ashley Teacher. It's a respect thing, but takes some getting used to - especially when you have to use that when referring to the other teachers.

By the end of the day things started to get more interesting. I had another sit down with one of the Korean staff to discuss a few more things about the school and I was supposed to get my schedule but no surprise here - I didn't. This was really frustrating for me because I'm an organized person and I do believe it's important to have a work schedule in advance but I will be getting my schedule the day I start teaching instead. I can hear Tom telling me to not let the little things get to me, and I do really take that to heart - he does know me well. So I tried to shake that off.

I was also given the keys to my apartment on Friday, so by the end of the day (7pm) it was time for me to move - although my suitcases were already moved for me from the hotel (apparently something they didn't do for the other teachers). I went back into the staff room to collect my belongings and noticed that most of the teachers had gone already. I also knew that none of them knew where the apartment was. But no one had addressed how I would get to the unknown apartment so I asked "Is someone going to show me where the apartment is?" Response: "oh" - Not sure how that is something that is overlooked but it worked out. Melanie, the director walked me to the apartment and Chris tagged along. It took a good 5 minutes to get the keys and locks to cooperate though which was a little unsettling. Then the big reveal - to be honest I felt disappointed and I realize now that maybe it's partly founded but one of the biggest things was that I walked into a room that had cardboard over the windows - great first impression. But now that I've slept on it (and in it) I'm feeling okay and know that I can make it into something that is nice and mine. My apartment is not the nicest compared to some teachers, but also not the worst in comparison to some. As the recent Vegas clan would say - GWTF and I keep that in mind always. Chris showed me how to use the air conditioner, gas range and water which was super helpful. If you run any of the taps, only cold water comes out. To get warm/hot water you need to press a button by the door. Gas ranges also make me a little nervous but I know they are better than electric so I might as well get used to them! I always tried to avoid them at home. Here are some shots of the place in the process of things being put away and decorated. I did try to record a video but I'm having problems with the camera and uploading content from the camera onto my laptop so pictures for now!

 

 

 So there it is! That night Jess and I went to Lotte Mart to pick up a few things and we were met by Megan. I did not bring sheets with me (regret that - very expensive here and not good quality and its more of a single blanket than sheet set). But Megan kindly gave me a flat sheet and two pillow cases to use for now. The supplied dishes are few and a little sad but I'll make do. I do need a kettle though, I've been dying to make some tea! I also unlocked my phone from home so that the Korean sim card would work in my phone as I couldn't stand the old school phone I was given by the school. It's prepaid though so I can only text and call for now (unless on wifi).

Now I leave you with the view from my window - the best view in my opinion compared to the other apartments I've seen. (I am not near the other teachers, but I have this awesome view, I'm closer to the school, and super close to the YMCA).