As exhausted as I am, I'm kind of numb to the emotions of it all, but I am so thankful to have made it safely here. All of my luggage survived as well. The Korean based airline that I used was very efficient. Their employees were gracious, and they served actual meals on the plane! (United only gave a little bag of pretzels.) It was a bit odd to have a choice of omelet or octopus for breakfast, but I'm sure the omelet was as good as that octopus! (Just kidding.) Coming into the country was easy. A smiling face in the crowd of one of our group leaders was here to meet me at the airport. I've been thinking that my Northland background will stand me in good stead in the cold winters, but today I felt like I'd arrived in Chattanooga. The weather was hot and muggy so that my hair began to afro immediately. I'm staying with another teacher for the first month in her room/ studio apartment. The great news is that this is the campus where I'll be teaching so I'll be living in this building permanently-- only in my own room. The building is simple but very nice.
I've already tasted my first local meal around the corner from the campus where we are staying. The restaurant would be described as a "hole in the wall" here, but I the people were friendly, the dishes were clean, and the food was amazing. My mom would be shocked to see me eating dishes with things such as tofu and eggplant in them, but I've never had tofu and eggplant that tasted yummy before! Things are definitely different here, and I've only begun to experience it. I'm so glad to be here, though, and for all the provision that has been made along the way. I know it's only 7 pm here, but I'm going to bed very soon.
Love to you all,
Karyn
