My Korean Journey - Part 2: I AM IN KOREA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Gillian Olivia Witter

 

 

 

 

 

I arrived safely after my two-day journey to my new home and school. The night before my flight, I’d spent hours trying to get my suitcase at the right weight for Air Canada. Yes, HOURS! How do you pack for a four-season year and keep it under 50 pounds? Ugh!

 

The day of my departure, we loaded my suitcases into the car and headed to the Korean Consulate to pick up my visa. My parents were worried because they thought that I might be at the Consulate for at least an hour. But, because I’d been there many times before, I was in and out of there in 20 minutes. In fact, it took longer to get “All About Korea” guidebooks to give to my parents than it did to pick up my required documents.

 

I needed to be at the airport three hours prior to my flight. I arrived 3.5 hours before which surprised not only me but my parents, too, since I have a tendency to run on Caribbean Time (or Gilly Time). After an emotional,  tear-filled embrace with my mom and dad at the airport, I hopped onto my 16-hour flight to South Korea.

 

I flew with Air Canada from Toronto to Tokyo, then made a quick transfer to Korean Air, to Seoul. I was exhausted when I arrived. I took a taxi to the homestay that I’d found on Airbnb. My hosts were absolutely lovely and did everything possible to give me everything I needed, even though I was staying for only one night. In the morning, I took a taxi to the train station. My taxi driver spoke broken English. He asked me if I had a boyfriend and if I needed a Korean boyfriend.  He offered to be my first Korean boyfriend and come with me to Jincheon. He gave me my morning funnies. I arrived at the train station and discovered that the ticket I’d purchased was for the day before, so I had to get another ticket. The train system for the KTX (the express train) was very clean and efficient. I didn’t have a problem. Everyone around me was extremely helpful and I had strangers constantly extending their kindness by helping me with my luggage. The train from Incheon to Osong (name of train station) was easy and pleasant. A nice fellow chatted with me on the train, curious about my stay here in Korea.

 

When I arrived at Osong, I was greeted by two lovely Korean teachers from my school. I got a big hug and bouquet of flowers. I felt welcomed and loved. As soon as the welcome party was done, we got down to business. We went directly to the hospital to get all my medical tests done. I had a blood test, which tested for crack, cocaine, opium, and marijuana. The testing also included a chest x-ray, vision test, hearing test, and urinalysis. After the hospital, we went out for lunch to a nice little spot where I had my first taste of good Korean food. It was delish! We went to the bank to open my bank account, had a coffee/tea break for an hour, did some grocery shopping, and, finally, went to the immigration office for my alien registration card. I was exhausted!

 

We finally made it to the school. When I arrived, all the foreign-language teachers came out to greet me. They helped me carry my bags to my new apartment. I was welcomed with open arms.

 

My school is surrounded by dramatic hills covered in luscious trees. There is a river in my back yard. I am IN nature. It’s quiet and peaceful. The school itself is clean and modern. I met all my colleagues, the administration, the director, the cleaning staff, the kitchen staff, and the grounds staff. EVERYONE! Everyone was so kind and welcoming.

 

The most astounding SYNCHRONISTIC and ALIGNED detail of this entire trip, for me, is my classroom. Each classroom is labeled from A to H. I have classroom D. Classroom D’s name is “Dream.” If you see me regularly, you know that, for the past five years, I’ve worn a necklace that says DREAM. I was given this very special necklace by my loving colleagues at the YMCA. I’ve worn it ever since. Now, I have a classroom named DREAM. How crazy is that?!?

 

Lastly, there is a Middle Eastern camel flu, known as MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome), that has made its way to Korea. The outbreak started a week before I arrived. It has put a scare in the entire country. My first two sessions with students were cancelled because of this flu. Strangely enough, this works to my benefit, giving me two weeks to prepare my classroom and get lesson plans ready for the next session of kids. If this hadn’t happened, I would have had to rush to prep for my first class on Monday.

 

 

I am safe.

I am happy and joyful.

I am at peace.

I am exactly where I am meant to be.

I feel blessed

I am ready.

 

 

 

My Korean Journey Part 3: Welcome to CBFLIS!

See my new surroundings and workmates!

 

 

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