Beauty in Daejeon

This past weekend two of my Korean teacher friends took my friend Daniel and I to a botanical garden in the city that we live in.  I was very excited about this experience with new friends.  In the midst of tall buildings, traffic filled roads, and rushing people, we spent time in God's creation.  The beautiful scenery made me feel as though I was no where near a big city.  I was surrounded by rocks, trees, small plants, ponds, and other elements of nature.

 On our way to the garden

 In the botanical gardens

 Beautiful leaves changing colors

 My friend Carol and I 

 My friend Daniel and I

 The view from upon a hill

 Bright yellow Asian Carp

 Creepy awesome tree

 On the way back from the gardens

Those Shoes Cost 30,000! Oh, wait 30,000won!

At first I was a little nervous about making purchases in Korea.  I didn't know it could be so easy!  The amount of won something costs is about the same in american dollars when you take away 3 zeros.  If shoes cost 30,000won then the price is about $30.00.  If something has a price of 2,000won then it is about $2.00.  Also, in Korea tax is already included in the price that is listed; therefore, one does not need to take into consideration extra money for tax.  Whatever price you see is the price you pay!  :)  As I said, it is very easy!

Here are some examples of the currency used.  Their money is beautiful!

 10,000won-about $10.00

 1,000won-about $1.00

Front and back of 500won- about $0.50, 100won- about $0.10

So Much Has Happened!

My last post, about cultural differences, is based on observations from when I arrived in Korea until now. 

On other note....  

...I was sent to the fifth largest city in Korea: the city of Daejeon about a week ago.  This city is also significantly focused on science (incredible for a science major!!)  There are 2 national parks, local nature parks, mountains, botanical gardens, hot springs, museums, amusement parks, delicious restaurants, and more exciting things in this city.  

I arrived in this city 2 Sundays ago, unpacked, did some shopping, planned for teaching, and began on Tuesday.  It was overwhelming at first but has slowly become much more comfortable.  Let me just say, the first week was intense!  There was much work to do in getting started, similar to many new jobs.  

The staff I work with are extremely helpful and friendly.  The students are such a delight to my day.  I have adults, middleschoolers, and young children.  We have fun in class together; there is lots of laughter and learning!  Each student is unique and contributes to the class in his or her own way.  Teachers are the 3rd most respected position in this country which I believe has contributed to the development of the classroom culture.  Another exciting thing is that I get to teach a middle school science debate class.  We discuss many controversial issues related to science in today's society.  I am thrilled to teach science; it was totally unexpected!  

In regards to fun physical activity there is a workout gym with a competitive swimming pool across the street from my apartment!!! I can swim for about $2.50 per session.  I'm looking forward to beginning.  Today I signed up for a gym membership that only cost 5,000won which is about $4.50!!  The facility is clean and is well equipped.  Bring on the exercise!  

Additionally, I am adjusting to the area and have been having a lot of fun!  The faith experiences have been wonderful and challenging at times!  We have staff worship every morning which unites us as a team of missionary teachers and draws us near to Christ. I get to be involved in so many faith leadership opportunities at the church which I am excited about. Furthermore, we pray together a lot!  God is good!  I am thankful for all the blessings.  

Different Is Normal

Heated floors, toilet paper can't be flushed in the toilets, sorting all garbage, bowing to people you know and those you meet, receiving all items with two hands, taking your shoes off inside many public places, and not tipping in a restaurant are just some of the cultural differences I have noticed during the short time that I have spent in South Korea.  These lifestyle characteristics are not bad but are completely normal to millions of residents. The normal way of doing things to Koreans is the different way of doing things according to Americans and the normal way of doing things to Americans is the different way according to Koreans.  However, different is normal.  Many of the differences that I have noticed are excellent ideas in my opinion!
Another thing that I noticed is different between Korea and the United States is how crossing the street works.  For many days I was very bothered when cars would not stop for me and other pedestrians to cross.  Car after car would drive by and I would get more and more frustrated.  The other day while I was walking around the city of Daejeon with my friend Laura she pointed out to me something she noticed.  She realized that pedestrians do not have the right of way in this country.  Cars have the right of way.  If you get this straight in your head then suddenly there are no more problems, that is other than crossing the street in a timely fashion.  You need to wait your turn, not expect to cross right away, and don't expect cars to stop for you.
With all of these changes and others I have accepted the differences, am doing my best to respect the lifestyle, and am trying to learn more about this wonderful new place!

Mask and Music Show While at the Folk Museum

Our Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace

On Sunday the group of new missionaries went on a day trip to explore Seoul and visit an ancient palace.  The palace we visited is the largest out of 5 in the city.  The experience was surreal to me and looking at pictures I look like I could have been "Photoshopped" in.  We had a tour guide who led us around to many buildings where meetings took place, as well as to the living quarters.  She told us some of the history of this palace.  The architecture was so intricate and beautiful. Also, we saw a mask and music show and toured a folk museum. We had a very fun time and I enjoyed taking lots of pictures (probably did my dad proud)! Overall, it was a great cultural experience in the country.

 Changing of the Guard Ceremony

 Beautiful mountains in the background

 Can you see the dragons on the ceiling?

 Professional business meetings on the floor...hmmm

 Look at this ceiling!

 The rabbit is the zodiac for my birth year, 1987

 Inside the Folk Museum

Korean Cuisine

The food has been interesting and awesome!  It is very flavorful, sometimes spicy, and includes lots of vegetables.  

Here are some examples.

Sweet and sour pockets with rice, mandoo (vegetable dumplings), kimchi (in red)

yummy vegetable soup with mandoo 

Bibim bap (rice, vegetables, and egg)

The dish is served in a hot stone bowl.  You mix the ingredients together and it cooks the egg.  It's extremely hot to touch!  It was very good.

 Side dishes

Vegetable pancakes (not sweet, very tasty)

Bibim bap ready to eat

Kiwi salad dressing; they have other flavors like pineapple and blueberry