Second week down!

The first week of teaching was great, but this week was better. I feel more settled at my school, less stressed out in general, more embracing of life here. I have to admit that despite all the wonderful people that I work with and despite feeling so happy with the work at my school, I was riding at breakneck speed on the anxiety horse. :) Everything was making me anxious and nervous. Like the idea of going out to eat at a restaurant sent me into a tizzy. The idea of trying to communicate to a cab driver made me want to cry. In short, I felt like I wanted to just stay in my apartment and not experience Korean culture. Which is an awful thing to feel. And I knew this wasn't truly how I felt. I didn't come here to be a mole. But I couldn't get past the anxiety of it all. Then, we went to a restaurant. Then we went to another. Then we took the train, and navigated our way home in a cab. Then my second week of teaching began, which was wonderful. Bit by bit I got over that anxiety. There are things I can do competently now, like buy a train ticket even though the language on the machine is Korean. Knowing how to do these simple things has made me feel more confident in this culture. I don't feel so much like I am going to wander aimlessly through the city and never be heard from again. I guess it's culture shock, or some stage therein, but I don't think I've ever felt culture shock so severe. I got straight up slapped with it.
Anyway, I think the worst is over. (She says tentatively.) If I haven't said it enough, I'll say it again--I love my job. Which is awesome, since that's why I'm here.

Joe and I are off to Busan this weekend. Hour and a half train ride south to the coast. Our first Korean mini-vacation! Pictures and tales of debauchery are forthcoming . . .