Dear Sal,
After two weeks of the new term I have settled in to my new routine with ease. In fact, at the half way point of my year in Korea I finally feel settled in to living here. Over the last few months I have spent so much time and money going out every night, having dinner and drinks with friends. Reluctant to spend an evening alone, for obvious reason.
Last Friday I came into work to find a parcel waiting for me. I had seen so many of my coworkers received a numerous number of these care packages over the last few months that at first I thought it was a mistake. But upon further inspection, I saw my name and got very excited. The gift came for my family, which included some Jungle Formula, Savlon cream, for those pesky mosquito bites, and a large pot a paprika, a spice that is next to impossible to find in Korea. The package also contained a number of birthday cards, for the dreaded event later this weekend, and a collection of photo's.
As I looked through them it was nice to be reminded of my family and the times we've shared, but as I continued I realised something was missing. The biggest part of the last seven years was no where to been seen, as if that part of my life had been wiped for my history. And that made me feel sad, because I don't want to forget. Not that I'm not grateful for the gift, I am.
I placed the pictures on the wall and my apartment finally feels like home. I have finally acquired all the essential items for my kitchen, through shopping for things when and if I needed them. But also from invading peoples apartments when they leave to collect their abandoned belongings. I have a toaster oven now, this makes me very excited at the prospects of my culinary future in Korea.
Love, hugs and twenty minutes at a hundred and eighty degrees.
Samuel James
Monday 15 September 2014
Tuesday 2 September 2014
"People come and go so quickly here..." (Tuesday 2nd Sep 2014)
Dear Sal,
Sorry I haven't written sooner, the new term began last week and I have been extremely busy. With new classes to prepare for, new students names to remember and a new schedule to adjust to I have been rushed off my feet. The hectic last couple of weeks had almost distracted me from some of my close friends departure at the end of last term.
I hate saying goodbye. It's so hard. Coming to Korea you are thrown into such a strange environment that you develop such close bonds and friendships so fast. These people become family, you love them, you hate them and at the same time you need them. Unfortunately these intense relationship don't last, as people come and go so quickly here. And while some friendships are destine to remain in that bar when you where both drunk, every Friday for the last five months. Others are meant to last longer, way past the contract obligations of teaching in Korea.
I remember the process of the final goodbyes before leaving England six months ago, it was sad, but in the back of mind I knew this was only a temporary thing. I would come back to my friends and family eventually. But the friends you make here share a very unique experience that bonds you in a way I never expected. It's a bit like university, but without knowing that your parents can drive up at any point to rescue you when needed. You are completely alone with only your new friends for company, for stability.
In the last week, a large number of people have come and gone. Some who I shared fleeting moments of fun with, who will fade from my mind within the next few months. And others who have made such an impact on my life I will never forget them, and never want to forget.
This year I already had to say the hardest goodbye of my life, I never expected I would be doing it again so soon.
Love, hugs and see you later...
Samuel James.
Sorry I haven't written sooner, the new term began last week and I have been extremely busy. With new classes to prepare for, new students names to remember and a new schedule to adjust to I have been rushed off my feet. The hectic last couple of weeks had almost distracted me from some of my close friends departure at the end of last term.
I hate saying goodbye. It's so hard. Coming to Korea you are thrown into such a strange environment that you develop such close bonds and friendships so fast. These people become family, you love them, you hate them and at the same time you need them. Unfortunately these intense relationship don't last, as people come and go so quickly here. And while some friendships are destine to remain in that bar when you where both drunk, every Friday for the last five months. Others are meant to last longer, way past the contract obligations of teaching in Korea.
I remember the process of the final goodbyes before leaving England six months ago, it was sad, but in the back of mind I knew this was only a temporary thing. I would come back to my friends and family eventually. But the friends you make here share a very unique experience that bonds you in a way I never expected. It's a bit like university, but without knowing that your parents can drive up at any point to rescue you when needed. You are completely alone with only your new friends for company, for stability.
In the last week, a large number of people have come and gone. Some who I shared fleeting moments of fun with, who will fade from my mind within the next few months. And others who have made such an impact on my life I will never forget them, and never want to forget.
This year I already had to say the hardest goodbye of my life, I never expected I would be doing it again so soon.
Love, hugs and see you later...
Samuel James.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)