Supercalifragilicious Expialadocious!

I feel like I have so much to tell you all! My apartment is cute. I will put up pics soon. It's a studio apartment and has pretty much everything I need! However, I am not a fan of the shower situation. The shower is not separated from the rest of the bathroom. Basically, I am showering in the middle of the bathroom. I am not the most coordinated person (don't laugh), so I managed to get water on every inch of my bathroom and some in my main room. This will be interesting. There should be a sign saying, " Shower with Caution."

Guess what? I made a new friend today! I was trying to find E-mart (massive grocery store) and couldn't remember how to get there. I passed a guy who was sitting outside at Starbucks and decided to ask him for directions. He was the first English speaking person I had seen outside of my school. We ended up chatting and I went out to lunch with him and his Korean friend. Yeah for new friends!

After lunch, I went to E-mart. I think it resembles a Super Target or Super Walmart, but bigger. It was an experience. Everyone was staring at me the entire time, which I am starting to get used to. There were people everywhere and I had to use my mad skills to weave around everyone. I listened to my ipod the entire time so I wouldn't freak out. Missy Higgins can put anyone in a fabulous mood! :) It was like Walmart on move-in day for college...times 5. Seriously. They had samples everywhere, but I couldn't figure out what most of it was. Girls were trying to sell all kinds of products and had ridiculous outfits on (matching shirt/short skirt and leg warmers). There was a huge gathering around the Head and Shoulders display. I don't understand how that could be so wonderful and worth your time to hear about. ha. Also, I have never seen such a large seafood section. I think I am going to go back and spend an hour trying to figure out what everything is. Oh! They sell Caribou Coffee there too! Weird, huh?

Tomorrow is my first day of class! I am so excited! I'm still not sure what I will be doing, but I am going in a few hours early to prepare. Ha. I'm not worried! 

I have learned so much about this culture already! It is so interesting and I really like it here so far. Jet lag is pretty much over. I went out with some friends from school last night and stayed awake until 1 am!! Wohooo. It feels wonderful to be back to normal.

-Things I Have Learned-

* Confucius ideas are very much a part of society and may be the reason why almost 50 percent of people do not practice a religion. A person's age is one of the most important things in society. You must respect elders of all ages. For example, during meals the younger person will serve his/her elders (pour drinks or cook at the table). The youngest must be aware of his behavior and make sure he is not doing anything that would be disrespectful (talking or drinking excessively). The oldest person/ male usually pay for the meal. Most people are only friends with others of the same age.

* Korean people drink A LOT. Drinking is a staple at all business meetings and they usually have 4-5 rounds. It is very disrespectful if you do not drink. It is common to have 3-4 business meetings evenings a week. I think it is more common among business men. 

* Korea has one of the highest suicide rates due to the people not meeting the high standards of education or employment.

* Kids are in school/lessons year-round from 8/9 AM to 9 PM . They have school every other Saturday.  

* They eat more ramon than the average college student.

*Rice is made into every form possible. 

* When I eat Korean barbeque, my mouth may swell and burn like hell from all the spices. :)

Hope all is well!

<3 

ps. My toilet does not have a Hello Kitty theme...yet.