Culture Shock

Hmm... Haven't posted anything in a while.. what to write?

Anyone ever read that chart of the stages you go through adjusting to a new country? If not, check out http://student-services2.utoledo.edu/international/predeparture/shock.html

From my time in China and my time here in Korea, I'd have to say it's fairly accurate. Unfortunately I am in the "irritation" stage. I am annoyed with everything and everyone. I hate that everything is a big hassle - for example I finally found out yesterday where to take my recycling. Until then I'd been covertly sneaking plastic bottles out in my trash or taking them to the subway or other places with garbage to throw away... I hated doing it but had no idea where they went! And of course not speaking Korean, I had no idea who to ask and didn't know what I would ask anyways.

Also of annoyance is the fact that I haven't been sleeping well. One of my neighbours thinks it's really cool to practice his electric guitar nights between 12:30 am and 3 am, most nights. Also there's a bar outside my window which inevitably means there are some drunkards running around and yelling outside almost every night as well. I want to get a sniper rifle and sit here in wait. The other night these people were yelling at the top of their lungs for so long.. All I could think was "Aren't you cold? Go home!!" And then of course is the food issue - don't get me wrong... I love Korean food! But the food I am served at school is rediculously bad! Well, it's prepared in a tiny kitchen by one lady for about 100 kids, so I can't fault her.. also kids like things that are more bland then adults... But I'd say most days of the week there's only rice and some other dish that I don't mind eating. Some days there's nothing. And even the stuff I don't mind is starting to get on my nerves!!

And then of course is the fact that all my friends live so far away. So going to see them is such a big trek. In the busy subway or train all crushed in with all the people. And don't even get me started on the smog...

Sigh. Last night I spent awake tossing and turning because of a fever, what else is new? Hilary is sick in Korea....

Anyways I am gonna stop this post before I depress myself even more!