Winter vacation has ended and "spring" vacation has begun! We are starting to get a little too used to all of this time off!
But between our two vacations, Aaron and I had a week of school full of graduations, end of year ceremonies, and difficult goodbyes. Both Aaron and I had to say goodbye to many of our beloved co-teachers aka Korean mothers. Aaron's main co-teacher is moving to a different school as all Korean teachers must do every 4 years and principals every 2 years. My main teacher is going on her 6 month training which all English teachers must do at some point during their careers. Many of our other colleagues are leaving as well, so we will have a lot to get used to when we go back on March 2 for the beginning of the new school year. Below are pictures with our fellow English teachers.
On another note, a few weeks ago we had some friends we met in Japan come visit us in Busan. We introduced Alex from Virginia to our favorite "all you can grill" meat restaurant and Nicole from Australia to the infamous Dr. Fish Cafe. Now the Dr. Fish Cafe is certainly not your average cafe. Oh no. You can sip your coffee while dunking your dry, cracked feet in a pool of blood sucking fish! Okay, not blood sucking--but certainly skin sucking! Supposedly the fish nibble off your dead skin making your feet (and ankles if you dare!) smooth as a baby's bottom. It's one of the most uncomfortable yet invigorating feelings we've ever experienced. Check out the video by clicking here! Needless to say, we're glad we did it but will probably only go back to that cafe for the free waffles and bread. ;)
It's crazy to think that we've been here for almost 6 full months and how we've evolved since coming here in August. I am certainly out of the honeymoon stage I felt when we were first here. I find myself missing family, friends, Chipotle, and American culture (certain aspects at least) much more these days. For example, I seriously had to just walk out of our local Lotte Mart as the sales people stand right next to you and will not leave you alone! It's like this in every shop you go to in Korea--they stand right next to you and follow you around the store. Although I know they are trying to help, for once I just wanted to go into a store and have my independence! I never thought this would bother me so much! So, after I walked out of the store quite perturbed, I realized it's through moments like these that I begin to delve deeper into understanding and questioning Korean culture as well as my own. I still have a lot to learn.
-Callie
