1/4 of a Year

It's hard to believe, but I have been here for three months now, and I am sad to report that the three month marker is not finding me particularly happy to be here. Not to be dramatic (me? dramatic? never!), but this is kind of the worst case scenario that I let myself imagine before I left. Lonely, working horrible hours, not liking the city, watching a lot of tv on my computer. I feel like I've given it a go, and now I'm ready to come home. I think what's really getting me down lately is that it's summer and that should mean grilling out and bike rides and outdoor music and patios, but it's just the same old nasty city around here. As I type these words, I hate how negative I sound but that's just the way I'm feeling. As I think about 9 months ahead of me, I think, I can get through anything. But is that any way of going through life? I just don't know. I have to stay for 6 months before they pay for my plane ticket, so I'll at least stay that long, but you might be seeing me earlier than expected. A year is a long time. 

 In other news, I went to my first movie here last weekend. I couldn't believe it, but I went to Star Trek and really liked it! The whole experience was very enjoyable. You reserve your seat ahead of time and it's printed on your ticket, so you can walk in at the last minute and you know right where to sit. They have overpriced popcorn just like at home, but here you can get it in three flavors. I had caramel and it was delicious. It was such a comforting feeling to walk into the theater. It felt like home. That is, until the Korean movie previews started. It was interesting to watch with a crowd reading in subtitles. Whenever the Russian kid spoke in his thick accent, everyone burst out laughing. I don't get how you translate an accent. I guess they know English enough to recognize an accent. Interesting.

I also had another first last weekend: climbing my first Korean mountain! I met up with a hiking group and set out to climb Bulamsan, right on the edge of the city. I realized how very out of shape I am. It was so hard. Not like Montana, with nice trails and switchbacks. This was sandy, gravelly trail straight up the mountain. And the way down was even worse, thinking that I would slip on the gravel and slide all the way down the mountain. At one point, we had to back down two big boulders using a rope that was attached at the top. I am not good with things like this, but I made it without hurting myself too bad. Oh and my other favorite part was crawling on my hands and feet up the unfinished stairs that led the way to the peak. And then I thought I was there, but oh no, there was another few boulders to scamper up, or rather, drag my tired body up. But in the end, it was all worth it for the cool view of the city and a day in the sunshine. I might be going out again tomorrow, this time to the highest mountain in Seoul. I hope there's no ropes involved!

One more thing: I hear people back home are worried about all the North Korea business. It's strange but I really feel like people here are not concerned. I asked my Korean teacher about it, and she was so nonchalant and almost laughed at my concern. They all just say that Kim Jong-il just wants to show his power before he dies, and they're used to these threats. I also learned last night that my apartment is not far from one of the two evacuation points for foreigners if anything were to happen. So no worries, I am and will be safe and sound.