Seasons

Remnants of the previous occupant's life are still present in this apartment, despite the makeover. The artifacts of his journey of self-development are still kicking around:  his Korean language books (now on my shelf, for which I am grateful) and a stack of emergency first response and CPR books still on the floor of my office. 

In the entrance way cabinet, a drawerful of cords, tools, tape, even a soldering gun. Many power strips that he must have used for his gaming set-up. He also left a monitor here, which I'm using at this moment. In fact, that monitor has made it possible for me to replicate, more or less, my office set up from my last home. I just needed speakers and a desk fan to outfit my desk for writing and working (and watching videos).

I bagged up several handfuls of redundant flatware and cooking utensils. I found some pillar candles, which I have put to good use. 

I wonder sometimes how he is (I met him for one day to help me learn the ropes at the academy). How was his transition back home after three years in Korea? Did he experience reverse culture shock like I did 23 years ago when I went home after only one year here? His Korean season is over, and I wonder how new his life feels now that he's back in his old stomping grounds.

I need to meet more people here. I'm not really into the party and bar scene like I was a couple decades ago. Back in 2002-2003, I had a built-in set of friends who lived in Namchang--other foreigner teachers like myself in a very small town. We went around together constantly. I miss them.

My Korean teacher friends are incredibly busy with teaching ridiculous hours on the weekend to prepare the middle school students for their "mid-term exams." I feel so bad for these young people whose lives have been hammered into test-taking machines rather than engaging in discovery, wonder and personal growth. (That's a whole 'nother post right there). Anyway, it's hard to see my Korean teacher friends these days. 

I am, however, grateful for the friendship of the other foreign teacher at my academy (she works at the other location). We've gone out a couple times for sight-seeing and for dinner and drinks. She's good people. At some point I'll join her and some of her other friends to widen my circle.

I'd say I'm older than most of the foreign teachers here, but I have certainly seen oegukin who were on the other side of 40. There's a Fb group called Ulsan Online, and I've posted there a couple of times. My latest gambit is to start a book club (or join one if it already exists). We'll see if that gains any traction.

Now it's my turn in this apartment, anyway, at this life in Ulsan. I've outfitted the place with most of what I need (I still need a fan). I've got the hang of where to shop and am discovering the little gems in my neighborhood. I have my Alien Registration Card and a Korean bank account, now. Two major milestones behind me. I still have to get a phone and set up some internet banking stuff. But we're getting there, one step at a time.

I'm writing again, a little bit every day at least. I'm still working my way into a daily routine that is both gentle and productive. Isn't that the golden ticket? 

I've moved through the end of winter, and now spring is well underway, with summer's heat and humidity ready to make an entrance. Wondering now what the next season will bring in my life.