Let's get to the good stuff, shall we?
On Saturday, I toured my new school (I teach the Simba class) and found out that we were leaving for an overnight retreat in a few hours. I was still in need of a converter for my CPAP machine (Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about), and, as most of you know, I do NOT sleep with out my machine. Someone told me that I should check EMart, which is best described as Korea's Target, for the converter.
From the school, I took a taxi to EMart, where I was able to find a converter. Then, I took another taxi back to my apartment.
Getting to EMart was easy. All I had to say was "EMart." Getting to my apartment complex was also easy. I had my apartment address on a piece of paper, and I just handed it to the taxi driver. Piece of cake! I felt so proud of myself!
Once in my complex, however, I could not find my building. They all look the same! So I stopped a random woman in the parking lot. I don't speak Korean, and she did not speak English, but I showed her the piece of paper, and she was able to help me find my clone of a home.
I still had two hours until I had to be back at the school, which is about a fifteen minute walk away. I felt that I was doing so well, with plenty of time to spare! So I threw some clothes, random overnight items, and my converter into my carry-on bag; grabbed my CPAP machine and purse; and headed out the door.
I also had the school's address written on a piece of paper, and since it was only my second day in the area, I felt it best to take a taxi to the school. I swear on all that is holy that I stopped at least twenty cabs, showed them the address, and was refused repeatedly. It was the most confusing experience. What was I doing wrong?????
I looked at my watch and saw that I was twenty minutes late. I had no idea where the school was, so I just headed back to my apartment to try to contact someone at the school. I did not have a phone yet, so I could not call the school. I did, however, have internet, so I logged onto Skype, and saw that Lauren was online. I quickly called her. I had remained so cool, calm, and collected, but when I heard her voice I started crying, which completely freaked her out! I guess when your best friend calls from around globe crying, it can be a bit alarming.
I explained the situation to Lauren and asked her to call the school for me.
Now, those of you who know Lauren, please take a moment to picture her trying to figure out how to call Korea....Good stuff, right?
With the assistance of Brian, maybe I should start referring to them as my "dream team," she was able to call the school, but there was no answer. About five seconds later, Mr. Kim, our school's bus driver/pretty much anything you need man, knocked on my door. I was so happy to see him! Then I realized that he was staring at my bags perplexedly.
"It is one night," he said
"I know. OVERnight, right?"
"No one else has bag."
"What? But we are spending the night, right?"
"Yes. Is ok. Come on."
So I followed Mr. Kim to the school's bus, which was parked right outside my building, still befuddled by our previous conversation about my bags. Again, I had my carry-on, which is very small, my breathing machine, and my purse. When I got to the van, all of my male coworkers were waiting. I guess I should mention that there are only two female teachers. Anyway, I immediately asked, "Did no one else pack a bag?"
I'm not sure from whom the response came, but I heard, "Uh, I brought a toothbrush."
I rolled my eyes, thinking "stupid boys."
Nonetheless, Mr. Kim found room for my bags, and we headed to YongPyong (I think) Resort.
I was still so confused as to why I could not get a Taxi to the school, so I showed someone the address to make sure it was correct. Lo and behold, I did have the correct address, but it was in ENGLISH.
Have you ever felt like a complete idiot? Well, multiply that times 100, and that is about how I felt at that moment of realization!
