Louise's Seoul

Bumpy Take-Off

New website, new look, new photograph that seems to be taking a while to replace the old one. Just as well; the new photograph is a passport photo, complete with coal-sacks under my eyes, moutainous zit, and murderous expression. All this is rehearsal for my new teaching position at Gwanak SLP. The unfortunate thing is that I generally look terrible on photographs, no matter the type of camera used or the amount of air-brushing. This and the last one are the best photographs of me, taken 5 years apart. Really...it has taken that long. The design of the blog may change again, as I am planning on letting my web designer-friend lose on it.

I arrive in Korea 14th December, having been offered this teaching position after only setting foot in England for 4 days. After that I will have to make a trip to Japan (unescorted) for the visa run, as my typically Korean boss does not have the patience to allow me to wait in my own country, nor the common sense to interview and hire someone at least 2 months before they are needed to start working. Processing of the immigration certificate is taking a long time, so I am not clear when exactly I can fly to Japan and visit the Korean Embassy with it. Still, I should look on the bright side; I have a free trip to Japan, when I wanted to visit Japan anyway.

I have twice asked for the address of my flat in Korea, and both times the question has been evaded. I wonder if they actually have somewhere to put me, or if I will spend my first few weeks in a love motel. I think to myself 'don't be ridiculous, you are working for SLP'. However, if there is one thing I have learned about my relationship with Korea, it is to expect the unexpected (like compensating for my boss' disorganisation by flying to Japan for my E2 visa).

Despite the rather bumpy take-off, I hope to have a smooth journey this year. I hope to continue my Korean language studies, with some help from Korean friends. Moreover, I am really looking forward to catching up with friends in Gunsan and Seoul.

I think I should take the time to explain my silly web address for this site. Maum-ui chingu is Korean for 'Soul-mate'. Soul...Seoul...geddit? I am sure that many other people who are living in Seoul have set up a website trying to make a pun with the name of Korea's capital city. This is the best my limited imagination could produce, with 'Louise's Seoul' as the title. This has probably been done before, and if it has, I apologise to the owner(s). Any suggestions for a better title and/or web address gratefully received. Winning suggestion gets a years supply of kimchi. (Don't hold me to that, though).

posted by Louise @ 5:37 am