That Old, Familiar Feeling

The first thing I have noticed is just how silly I feel! I spent so much time worrying about so many things, and really, I should have just known that it would be great. Of course it is great! How could it not have been great?!  

On the streets of Seoul (Financial District)

My training roommate is an absolute peach. I mean, literally she is a peach- she is from Georgia. There is a group of about 20 of us all getting trained this week. Mostly, we are from the states, but there are a few from the great UK and one girl from Canada. So far, everyone seems very nice.

By far the most amusing part of today was the medical exam that we all had to undergo. In a way, it acted as one big huge icebreaker. We were all taken to a medical center, and made to wear very silly looking tops, and then basically went through a medical obstacle course at warp speed. The eye test was done while the woman administering it was walking away from me, and I had to trot behind her to take the exam. Then, in rapid succession they took xrays, did a hearing test, a urine test, and a blood test. Not ready to have a needle in your arm? Too bad! Never have I ever seen a more efficient phlebotomist. We chatted, we laughed, we peed in a cup. I think it was a good time for all involved.

There are two native Koreans in my training group and one darling lady took a few of us under her wing for the afternoon, which was great. She found us an excellent restaurant for lunch (and only cost 10,000 won/ 10 dollars per person). I had my very first kimchi, and I hate to say-I am not sold on it yet. I wanted to love it so badly, so I am not giving up on it. Kimchi and I are in an 'it's complicated' relationship, but I am sure we will reconcile.

Don't know what it was called except DELICIOUS
 (someday the kimchi will be delicious too...)

Finally, I am excited to report that I am feeling that 'being abroad thrill' once more. You know, when you are doing something seemingly rudimentary, like walking down the street, and then you look up and remember where you are. On the other side of the world. I am in a place that is so, so different from any that I have ever seen before, and I think I forgot how amazing that is. For months I was so nervous about making this jump, but after just two days I am so glad to be here.