As of today, I have four weeks left in Korea. My departure is bittersweet. I think as anyone who has lived in Korea, especially as a teacher at a hagwon, life is good here. But it is also complicated. I have met wonderful people, eaten delicious things, seen amazing things I had never dreamed of before and generally had a great time. I would say that covers about 90% of my year in Korea. But I've also had trouble communicating, been scammed by cab drivers and other annoying things I can't think of right now. Mostly, I'm sad to leave, but I'm also really excited about my next step.
As of February 25th, I'll be spending three weeks living it up Seattle/Prosser style. Eating Mexican food, drinking dark beers, going wine tasting, hugging it out, living the retired life with Dad, breaking in Nadine and Brendan's couch with Diane, Andrea and Katrina, helping Laurie and Tim celebrate their baby, partying with everyone, hanging in the Sviks living room and a million other things I haven't done in almost a year. I can't wait. It's been too long. There really is no place like Washington. I'm excited that I'll have so long to enjoy it.
But all vacations must come to an end, so at the end of March, I will leave home once again, this time for Kumamoto, Japan. I have somehow convinced Sojo University that I am the perfect candidate for my dream job. I think I tricked them. Don't blow my cover. I will be a lecturer, teaching English to Japanese university students. In addition to that, I will be helping develop curriculum and other things I'm not quite sure of yet. I will work two 15 week terms. That means 30 weeks a year. I am not only getting my dream job, but I'm about to be the queen of vacation. I'm really excited. I can't wait to explore Japan, be in Seattle a bunch and travel the world over the next two years.
Right now, a lot of things are still up in the air. I don't know all the details of my job yet, but I'll try to keep you all posted. I am so excited about the next couple of months. I guess I'll have to think of a new name for the blog, although I hear K-Pop is really hot in Japan right now. I'll let you know in a few months!!!!!!
