We have arrived safely in Seoul and have been half awake and half asleep for our first few days. Our first night we woke up at 3 am (2 in the afternoon in Chattanooga) and were unable to go back to sleep. We were fortunate enough to have some Korean-Americans as our tour guides for our first two days in Seoul. Jewon, a fellow teacher at our school, and her husband showed us around. We have been learning some basic Korean, how to get around on public transportation and some places to do our shopping. We spent the first two nights in a hotel before moving into our apartment. We were very happy to see that it had two (small) balconies. This is a picture of our neighborhood as seen from our front balcony. Looking the other way, we can see the Han River, which runs right through the middle of Seoul.
The next picture is a street level shot from a block away from our apartment. Our building is the one in the distance with the green writing and brown stripe running down it. The apartments are called Shin Dong Ah. We learned the correct pronunciation of the apartments when we took a cab on our own for the first time and told the cab driver where we needed to go. He didn't understand our Korean so we showed him the address written down. He laughed at us and pronounced it correctly until we got the hang of it.
It's a bit overwhelming not knowing how to read Korean. Ryan is very zealous about learning and has already learned much of the alphabet. Early this morning, he tried to take a cab to our apartment. In his eagerness to learn the language he tried to give the cab driver directions. Instead of our building, the cab driver took him to the wrong place . . . another Shin Dong Ah apartment building in a different neighborhood. Fortunately he met some friendly Koreans who helped to point him in the right direction.
My method of orientation is more simple. I find any store or landmark that i can read in English and find my way from there. My landmark of choice is the Paris Baguette (right in front of our street.) Inside is all sorts of yummy pastries and bread. Our first purchase was a delicious green tea and cream cheese pastry.
Our apartment is very nice. We are very comfortable here and were surprised by how roomy it is. We have a livingroom/diningroom/kitchen, office, wardrobe room, bedroom, two bathrooms and two balconies. It is also pretty quiet, even though we are in the middle of the big city. But when the windows are open, the sounds and smells of Seoul come pouring in. Right now the neighbors below must be cooking dinner. The aroma of garlic and chilies waft in from time to time.
On our first full day here we went to a food court in a large shopping center. Our guides told us how to pronounce what we wanted and we were successfully able to order in Korean. This is sanje bibimbap (sounds like "beep and bop.") This is a very common Korean meal that is made with rice, vegetables, usually beef, an egg and some hot pepper sauce.
One thing that we have learned to know and love in our first two days here is this coffee vending machine. These things are everywhere--as common as coke machines in the States. You get a little cup of coffee (instant) for 30 cents. We have only tried black coffee but there are many varieties, including cafe mocha (50 cents.)
The next picture is a street level shot from a block away from our apartment. Our building is the one in the distance with the green writing and brown stripe running down it. The apartments are called Shin Dong Ah. We learned the correct pronunciation of the apartments when we took a cab on our own for the first time and told the cab driver where we needed to go. He didn't understand our Korean so we showed him the address written down. He laughed at us and pronounced it correctly until we got the hang of it.
It's a bit overwhelming not knowing how to read Korean. Ryan is very zealous about learning and has already learned much of the alphabet. Early this morning, he tried to take a cab to our apartment. In his eagerness to learn the language he tried to give the cab driver directions. Instead of our building, the cab driver took him to the wrong place . . . another Shin Dong Ah apartment building in a different neighborhood. Fortunately he met some friendly Koreans who helped to point him in the right direction.
My method of orientation is more simple. I find any store or landmark that i can read in English and find my way from there. My landmark of choice is the Paris Baguette (right in front of our street.) Inside is all sorts of yummy pastries and bread. Our first purchase was a delicious green tea and cream cheese pastry. 
Our apartment is very nice. We are very comfortable here and were surprised by how roomy it is. We have a livingroom/diningroom/kitchen, office, wardrobe room, bedroom, two bathrooms and two balconies. It is also pretty quiet, even though we are in the middle of the big city. But when the windows are open, the sounds and smells of Seoul come pouring in. Right now the neighbors below must be cooking dinner. The aroma of garlic and chilies waft in from time to time.
On our first full day here we went to a food court in a large shopping center. Our guides told us how to pronounce what we wanted and we were successfully able to order in Korean. This is sanje bibimbap (sounds like "beep and bop.") This is a very common Korean meal that is made with rice, vegetables, usually beef, an egg and some hot pepper sauce.
One thing that we have learned to know and love in our first two days here is this coffee vending machine. These things are everywhere--as common as coke machines in the States. You get a little cup of coffee (instant) for 30 cents. We have only tried black coffee but there are many varieties, including cafe mocha (50 cents.)
7 comments:
Yay! Thanks so much for posting so soon. Nice haircut, Ryan! Are we going to see Abby's? What is a "wardrobe room"? Have you seen the school yet? CHUB!
Abby and Ryan,
It is very nice to see that you all are safe and sound in Seoul. May your many adjustments come with ease...I look forward to hearing more about your adventures in a new land. -Adam
Awesome! The view from your apt looks great! I'm so happy for you. It looks like so much fun. I'm glad to see you have a Paris Baguette near your apt for when you need something more familiar. Keep posting as you have the time & energy. It's so fun to follow your adventure this way.
-paul
I'm a friend of Jessica's here in Washington State. We spent 7 months in Inner Mongolia, China last year and I am so eager to hear about your experiences! Already you have us beat with the Paris Baguette and coffee machines. I love bibimbap--just look out for the dog-flavored variety. That was particularly popular at our local Korean restaurant in Hohhot.
Good luck, get some sleep, and keep blogging! Cheers, Arienne
Ryan and Abby,
The apartment looks great. I have to admit we're a little envious of your adventure. I'm glad you found something familiar to eat. Please keep posting as you can. Love Dad
How Fun!! Abel and I were looking at these pictures over lunch, Abel's comment: "LET'S GO!", then he saw Ryan and said "Uncle Ryan! Where's Abby?!" It sure does look impressive... and how fun to have bread shop so close by. Can't wait to hear more news from your exciting first few days!
Warmly,
Ana***
WOWZA! That's cool Dixie! Funny thing, when i first moved to Seattle, the only way for me to find my apartment was the Paris Baguette across the street.
Ryan, if you are ever board at 3 in the morning give me a call on my lunch break.
Looking forward to reading about more dishes.
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