It's Official

Gwangju here we come.

Departing March 22nd, 2010.

Gwangju is Korea’s 6th largest metropolitan city and one of the most historically significant areas in the region. Established in 57 BC, Gwangju played a key role in Korea’s cultural identity and was an important part of the countries rise to success as a major player in in the industrialized world. Located within the southern coastal province of Jeollanam, Gwangju takes advantage of the beautiful summer months and mild winters. Gwangju is not a coastal city; however, its close proximity to the Yellow Sea (just west of Gwangju) and the East China Sea (just south of Gwangju) make weekend trips and adventures to the local beaches and islands more than feasible. Many of the smaller coastal cities surrounding Gwangju are also popular tourist destinations during the summer months and offer a wide array of water sports and activities. Gwangju has lots of interesting tourist destinations, park areas and scenic sights. Additionally, the city is famous for its diverse Korean cuisines and many restaurants in the area are well known throughout other parts of the country. Cost Of Living In Gwangju Day to day living expenses are on par with other major cities in the country, excluding Seoul which is noticeably higher. Foreigners In Gwangju All of the metropolitan cities in Korea have large foreign communities and Gwangju is no exception. Gwangju is currently home to thousands of western teachers, engineers and other foreign workers. Transportation In Gwangju Gwangju has one subway line, extensive bus routes, countless taxis, an international airport and a developed high speed train network offering affordable tickets to most destinations throughout the country. Gwangju Entertainment Gwangju has lots of entertainment options and possibilities for those seeking fun and excitement during their non-working hours. Gwangju is a historically significant city and the locals host lots of national and international festivals each year. In addition the festivals and events Gwangju also has a number of professional sports teams, countless karaoke rooms, movie theatres, sports complexes and lots of cafes and restaurants. Shopping In Gwangju Gwangju has lots of outdoor markets that sell electronics, clothing, fresh produce, fish products and gadgets that are otherwise unseen in western countries. The city also has department stores and retail chains in the downtown area. Nightlife In Gwangju Gwangju has one large entertainment district in the city center and a number of smaller entertainment districts spread throughout other areas. Korean nightclubs, karaoke bars, western bars and 24 hour cafes with alcohol licenses are abundant. Gwangju Landscape Gwangju has lots of options for those seeking nature related activities. Mount Mudeung, Sajik Park, Hwangnyong River and Jatgogae Ridge, to name a few , are some of the more prominent nature options available in the Gwangju area. Noise In Gwangju Noisy in the city core, moderately noisy in the surrounding areas. Pollution & Cleanliness In Gwangju Air and street pollution levels in Gwangju are comparable to other major cities in Korea, excluding Seoul which is noticeably higher.

Information provided by www.gone2korea.com

Getting ready

Mykie and I just found out that we shall be leaving close to the end of March. This leaves us about 3 weeks to get ourselves organised. Thankfully I have had the last year to keep myself rather organised. I guess not working leaves a lot of time to do...stuff. With the year that I have had there was no time to work anyway.
So, we are off to teach in Korea.

If I had a penny for every time someone makes the joke, or asks seriously, if we are going to North or South Korea, I would have at least a whole dollar. I know that I am speaking in pennies but I would rather start with something small and make a fortune. Sometimes i wonder what people know about the other side of the world or are they merely making light of the fact that they will miss me? I hope it is the latter.

I am really curios to see what a life in a world that is so different than mine will be like. Will they like me? Will they want to get to know me for me and not just because I am 5'9, super cute and a westerner? Will I be able to adapt and really honestly integrate myself into their community?

Well, at least I would honestly and truly try.

To be honest, if this would be my last year on earth I want to go out knowing that I really tried to get the most out of it. There are so many people telling me that maybe I should settle down, get focused on my career and make something in Toronto to call my own. What is my own? I wonder? With all due respect, isn't that what I am doing? I am just trying to be real.

Neither Mykie nor I have taught English formally. We have attempted to teach informally while travelling throughout Australia. But, are we even good at teaching? English is our native tongue, yes, but that doesn't make us good teachers. Just because you speak a language doesn't give you the real skills to teach it to someone who doesn't know it well. Well, I hope that we don't have too many casualties along the way. At least our enthusiasm is way up there.

To be quite frank, I am not feeling anything about the leave. Mykie is so excited. He can barely wait. Maybe I am just trying to process the fact that I am packing my life up in two rather large suitcases and jetting off again. I am leaving my friends whose lives will develop without me but rather stay the same. My family I worry will miss me too much. I will never fully appreciate that longing until I have my own children.
Maybe that is why if feel so...nothing. Don't get me wrong, I have wanted this for so long and now that it is actually here, I still want it! Maybe I am just nervous...that's it.

I am sitting in my bed writing this imagining what it will be like to continue this blog without the accompaniment of my two cats on either side of me? Korea is going to be a strange world full of exciting new adventures, people, places and things and I hope that you follow me throughout our journey. To be continued...