One Year in Korea

Well, I have been in Korea a little over one year.  (My anniversary was last week!)  It seems surreal that I have been in a foreign country for that long but at the same time it feels like I just got here.  Obviously when I first got here I was a fish out of water.  There are customs and traditions and a way of life, that I had to adjust to.  And for the most part, I think I have.  A lot has changed in the past year but a lot has stayed the same.

I have adjusted to the way of life in Korea (for the most part).  I bow and say hello to my elders and those with more seniority than I in the morning (basically everyone because I am the youngest teacher at school).  I can use chopsticks to de-bone a fish and chicken (though the chicken still gets me sometimes).  I give and receive things with two hands (except with my students, they have to take with two hands but I only give with one: it is a power thing).  Even that, the exception for students.  Asserting my power is new.  I speak in Konglish* and switch between English, Korean, and Konglish when talking to people.  I think my English ability has gone down tremendously since I got here.  I don't think I actually speak proper English anymore.  I feel weird if I do not have rice with a meal or kimchi.

It is strange how many things have changed but I do not notice them because they were gradual changes and things that happen here everyday.  These changes are not bizarre or out of place here, so I do not notice that I am doing anything differently.  I am sure though that if I went home, people would look at me strange because I no longer fit into America.

I also do not really fit into Korea.  Yes, people tell me that I am "more Korean, than...them/another Korean" but I still have American tendencies.  I am still American but a little Korean.  Or maybe a lot Korean.  I have no idea.  This move has changed me and made me think about home and where I belong.  Which I have no idea where that might be.  Is it America?  Is it Korea?  Is it the nomad life?  Who knows.  I sure as heck do not but hopefully time will tell.  I am loving Korea and my life here, and really, that is all that matters.  Being happy and content in life!  Which I am.

*Konglish is a Koreanized English.  Things like Air Con instead of Air Conditioning.  I will write a post about it!  :D