I made it almost six months without major homesickness spells. I realized that I truly wasn't missing convienences from home, appliances, food, or other amenities until recently. Sure, it sucks having to hang dry all my clothes. Yes, I wish I could shower in an actual shower instead of in the middle of the bathroom. And do I miss a furnace...Yes! However, I have been adjusting quite well and I take all the new experiences (even the unpleasant ones) as a learning opprotunity and a growth in a new culture. But, I got my first desperate craving for home and the beautiful land of America, land of the plenty. I wanted a Wendy's hamburger so bad that my mouth was watering. I figured "Hey they have Quiznos, Subway, TacoBell, and KFC here. They have to have a Wendy's." Apparently not. Way to go Wendy's. You didn't sell out like everyone else and join the international market.
But this got me thinking about all the other non-sentimental things I miss. First, I miss carpet! I have not walked on carpet in 6 months! Not in a store, at school, or anyone's home. Do they even sell carpet in Korea?! Also, I miss real potato chips. I'm talking about the really greasy ridged ones that go great with some french onion dip. The potato chips in Korea are paper thin and they don't leave grease on your fingers. That's not delicious! I want the grease! Speaking about food, I was in HomePlus the other day, and I found GoldFish crackers! I almost started crying out of joy! I bought a bag (which cost 5,000 won or $5) and ate them as slowly as possible, enjoying every bite!
I could go on and on about my homesickness. Of course, it goes without saying that I miss my family and friends, but I'm dealing with the seperation better than expected. Yes, I will get very sad from time to time, but I always remind myself that I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful family and great friends to actually miss!
Update on life...School is the same. Busy, busy, busy. Graduation is in two weeks and we are spending hours a day preparing for it. This weekend I will be going to a Korean wedding which is very exciting! Well, the marriage is between a Korean female and a Canadian male, but it's still a Korean wedding. The woman is a teacher at our school and she is finally marrying her boyfriend of six years. I'm excited to attend just to see what the similiarities and differences are between American and Korean weddings. Next week we have another vacation day. I'm not even sure what this holiday is, but all I know is I get to sleep-in and possibly go for a little adventure. Not sure where though haha :) Maybe up the mountain? Maybe to Seoul? Or maybe to Uijeongbu to check out the Spring collection of clothes I must buy? We'll see next week!
Mal, you are too cute. Your decriptions of your homesickness is very amusing. It must get you down sometimes, but you seem very good natured about it. Is that your first stop when you get home - Wendys?
ReplyDeleteOhh I will stop at Wendy's on the way home for the airport! I already told my parents to have the massive bottle of ketchup waiting for me hehe. But I won't splurge too much! I have a bridesmaids dress to fit into in October!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing I was googling "potato chips in Seoul" because I've been here over 5 months now and recently starting going insane becuase they didn't have chips. Twice Lotte Mart had Kettle Chips which were amazing, but they only stock about 10 bags every few months (so next time I'll stock up). I don't know where you live but I went to the Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon today and I was dissapointed with their chip selection - you can get Lays Salt & Vinegar, Ruffles Sour Cream & Onion, tons of Doritos and the Cheetos as well. 5,000 for a smallish bag (smaller than back home large bags). They also had a ton of other stuff, mac and cheese, hummus, pita, huge blocks of cheese for 12,000, etc. Check it out!
ReplyDeleteHi Mallory! Thank you for posting this blog :) I am considering working at the same school. Would you mind corresponding with me via email? I would so greatly appreciate it. If you will, my email is: moriah_russell@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks!