The Final Countdown

We are leaving on February 20.
I have over 100lbs of junk I want to take.
Must I repack?

NO!

I'm having problems downsizing. I keep thinking of how badly I packed for Paraguay, and don't want to leave anything out. But the difference is that instead of taking 6 weeks to get mail, it only takes 6 days to South Korea. I had no idea checking 2 bags would be so difficult.

So maybe I shouldn't be too concerned with not packing everything I want. And really, all the items I want to take with me, should MAYBE be available in Korea. I mean, they ARE the leading country in recycling and hybrid automobiles.
I've been looking online, and it looks like everyone says to bring deodorant and tampons.
Check.
Bring 'American Size' clothing, if applicable.
Check.
Bring 4 seasons worth of clothing.
Check.
Some other blogs suggested a few things, but I think I am pretty lucky going from a 2 year job in an underdeveloped countryside - to a possible 2 year job in a completely developed city. I mean, they have subways! In English! I wonder if when traveling by bus, everyone will get a seat....

Big things I will bring, that I wish I had had in Paraguay:
Family Photos -
Nobody loves it more than to see photos of you and your family. It makes things more personal and allows people to identify with you. Plus it's a great conversation starter
American Games -
I will be teaching kids, so I want to bring a few games in English that I think they'll enjoy in the classroom. I know I can get a lot of this online, but I'm thinking some small stuff, like Bananagrams and possibly flashcards (cheapies from$1 spot). Kids love visuals.
Spices by mail-
Lots of people are saying to bring spices - and at first I blew this off. Until I remembered when my mom sent me Laury's Seasoned Salt in PY. I may have her do this again, cause I used it in everything. Taco seasoning was a treat in PY, as well as Chili powder. I will ask my mom to mail me seeds of the more basics like basil, thyme and oregano.
Movies -
I almost died in Paraguay from lack of mind numbing activities. I never read so many books in my life, but after Moby Dick - GEEZ! I just wanted some good ole Frat Pack. But I tell ya, night after night of Derek Zoolander makes Cassie not so Haaaaaapppppppy! My mom even sent down some much needed Star Trek, and even Data stared to get on my nerves. So we purchased an external hard drive, and got Kristin's dad and Anthony's cousin to upload us tons of movies and old TV shows. I think I'm in good shape. I can't wait to watch Bonanza....
Music -
We have been visiting a little place most people don't know about. It's called The Library. We have been downloading music like crazy. CRAZY. I had no idea they had so much music for FREE. I'm pretty excited just to add all this onto my ipod. This will entertain me for hours as I embroider all the friggin towels I bought for the trip.

This was a good site I found that I used for their packing list. Amazingly, there seem to be more lists for South Korea than for Paraguay. Go figure!

http://www.esl4kids.net/packing.html

Random Photos

Anthony and I Halloween 2010

Chiefs game October 31, 2010
everyone complimented Anthony on his lovely metal head locks-
he didn't have the heart to tell them it was a wig!

Mom and I - please note the bag of popcorn I smuggled in.
I bought that coat for $5, hat for $.25. Looks like I've been a fan for years!!!
Also, #98 back there. Ah...salt of the earth.

Anthony and Travis Long, our Peace Corps PY buddy! live in America!

Anthony and I while hiking

Visa Me Visa You

It is official. I just picked up my visa from the Korean consulate here in DC. I don't know if it's sunk in yet.

Five weeks and counting.
I will be visiting Denver at the end of this month to spend time with Ed and Kurt. I hope we will have lots of fun and I will take lots of good photos.

Other than that, not much to report. I'm a little unsure of what to pack for South Korea. I know my apartment is going to be way chuchi (guarani for hoity toity). I'm really excited not to have to take a shower out of a bucket this time. Also, I believe there is running water, although I'm told I shouldn't drink it.

My mom and I put together some items for my trip. Since I have tattoos and not sure what the cultural opinion is of them, I brought a lot of long sleeves - but no tents like when I was in Paraguay.
Work Clothes
3 pants
1 skirt
6 work shirts
3 cardigans
2 camies
1 dress
2 heels
1 flats

Home Clothes
2 Sweaters
4 long sleeved cotton shirts
4 camies
3 skirts
2 dresses
2 jeans
2 cargo
2 capri jeans
4 short sleeved shirts
tennys
flops
fluffy wooden shoe slippers from Kristin

Too much? It will be for a year, and most likely 2. I'm an 'American Sized' girl, so I've been advised to bring clothing that will fit me. The temp is supposed to be from a high of 85 F to 25 F - so I need to keep my bases covered. I hope when I get there, I can find a good seamstress who will make me any additional clothing.

I need to move onto toiletries and entertainment. This is going to be the tough part. Any advice?

Long Time, No Blog

Well, it's been quite a while since I've been on the blogroll, but as New Year resolutions go, I decided to start blogging again. So - what's new you ask?

I am currently living in Washington D.C. with my boyfriend, Anthony.
We have just gotten a job offer and our visas to teach English in South Korea.
We leave on February 20.
The place we are teaching is just outside Seoul in a suburb called Gyeonggi Namyangju. I'm told it's about an hour ride to the city on the train. They are providing living accommodations as well as a decent salary.
I'll be honest. I'm nervous. I'm teaching kids - ages ranging from kindergarten to junior high. We just got some cds at the library on speaking Korean, but I'm still wondering how I am going to communicate with kids that young - in English ONLY.

If anyone has any suggestions or has taught in Korea, I would love to hear some helpful suggestions on ANYTHING. From teaching English to where to purchase good toilet paper. Any 'Must Bring' items? This is going to be a lot different from Paraguay, so I'm not sure what to expect. I guess that's why it's so exciting!