So this is Gwangju

The plane was massive and full of the usual 13 hour flight amenities (i.e. hot towels, personal TVs, slippers, toothbrushes). Despite the attempt of airlines to make things comfortable, long flights are the bane of my existence. The Seoul airport was wonderful with water fountains, flower gardens and customs that took no more than five minutes. We rounded up our light luggage (5 suitcases and a backpack) and somehow signed/pointed our way onto a four hour bus to Gwangju. Upon arrival we were instantly impressed by our apartment building with its key-less, number pad locks that sing a little jingle when opened. We were just tickled by our apartment with its heated hardwood floors, brand new appliances, sparkle counters, flower cabinets, and butterfly light fixtures (when I say tickled I mean that I was laughing hysterically while Aaron was cringing in disgust.)

Our apartment building...

the wall paper in our room...

the horrifying wall paper in the other room...

 pure delight...

our kitchen, please note the flower/butterfly designs...

Aaron standing in our shower/sink/toilet area in the bathroom slippers so graciously provided for us.

Our first day here we had time to relax, unpack, and explore our neighborhood. Within five minutes we found a French bakery and were happily sitting on a park bench eating pizza bread, curry chicken samosas, and apple tart, not too bad for our first meal in Korea. More exploring revealed fresh fish/eel/octopus tanks outside of every other restaurant, elaborate flower shops, and an angel themed cafe where we enjoyed some green tea and free wifi in wing backed arm chairs. We also encountered...

 puppies so small I was convinced they were fake...

so much shell fish...

apartments...

Grocery shopping was an experience due to the fact that we have a hot plate but no hose to connect it to the gas line. After much aimless wandering and attempted guessing as to what things were Aaron and I left with 30 rolls of toilet paper (the smallest amount we could buy), oranges, almonds, yogurt, and ramen (and along with the loaf of bread from the bakery it is all we have been surviving on.) Yesterday we had our first day of work in the castle that is Leader's Academy. Three floors and a basement/stage all beautifully covered in heated flooring and signs that made me feel like I was in Disneyland. It was orientation for the children and parents so obviously within an hour and a half of arriving at the school we were up on stage doing a song and dance that we had 30 minutes to prepare for. This would have been bad enough if we didn't have to follow a taekwondo set complete with a nun-chuck act... I don't want to go into the gory details but the Alpha friends song includes moves for egg elephant, Indian ink, Uncle umbrella and many others. The school is full of unique classrooms such as the safari room (full of dinosaur and ocean toys) and English Village (a room full of different play stations equipped with props i.e. restaurant, bank, beauty shop etc.) It really is impressive. Aaron started work on Friday but I don't actually start for another month so I should be doing a lot of facebook stalking and blog updates so I apologize in advance. Here are some highlights...

Aaron getting crunky...

 

Korean cable...

my super Asian neon phone...

 and this guy.

Lots of love. 

Kerryn