The Honeymoon...

I just finished breakfast in the Hostel and tonight I finally meet my host family.

We just arrived 2 days ago in Incheon, which by the way was extremely nice and efficient. The flight wasn't so bad just long. An elderly Korean grandmother sat next to me and so I tried my Korean. It didn't work out so well.

Our group has been staying at the Seoul Youth Hostel for orientation. We have been meeting our local program coordinators and also our Korean University Buddies. It has also been a blast learning how to get around on the complex yet easy enough subway system with our Buddies.

Right now, everyone is getting used to eating rice and kimchi at every meal. Even breakfast. However, this was to be expected. I have been liking the meals here in Korea. Last night our Buddies took us to a noodle shop. It only cost 7000 Won, which is about 6 dollars and it was so filling and really good. Best of all, our group was able to sit in a traditional room where we ate on the wooden floor. Because today is our last day of orientation, we will we meet our host families in the evening. All of us are extremely anxious and excited to finally meet our families.

A quick word about the title of this post. There is a curve/theory that shows the emotions involved in a foreign exchange. Right at the beginning of the exchange, the Honeymoon phase takes place. This is where everything is brand new and exciting, just like the start of a vacation. I only chose this title because its the beginning of the exchange, therefor the beginning of the exchange. The next time I post, I'll be living with my host family.

Today is that day...

Today is departure day.

As I woke up today, tons of stuff just jumped into my head. Things I have yet to pack, that extra shampoo, some notebook paper, and then emotions. I really only now am realizing them. I know their normal but it still will be a year that I'm gone.

Besides the sentimental things, excitement for the expected and the unexpected is flowing through my veins right now. Learning Korean will not be easy but I'm hoping that being absorbed in Korean life will only add to the experience.

Today I start an adventure that I know will last a lifetime. An adventure in South Korean Culture. Besides, I need to finish packing...

Beginnings...

This is a little late...

In 3 days and eleven hours, my adventure starts. I will be living, learning, sleeping and breathing in South Korea for 12 months. By the way I'm Bjorn and just graduated from High School. I'm doing this exchange as a Gap-Year so I can learn Korean.

First off, I can't believe that I'm actually leaving this Friday. This past month since I found out, has felt like a dream. The only way that reality is settling in is thnking about what to pack for 12 months.