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20 weeks down, 32 to go. Reflection so far...
After 4 nights away in Gangneung and Seoul, I went to bed on Sunday night only to fall sick with gastroenteritis. This was diagnosed by a Changwon doctor on Monday morning. My boss drove me to hospital and his wife, who has better command of English, had to request that I take my pants down, for an injection to the rear. 2 days later, and a lot of medication and juk (rice porridge) and I was back to work, having missed 2 days.
So, another shortened week, which ended with my birthday. I had already turned 37 the previous Thursday, thanks to the Korean ageing system, so I am beginning to lose count. Suffice to say, I don't really 'celebrate' being a year older anymore... it's not something i want to do... not when i still look 27! Anyway, Kelly gave me a thoughtful and appropriate gift - 'Brandy Skin Toner/Moisturiser'. I will try to use it every day. See me blowing out my candles on my cake on one of the new videos. Mum and Dad's parcels arrived in time, anything else didn't make by Friday, because of the Lunar New Year.
I took part in 3 English Conversation Group classes this week. The most interesting was on Thursday, with a debate about cohabiting before marriage - Koreans seem to beat around the bush (if you pardon the expression) when it comes to sex. On Wednesday, I took part in a debate about the Sungyemun/Mandaemun Gate Fire, which has shocked Korean society. A lone 69-year old has now said sorry for destroying the historic gate - see the other new video. I had to point out that it clearly wasn't an accident as one of the questions posed was "What do you think was the main cause of this accident?" This question, which has an apparently obvious reply, was worded to invite blame of the authorities in not protecting the gate sufficiently. Suffice to say, I felt sad about its destruction (note: no apostrophe, Lynne Truss), especially having visited the gate, with Garry, the day before it was attacked. I really appreciate these hour long chats, they give a real insight into the Korean way of thinking... and the conversative outlook of this country. There are, as I pointed, always going to be generational differences, in any society.
Reflecting on my time so far - 20 weeks down, 32 to go - I am absolutely certain that I will complete my full years contract (note: no apostrophe, again). After that, I will return to the UK, for a few months, hopefully with enough money not to have to work. Then I will apply for another year long contract, possibly in Korea.. and if so, Seoul. After that, I would look to 6 months in Europe - maybe Spain, Greece or Poland.
Everything depends on a relationship. This, as everyone who knows me well enough, would change everything. I would rather have a relationship and it limit my options than to not have one and the world to remain a complete oyster.
It was great this week to finally hook up on skype with (whaaaaaaaaaaa heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy it's) Connor, and to have a 3-way conference call with him and Dad. I also saw Lukey on screen, although he still thinks I'm in Africa - i think he is confusing me with George Bush - currently in Dar Es Salaam, I believe, on a last gasp attempt to salvage some humanitarian credibility (too late, methinks!)
Anyway, I should be at home next Friday evening, for a change, as I am catching the cheaper, 7am bus to Seoul again next Saturday. It will be my 4th visit.
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