In the spirit of my time here (I spend way to much time on buzzfeed fyi) I thought I would offer some top ten lists in an attempt to provide myself with closure. Here goes nothing... (in somewhat of an order)
Top 10 Things I Will Miss About Korea/Jeju
I love the women divers of Jeju. I love chatting with them. I love watching them work. I love the female empowerment. I'm gonna miss these kickass ladies.
9. Gamgyul and Hallbong
The past two years have been full of so much citrus it's hard to even explain. From olle trail snacks to picking them with the host family, I will forever have a yearning for more of Jeju's two most famous citrus varieties
8. Cute Cafes
7. Hiking mini volcanoes
Or at least that's how I like to think of Oreum. Hiking Hallasan is a whole nother story.
6. Convenience store Hang outs
the gs25 and C(VS for)U are going to be much missed in America (along with Korea's lax laws on drinking
5. Sinaburo Shabu Shabu
This shabu shabu (hot pot) restaurant in Seogwipo is not only the most delicious restaurant in Korea, it also holds many many memories from the meals I shared their with my host family
4. My Host Family
I will miss them more than they will ever know
3. The Olle Trails
Jeju has 24 trails that go (roughly) along the coast. I have completed 23/24 and I'm hoping to finish my last one before I leave! These trails are all over my blog so look in the archives if you wanna see more!
2.Public Transportation.
I can't emphasize enough how amazing public transportation is in Korea. I know the whole country is the size of Indiana, but they are so far ahead of America in terms of public transport that going back will feeling like stepping into the past. When I told my students my town in America had no public bus they cried out in outrage. yeah, I feel ya kids.
1. My Students.
This past semester (with my new second graders) I have become so enamored by my wonderful students. They put a smile on my face every single day even as the make their way through the most arduous education system I have ever had the misfortune to be a part of. I love them so much and my heart is breaking leaving them. I always thought ETAs were crazy to come back and see their students (it ain't cheap my friends) but I fully understand now.
Runner ups: the people (so nice), the tteokk, holidays, always feeling safe, the beach, the lack of guns, the pizza
Top 10 Things I will not miss about Korea/Jeju
10. The crazy driving
I always feel like I'm going to die here in a car accident. Both as a pedestrian and a passenger. Everyone, literally everyone is a crazy driver.
9. The work culture
In Korea you are seen as a good employee if you work a lot of hours. It doesn't matter if you do anything during those hours....you just have to be there. This drives me crazy. So many fellow teachers napping or reading the newspaper or watching tv all in the name of "dilligence"
8. 수능
This is the test the rules and ruins my students lives. They get one chance a year to take it and it determines their college entrance- which is their future. The test values facts so my kids feel that conversational english is a waste of time. Don't get me wrong, they love my class but it is considered purely extra-curricular. Needless to say, I hate this test with a passion. High schoolers shouldn't have to study from 7am to 1am every day, ya know??
7. The trash
Especially on jeju this upsets me
6. The lack of trashcans
Why? Why don't you have trashcans Korea???
5.The sexism
I can't even
4. The casual racism
Koreans just...yeah. I've definitely learned somethings about it while here.
3. Not being understood
I speak Korean and I still have a hard time with this one. I swear some people see my white face and just turn off their ears (and then run away hahahaha)
2. The lack of food options/price of foreign food
I once payed 6 dollars for two avocados.
1.The smoking/hacking/spitting
Biggest pet peeve ever. I hate that sound. With a passion. Stop smoking people! it's disgusting!!
Runner Ups: CJU airport, Yellow dust, and mimicking