Feeling Unsettled and some Not-So-Fun Discoveries

On my last post, I highlighted some of our new discoveries and adventures, all of which were good. However, there is no denying that there are some downsides to living in Korea; some annoying and some humorous. Before I continue, let me stop right here--This is not a post to complain or rant. It wouldn't matter where we were stationed because there are always going to be ups and downs. I am amused when other military wives, or anyone for that matter, are 'surprised' by this and refuse to focus on the positive. Also, our family chose to live here and the excitement of our daily discoveries, good or bad, make us feel more alive. With that said, these are some of the things we have noticed different about our new world and lifestyle.
We aren't just a short plane ride or drive away from family and friends on the East Coast.
While, ironically, we are closer than we have ever been to my husband's family with only a direct flight away, it means that we are now the furthest from my family. In this short time, my nephew has undergone open heart surgery; a close friend has gotten engaged and will be married within the year; another dear friend is going through a divorce; I missed out on a girlfriend's baby shower and know I won't be able to hold her soon-to-be born baby anytime soon. I sometimes long for the comfort of old friends who really know me. This, and many more daily happenings, makes me very sad to be so far away. I wish I could just kiss my niece and nephew; I'd give anything to hug my family and friends. Skype is a nice consolation, but sometimes you just want to jump through the screen. 

My Niece and Nephew

Skyping with girlfriends from college

I don't speak Korean.

Okay, this might seem like a real obvious one, but it is a daily hindrance for me. Yes, English is taught as a second language from an early age here; however, you can't always rely on it for more interaction than the basics. Plus, I am in these strangers' country and often feel ashamed that they know more of my native tongue than I do of theirs. Body language and gesture seem to go a lot farther, but still doesn't always get the needed results. Many time this will leave me feeling almost childlike. My biggest shock of this was when I had to go to an off post doctor. The nurses and staff were beyond kind and went out of their way to understand and put me at ease. However, since it wasn't guaranteed that the doctor or nurses could speak English, I was given a 'translator' nurse to inform me what the doctor said. I also had a student volunteer guide me to where I needed to go because I couldn't read the signs. While all of this was much appreciated, it definitely was a different experience to ask questions to the doctor through a translator or have someone guide me around like a child. 

Me trying to read all the signs!!

It's Cold, Real Cold Sometimes.

While cold weather isn't specific to Korea, this is the first time that I have lived in this cold of a climate. I've noticed that I am becoming more acclimated, but I haven't gotten used to the days that it's been 5 degrees Fahrenheit at midday. The challenge, I have found, isn't so much braving the cold, it's being stuck inside with a two year old! I am quite versed on how to entertain a toddler in warm weather; we spend most of our day enjoying the outdoors in one way or another. I have found myself having to rewrite the book on how to get energy out of a little boy when you can't kick the ball around in the yard. Nonetheless, we have been able either bundle up and go out when it 'warms up' or become very grateful for indoor playgrounds.

Playing in a bucket of rice is hours of indoor fun!

We love indoor sports! Bowling here we come. 

Other Oddities.

As with anywhere else that is different, you will find things that are, well, different. One of my first baffling discoveries was the shower in our three quarter bath. Water pressure is amazing; temperature of the water is soothing. But, the drain is not located in the shower. It is actually outside of the shower walls with the floor slanted to drain the water toward the middle of the room. While this seems ingenious if the toilet overflows, it just seems impractical for daily use. At the end of one's shower, the entire floor is wet and suds are everywhere!

The bathroom after a shower

Another odd thing to get used to is standing out like a sore thumb. If it's not my blond hair being a dead giveaway, then it's Noa's jeep. As you can imagine, it's compact cars that are mostly driven here so one with big, oversized tires driving down the road gets some looks!