Dating in Korea

I have honestly did a lot of research before I left the states about dating and some of the positives and negatives that come with it. 

Well now that I have 5~6 months here under my belt and some "experiences" I believe I semi qualified to write about it. 

Through hours of tedious observations and personal experience with friends and their experiences, it seems that Korea handles foreign men much better than women. But let me explain my reasoning behind this.

Now this is just MY opinion and what I have observed so please take this as you may. 

A few friends know but I recently started dating a korean guy. Nice guy, english was pretty poor but he was nice on the eyes. We were going strong 1 month in then he started getting distant. Now I knew what was coming I just figured lets see what the reason is.... After I let him blame it on the Korean worth ethic of men I simply rolled my eyes and we kept talking. Then the talking stopped. I used my handy dandy Esther Unnie at school to help me see what his deal was and this is what I got back...

"Things will never work out for us because you are from America"

"We are culturally too different to understand one another"

This one really stung...

"I cannot marry you because you are a foreigner...."

Needless to say my feelings were hurt and but unfortunately there is truth to his reasoning. Sure it hurt and best believe I was pissed but now I kind of understand why. I am American sure thats obvious but the fact that there are so many foreigners especially women coming in and out of this country it's hard to maintain long lasting relationships. 

Now I'm not saying this means you wont find a good Korean man to take home to your parents, but I'm just saying it's a little more difficult considering our jobs, at a hogwon or a public school only last so long. Home sickness, life, and other opportunities pull you in different directions so you never know where you may end up. 

I have also observed that it seems culturally acceptable to have a "white guy" or foreigner boyfriend here. As I walked through Hongdae today (near Hongik University) They were out in numbers. White guys with Korean girls and I barely saw any Korean men with white girls. Actually I only saw 1 couple. Which to me, the odds seem a bit off. I have also heard from my other foreign friends that they do not like Korean men so that could also be the reason too but who knows. 

In closing, this has just been personal experience and observations and merely just my opinion. If you have any insight I'd love to hear it! I have not given up hope on my dream of one day having Mexican/Korean babies lulz. The dream is alive but I'm just more aware of what my come in the future. 

Much love to everyone 

xoxo

Greene.

Seoul Cycle

Well folks its that time of year here in Korea... The school year is quickly ending and that means one thing.

PEOPLE ARE LEAVING

I have only been here for 4 months but have grown quite fond of the people I work with. Coming into the school year towards the end was rough for me, but with the support of my co-workers I was able to power through some difficult times in and out of work.

People who come to Korea to work never really know how long or short their stay will be or exactly when they will leave.

This will be my first "Seoul Cycle." SEVEN foreign teachers and 4 Korean teachers are parting ways.

I found out today that my gay partner in crime/ co-worker is leaving next Friday and I could feel the tears welling up. He has was the first one to take me out and get me drunk, he introduced me to the gay community of Seoul, and he has taken care of me through my stent with the Seoul crud. Needless to say this man has done so much for me and my heart will be broken when he flies back to Seattle.

He told me,"your a big girl, you'll be fine without me."

I know it will take time to get adjusted with new co-workers and new kids and I know I will be fine...

The sting of fast change will burn but it will soon vanish.

I am blessed that I have met such passionate and inspiring people.  I am forever grateful for everything they have done for me.

Now it is my time to help usher in the fresh batch of American and/or Canadian newbies and lend a helping hand just like the people who have done the same for me.

The cycle never stops nor will it ever change.

We just have to put on our big girl panties and deal with it.

xoxo
sad @ work

i heart the interwebz

Let me just say that the Internet is the best thing in the whole world. 

Last week end I talked to my brother for 2 hours via Viber then got to talk to my bestie in Hong Kong for another hour! It was great seeing her and knowing that she's only an hour behind me makes things a lot easier. Just having visual conversations is really making my transition easier. 

Let me just say that it made for one helluva Sunday. 

The VERY first person I had the pleasure of Skyping was my girl Jennifer. The time difference is a little tricky especially with video calling. It's LATE in Texas and it's not too early and Korea and she's had an eventful night. Just seeing her face and listening to her voice immediately elevated my mood. 

Since I didn't post of Thanksgiving I figured I'd tell you what I'm thankful for. 

WIFI

...

and family and friends of course (duh)

Thanksgiving I got to skype my home girl Kelli! Seeing the doggies and her husband and her made me feel like we were hanging out again. 

uber flattering picture of me courtesy of Snapchat haha 

Then last night Skyping with my dad so that I could navigate him through my messy room so that he could find clothing that I wanted him to send me for Christmas hahha

To me this is what is keeping me grounded and inspired to be overseas. The incredible amount of support and love and people taking time our of their day to talk to me when I'm 15 hours ahead. 

... Or in the future as my friend James would say! haha

Even though social media is the root of all evil it's keeping me in the loop with my friends and family and it's making the 6,000 mile gap feel a little less ... huge ... 

So feel free to Skype me, Viber me, Whatsapp me, or KAKAO TALK me

hehe

Happy belated turkey day!

Love y'all

xoxo

Greene

Hongdae Foodie

So Saturday was pretty busy for me! But that doesn't mean I stayed in! Karla, Sarah and I definitely had a foodie/drinky kinda evening. 

Heading out of station 9 in Hongdae to start our night!

((San Antonio REPPIN'))

Gusto Tacos - Hongdae 

This was pretty delicious!

 Sure it's not exactly Tex-Mex but it still satisfied the tortilla craving. The handmade corn tortillas were delicious! This is carne asada and it was awesome having a good ole Dos XX. 

After this Sarah and I took down another tortilla each haha it was just too good to pass up! 

After that we walked up and down the strip because Sarah wanted to take us to this one place that has amazing pizza and subzero ice cream. 

I took a picture of this building just because it was visually interesting. Im not sure what it is but it's cool looking haha So after getting a little lost we finally found the pizza place!

Coyote Saloon - Hongdae

This is my white russian drink and we tore up some 4 cheese pizza. It was a little on the pricey side but there were 3 of us so we split it evenly so it didn't make it too bad. The restaurant was pretty cute it was up on the 2nd floor and made for some good people watching. 

After this it was time for my first Hongdae club experience.

Not going to lie I was a little nervous because I haven't been out out since I was in college so I figured this was going to be an experience haha 

We went to Papa Gorilla's near Cocoon and it was pretty fun. It's funny to see the girls dancing here because they dance with their hands its pretty cute.

The night was a lot of fun it was good to get out and blow off some steam from the week! 

Hope everyone had a great week end and I hope you enjoy your Sunday!

xoxo

Greene

VIPS field trip! ((aw ya))

FIELD TRIP DAY!!!

So today we got to go to VIPS which is like an upscale buffet style Luby's. The food is international and pretty delicious! The view is what made it an experience!

Sitting high above Sincheon! 

The kids got to go to VIPS to bake cookies and learn about manners in a restaurant setting. Also etiquette like how to use cutlery and what not! 

How cute!! ^^~ So as they were watching the power point all the teachers got to enjoy the buffet... let me just say this was the first time I'd stuffed myself in Korea. I was thinking (( it's free && i haven't eaten breakfast... )) haha One thing that my co-worker had was a vinegar flavored drink! Crazy right?? But it was actually really delicious and good for you! 

One thing I have become a huge fan of is grapefruit aid. Since Korean's are very much into being healthy and weight lose grapefruit aid is supposed to help. I'm not sure about all that but it is pretty delicious. 

After we chowed down it was time for the kids to start shaping their cookies!

Too cute!! They all did such a great job!! Then it was time for them to eat! After we were all stuffed and tummies full they worked on coloring masks. Which turned into them getting up talking, and hanging out with the teachers. They taught me how to write my full name in Korean! We took some selfies with the kiddos and it was time to say goodbye!

This was a great field trip!!! The kids had a great time and so did the teachers! I'm grateful to have such awesome kids. 

Time for bed here in Korea!!

Have a great Hump Day USA! 

xoxo

Greene

Comfortably homesick

I cant help but feel ... sentimental today

School today was great the kids saw their first snow flurry of the season and the cold wind hitting my face when I walked home made me happy to be going home. 

I got home and saw a card in my mail box!! HAZZZA first letter since I've been in Seoul! It was a belated birthday card from my amazing father ! I ran upstairs to up it and once I finally caught my breath I opened it and tears flooded my eyes and my heart sank into my feet. 

If your a friend of mine or just know who I am, I am extremely family oriented. Sure my family has it's fair share of weirdness but what family doesn't ? Since I was a little girl I've always been a daddy's girl. Even more so when my mother pasted away. My father has done nothing but encourage me to live out my dreams no matter how foolish they sound. 

No one ever thought that I would have the balls to pick up and move 6,000+ miles away from my close knit family, my animals, and my father.

I haven't been too home since in my 2 weeks here. I've been extremely busy learning the ropes at work, organizing my apartment, and trying to be social and explore. Lately my heart has felt heavy because I really miss my family. But then I think of all of the love and support they have poured onto me it gives me the strength to be proud that I am here. I am living my dream. 

My far fetched, it doesn't make sense, you'll never do it in a million years

 ... dream

I'm doing what I love in a country I've never seen trying things I'd never do and

I love it. :) 

Thanks for letting me vent tonight 

I love you all && thank you for all your unconditional love 

xoxo

Greene

Seoul Lantern Festival!

The Seoul Lantern Festival!

Today I made it a point to get off my ass and do something! Thankfully I had plans with my wonderful friend Karla! We always manage to find some cool stuff to do and since she's a veteran around these parts it's nice to have her show me around!

Tonight was actually the last night the lantern festival was going on. I believe it started at the beginning of November and it ended today! It's Korean culture colorfully displayed on the river in the form of lanterns. It was a unique experience. 

We were herded through a line along the river and I got some good laughs on the way. I have never seen so many couples not only matching their clothing but taking "selfies" with the lanterns. Sure I would have found it cute and romantic if I were in their shoes but it made for some good people watching. I want the say the lanterns extended for about a mile maybe a little less. Each was uniquely different and stunningly beautiful. 

This one is my favorite. It was tucked away in a tunnel and the lanterns remind me of candy. So colorful and each very unique. 

It was good to get out and see the lights and take in some quality people watching on a Sunday evening. 

Time to get back to grading some papers! Tomorrow is Monday after all!

xoxo

Greene