Getting Settled

Hello! My last two days in Seoul have been spent getting to know the area, stocking up on essentials for my room, and becoming familiar with my school. We had our orientation yesterday and I got all signed up for my classes, which are as follows:

• Modern Korean history
• Intro. To Korean language (these two classes are for international students only) 
•  International Organizations and Development
•  Understanding global media
•  Fair trade and social enterprises 

These courses are subject to change within the next week, but I believe they're set in stone for the most part and I'm very happy with them. During orientation, I met some fellow American friends and had a lovely conversation with two ladies from France.

I still do not have any roommates, and I am starting to think I might have this room to myself. The facilities are top-notch and very energy efficient. I frequently visit the gym/lounge/garden on the 29th floor of our building (see views below) and have been taking walks around the city to familiarize myself. Its a beautiful place.

Classes begin tomorrow! More updates coming at you soon.

Watched the sunset from the lounge of my building. Breathtaking. Personal note: watch the sun set more often.

I took this photo from Namsan park, one of my walking destinations. I live in the middle-back building in the cluster of towers. 

Used my first squatter the other day, folks. It was quite the experience. 

Arrival

 Hello! I arrived in Seoul safely yesterday with no issues whatsoever. The flight was long but comfortable and I slept for a couple hours. My "buddy" from the University I'm attending (her name is Soo)  picked me up from the airport, purchased my bus ticket, and we headed to my residence. I have a beautiful room in a very tall building with a great view out my window (see below). My roommates have not arrived yet, so I had the room all to myself.
 We dropped off my luggage and walked  to the "market" right down the street. It's basically a giant, modern shopping mall with a train station on the ground floor, known as central "Seoul Station." Soo pointed out some stores I could go to in the future and we sat down for my first Korean meal (though I wasn't too terribly hungry, the plane fed us over and over). We both ordered bibimbap and it was really good~~ the only thing I wasn't prepared for was the spice. *cue red face, tears, and snot*. But I imagine this is something I will get used to and my stomach is handling it very well. Soo payed for my meal, which was a kind gesture.
 Today Im going to try to buy some more essentials for my room from the markets, check out my buildings gym, and see how long it takes me to walk to my university. Hopefully will be meeting the roommates soon. Thanks for your support!

This is the building that I live in. 

Here's the view from my bed. 

Bibimbap!

My buddy, Soo, and her meal. 

The Rundown

Hey friends and fam! Thank you for your endless support as I gear up to travel to Seoul. In turn, I will do my best to keep you updated on my adventures/studies/encounters/humiliating experiences/etc. through anecdotes and photos. For now, here's a rundown of what I know:

• My flight departs this Saturday (8/27) morning--18 hours worth of travel
• I am studying at Sookmyung Women's University in the heart of Seoul
• I am living in an international residence close to campus
• Classes start next Thursday (8/1)

All other details are TBD, including my roommates, classes, and diet (haha!). But I trust that everything is going to work out exactly how it's supposed to. Even the most miserable of experiences turn out to make a great story and laugh. ;)

Stay tuned, folks. Much love.