Springtime and the Future with Korea
Today was a mix of good and worry. I did some uninteresting errands in the morning, which ended with me stumbling into CORC unconsciously remembering I had an appointment. I suppose this is what remains of my cognitive abilities post-Division III. Most of the day was spent down by the reservoir with the Mod 11 girls. We were all startled to discover it was 5:45 and we had spent almost four hours there. It was lovely we talked, ate watermelon, and some of us made several failed attempts at swimming in the frigid water.
Afterwards, I headed off to 65 and spent some time . I'm getting much better at my candid portraiture, but its hard to pick whether I would rather socialize with people or be all sneaky and get better photos by walking in the periphery of the group. I think in the end I'm more of a social person then a wallfly that photography may demand. Still, I managed to sneak some good pictures and even socialize a little.
antipeople's academic problems seem to be resolving themselves, although at the expense of both sanity and future plans. Initially, we had planned to go to Korea around the same time so we wouldn't be completely alone in a foreign country. Increasingly, it is looking like antipeople will need to take an extension on her Division III project. This would mean I would be going to Korea alone.
The benefits of this new situation is that I have begun to look at other places I could teach in Korea since previously going to Seoul had been a given. I find myself very attracted to Busan, the southernmost port city as I have a fond love for the ocean and am always happier when I'm near the ocean (something that concerned me about landlocked Seoul). Busan has a much smaller foreign population and is not nearly as cosmopolitan as Seoul. Everything that happens in Korea happens in Seoul, which would be perfect if not for the terrible pollution courtesy of Beijing and the cities location. As I look around, I am astounded by the incredible and unique beauty of Korea - there are so many pictures to be taken and adventures to have. But everywhere seems to have no lack of plusses and minuses - and pretty much everywhere is looking for teachers.
Still, there are many doubts and second thoughts circulating in the back of my mind in light of recent events. Not going to Korea presents more problems then still going. My major concern is about being isolated in another country. I feel equally excited and apprehensive for the challenges, joys, and learning that comes from living in a very foreign and sometimes hostile land. But as a very social person, I find the idea of being really socially isolated (as can easily happen in another country) terrifying. Given the way the Koreans tend to socialize being remarkably similar to binge drinking, I am concerned that my only opportunities to socialize will involve becoming very friendly with alcohol. I also need to get back on the hobby-horse of romance and I worry Korea may force me to put any thoughts of that on hold; causing me to be nervous about carrying my lack inexperience and perhaps even immaturity even further into life. Many people in my generation have learned the same things that I am going to be struggling with at a much younger age. I don't want to be playing out the kind of relationships (and mistakes) that many people of my generation went through at a younger age when I am older. Finally, not going to Korea would cause some issues to my rather ambitious and highly secretive 10 Year Plan.
My risk-taking plan did not go as expected due to circumstances beyond my control. But my resolve to really challenge certain things that scare me before the end of the year is not broken, even if the opportunity for this particular challenge may be long past. I am going to bed early so I can be awake bright and early to get the 7:20am bus to Smith College to see the Dalai Lama speak. Brilliant!
Afterwards, I headed off to 65 and spent some time . I'm getting much better at my candid portraiture, but its hard to pick whether I would rather socialize with people or be all sneaky and get better photos by walking in the periphery of the group. I think in the end I'm more of a social person then a wallfly that photography may demand. Still, I managed to sneak some good pictures and even socialize a little.
antipeople's academic problems seem to be resolving themselves, although at the expense of both sanity and future plans. Initially, we had planned to go to Korea around the same time so we wouldn't be completely alone in a foreign country. Increasingly, it is looking like antipeople will need to take an extension on her Division III project. This would mean I would be going to Korea alone.
The benefits of this new situation is that I have begun to look at other places I could teach in Korea since previously going to Seoul had been a given. I find myself very attracted to Busan, the southernmost port city as I have a fond love for the ocean and am always happier when I'm near the ocean (something that concerned me about landlocked Seoul). Busan has a much smaller foreign population and is not nearly as cosmopolitan as Seoul. Everything that happens in Korea happens in Seoul, which would be perfect if not for the terrible pollution courtesy of Beijing and the cities location. As I look around, I am astounded by the incredible and unique beauty of Korea - there are so many pictures to be taken and adventures to have. But everywhere seems to have no lack of plusses and minuses - and pretty much everywhere is looking for teachers.
Still, there are many doubts and second thoughts circulating in the back of my mind in light of recent events. Not going to Korea presents more problems then still going. My major concern is about being isolated in another country. I feel equally excited and apprehensive for the challenges, joys, and learning that comes from living in a very foreign and sometimes hostile land. But as a very social person, I find the idea of being really socially isolated (as can easily happen in another country) terrifying. Given the way the Koreans tend to socialize being remarkably similar to binge drinking, I am concerned that my only opportunities to socialize will involve becoming very friendly with alcohol. I also need to get back on the hobby-horse of romance and I worry Korea may force me to put any thoughts of that on hold; causing me to be nervous about carrying my lack inexperience and perhaps even immaturity even further into life. Many people in my generation have learned the same things that I am going to be struggling with at a much younger age. I don't want to be playing out the kind of relationships (and mistakes) that many people of my generation went through at a younger age when I am older. Finally, not going to Korea would cause some issues to my rather ambitious and highly secretive 10 Year Plan.
My risk-taking plan did not go as expected due to circumstances beyond my control. But my resolve to really challenge certain things that scare me before the end of the year is not broken, even if the opportunity for this particular challenge may be long past. I am going to bed early so I can be awake bright and early to get the 7:20am bus to Smith College to see the Dalai Lama speak. Brilliant!