Goodbye Jochiwon.

My first month here has been an amazing experience already and I have barely explored Korea. I can't believe how many new friends I've made. Today I had to say goodbye to all of them and I must say, it was way harder than telling my family and friends, "I'll see you in 6 months." Anyway, I don't want to get too sentimental here, so I'll just talk about what I've been doing this February.

Lectures. 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. It's been rough, but the mutual hatred created a strong bond with everyone.
Exploring Jochiwon. We had Sunday's off, so one Sunday we decided to wander around the downtown area. We found this little guy. If that chain wasn't so strong I would have taken him.

We also wandered into a market. Yea...there was a pretty good amount of seafood.

They have these karaoke rooms called 노래방 (norebang).  They're a ton of fun especially when you sing with professionals like these guys here. Jane, Faye, Sam, and Lena (from left to right). I will miss them :( 

I have a funny story. One night, about six of us went out. Keep in mind that our curfew is 11pm.  So it's about 10:40 and we are all heading back, not knowing if we're going to make it.  So we get a taxi. A taxi only fits four people. I volunteer to run back, because I'm just a really nice guy.  When the cab drove away, I looked around and realized I was the only one who stayed behind, which doesn't make sense because there were 6 people, and the cab only fits 4... Either I'm not as good at math as I thought, or some quantum stuff was happening. Anyway, I just starting jogging around Jochiwon.  When I realized I was running alongside of a highway, I realized I was running the wrong way. So I turned around. It is now 10:50 and there is no way I could make it back in time even if I knew where I was going.
So I see some business men getting off work. I ask them where Korea University Sejong is in Korean. They have no idea, which is weird because they're within 5 minutes from it. They're boss comes out. He tells me to get in the car. I ponder for a second, and then get in.

This is the man who saved me. He drove me straight there like it was his duty. He asked me why I took his picture and I told him people might not believe me and he just laughed. I reiterate...Koreans are very friendly people. I made it back at 11:01 and argued for a little bit that my clock said 11:00 and they let me off the hook. Phew.

I love Korean food. Make sure there is one close by before I return to the states.

A very sad day though. I made a lot of good friends these past two weeks and a ton of good memories. I'm sure we'll be getting together again somehow in these next 6 months.

Goodbye Jochiwon!