May 3rd, 2015
I only have two more of these to write. Oh no.
We last left off on my birthday, which one of my Korean
friends described as my first and last birthday in Korea. I am hoping the
latter part of that statement isn't true, but either way my first birthday in
Korea was quite nice. I spent the day making Mac&Cheese and deviled eggs at
a friend's house and then went to a classical music performance at night. I
have a collection of pictures of the thoughtful gifts I received here: http://bspatobusan.tumblr.com/post/118611601441/april-12th-2015
When asked how old I am in Korea I say that I'm 20,
according to Korean years. I've become used to the thought that I am 20 years
old so when I go back to the US and become 19 again it will be like traveling
back in time for me. Since everyone in the US never experienced the “20 year
old in Korea” version of Hope, it will be like it never happened. Like a little
pocket of time I keep to myself. Scary thoughts.
The week after my birthday April 14th-16th,
I went to Japan with the Rotary crew. It's strange to think that Japan was
actually my first choice while applying for the Rotary program. I am very
grateful to have had the opportunity to visit the country I've fantasized about
for quite a bit of my life. I've always felt a little uneasy knowing that I
didn't choose Korea first, so after going to Japan it provided a bit of closure
when I confirmed that my loyalties lie with Korea. I enjoyed learning new
things about Japan, but am ultimately happy with living in Korea. During our
time in Japan we experienced flashbacks to the beginning of our exchange in
Korea because we couldn't read or speak the language. Our eyes were opened to
how far we've actually come on our journey. Every exchange student said “being
in Japan makes me want to speak Korean more” at least once during our trip.
There are pictures of this event here: http://bspatobusan.tumblr.com/post/118862677901/april-14-16-2015-i-visited-japan-on-a-rotary-trip
Judgment day came and went on Sunday, the 26th
of April. The crew of test takers plus some arrived in Seoul the Saturday
before with small trouble and even had time to find their seats in advance at
the university. The day of the test Sophie, Daniel, and I woke up early enough
to eat breakfast at Starbucks and make it to the testing site with lots of time
to spare. During the test I tried very hard not to be distracted by how hard it
was. I studied all that time beforehand and it was still very difficult. But
I'll be alright. I'm glad to have taken the test with people who comforted me
before, during, and after the whole ordeal. In the end it was a good challenge
and regardless of the result I have proven to myself that I am competent in the
Korean language in my own way.
The very hour after finishing the test the one thing I
wanted to do was return to the guest house and vegetate. Maybe watch a movie
and eat snacks. But then arose an important opportunity to meet the other
Rotary exchange students from different districts in Korea. They had been
summoned by a friend tagging along with the test taking crew and met up during
the day of TOPIK. Despite being worn out
by the test, I went to meet with them for a short period of time. Unfortunately
I proved to be much too tired to endure rowdy young adults and the inherent
slowness of large groups making decisions. I went back to the guest house with
Sophie and we ate snacks and watched Pacific Rim. Later that night the owner of
the guest house offered to buy us chicken and pizza. We enthusiastically
accepted it and ended up meeting and having interesting conversations with
people from Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong!
Although I had the urge to go back to Busan as soon as I
finished the test, Seoul treated us nicely for the rest of our stay. Between
the test and Wednesday the 29th, I went on a bike ride along the Han
river, ate Taco Bell for the first time in a long time, went to a very cool
graffiti covered playground, visited some university campuses, and went to a
famous pop star's older sister's cafe where Sophie saw the pop star himself!
It's May now and there's been much time since then and
little time left for me. I've been coping with the fact of leaving while
enjoying my remaining life here in Korea. Recently school is more carefree and
on weekends I get to see my host family a lot. Some friends and I went hiking
and also went to a video game room. I got my hair cut and I visited the Blue
House in Seoul for a day. All the new people I met in the beginning are now
familiar and my exciting adventures are beginning to conclude themselves. There
are many unforgettable things I have done and there are many exciting things I
will do and everything is good.
I suppose now I only have one more of these to write.
