Hi, I'm Katrina. I'm a 23-year-old December '09 graduate of the University of Texas with degrees in Art History and English. This blog will keep track of my time teaching English in a private ("public private") elementary school in Namyangju, South Korea, a suburb of Seoul.
“listen: there’s a hell
of a good universe next door; let’s go." - e.e. cummings
Thanks for reading.
Feel free to email me at kmartin87@gmail.com
Handing items like bank cards, drinks, scissors, anything to people using both hands and a small bow.
Bowing to people I know in cars. Bowing in general.
Sucking my teeth at every small annoyance or frustration.
Using “Assa!” “Aishh!” “Chinchaaa” and any other random Korean words/phrases I’ve adopted into my vocabulary.
Leaving my bags unattended in public spaces while I stand in line, go to the bathroom, etc. without a thought about it. Yesterday I left my bag containing my wallet, passport, and other valuables outside on a table for about ten minutes before realizing I can’t do that starting tomorrow.
Going into full-on Korean mode and thinking nothing of using my heft to push people around in subways or buses lest they step on me first. I have adopted the ajumma habit of shove or be shoved.
Reading anywhere I please. I so enjoy being blissfully unaware of what people are saying around me. I can read peacefully in any public place because even if there is a loud conversation nearby, I can’t understand it!
Relying on public transit to get me anywhere I need to go. I have traveled all over Korea. I’ve been to rural areas and explored Seoul up and down only using public transit. Having a car will be a necessity in the US for me and I am not really looking forward to it. While public transportation can take longer, not having to worry about traffic or directions makes life so easy.
