Friday, February 25, 2011

Orientation

Hi followers,

So alot has happend from the last time I had written a post. Finding the university was a task. While carrying my luggage during the busiest time in Seoul is a task all in itself, the process of actually finding my residence when I arrived at the front gates of the university was of equal difficulty. Yonsei University, a private school of ~30,000 students leaves a student like myself, new and interested, in complete ecstacy for wondering around obliviously. As I walked through the gates that looked out to the Sinchon area, I found a map. I looked a the map, found a super easy way to get to my dorm. Instead I decided to take a route I was unsure of that would guide me through more of what I wanted to see within the campus. Needless to say, it was a bad decision. Yonsei is built on a slant. I walked through the main street of campus, did a few turns, climbed a few hills, and finally found myself to be lost. So instead of continuing I turened around, and headed back for the easier route. It took me approxiamtely 1 hr to find my residence. It should have only taken me 15 min. at most.
Yonsei at front gates 

First buildings developed back in 1885

My first night was not anything too interesting, just the same old awkward conversations with people you have no idea about that are in the exact situation as yourself. Tuesday was the start of orientaion. After learning about everything I needed to know before coming here, I had gone out for lunch with a few new friends. I had some nice times with the group, ate some Kimbop (Korean style sushi) and headed back for round two of the non-informative, informative orientation. Next up was the orientaion to mentors club. Mentors club is a student organization within the campus which focuses on creating bonds between Yonsei students and foreign exchange students (pretty much a eating/drinking club) After the orientaion, we went out with our cells (little groups) for some nice cultural food and then to a party. It was a fun night. Getting a chance to unwind from a busy day and meet students in a less formal environment is where friendships begin.

The next morning was a little difficult for me. Waking up with a little headache is never a good thing in the morning. Anyways, I continued on. Next up was the into to Hanguel (the Korean native language) which I had missed do to my misunderstanding of when the class started :(.
I had a Seoul City Tour scheduled at 2pm. This I did go too!!
Though it was fast-paced, I had a chance to learn much about Korea ranging from governemental powers in Korea to how valentines day is celebrated. It was an interesting experience no doubt. 
Palace built during the Joseon Dynasty (1330-1910), a Korean sovereign state which lasted 5 centuries

Me infront of the Blue House (a residence built for the South korean President -- Lee Myung-bak)

Me making Kimchi (a traditional Korean side dish served with every meal)

Dressing up in Korean traditional clothes

Proper table settings

National Assembly of South Korea

Traditional Hanok Village during the Joseon Dynasty

Cheonggyecheon; a large river which runs across Seoul dividing the city into two, the north side and south side

Me downtown
After such a long day, me and somothers decided to head out for some dinner and then call it a night.

Wednesday consisted of two classes. One being a traditional Korean instrument class an the other being a traditional Korean cuisine class. Both classes were absolutely amazing (especially the cuisine class). 


Today, me and some friends decided to go and get our ALIEN registration cards. Since I had gone in last week, I was ready to pick mine up. They had to register for theirs. On out way back, we did a little side touring.
Jam packed escalator ride from the subway station

EWHA Women's University


Next up was a cheering orientation with AKARAKA. Yonsei University's cheering squad.
They taught us all the cheers. It was pretty fun. Then a group of us went out for some dinz.

Dinner with some friends. The place was called Chicken and Beer, very straight to the point

 Well that is about it for now. I dont really know what the itinerary is for tomorrow is but whatever, im sure it will be amazing! Deffs gym in the morning though. I need to be workin on ma fitness

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