So had my first experience with the police yesterday lol. It wasn’t my fault though. Around 11 yesterday night I was playing games on my phone when I hear someone try to use my key pad on my door. Then it turns to loud knocking and door jiggling. I go to the door and ask 누구세요? Which means who is it in Korean. I don’t have a keyhole and I wasn’t about to open my door randomly at midnight. Turns out it was some very drunk Korean guy who probably lost his way and thought his apt. was mine by mistake. BUT he wouldn’t go away and my attempts to get him away using broken Korean failed. He was getting more angry saying all kinds of Korean profanities and shaking the hell out of my door. Dilemma. This went on for like 20 minutes and no one came out about the noise or anything. I was literally yelling for him to leave while he was yelling let me in. We were pretty much at a stalemate. So I called my coteacher and she called the police for me since it would be near impossible to do it myself (I need to learn more korean). But by the time they came the guy was gone. Literally 5 minutes before they arrived. I’m pretty sure he lives above me bc I heard someone go upstairs and it got quiet. So the police went on their way and I went to sleep with my frying pan next to my bed. Korea is a big drinking culture and there are a few cases where men (usually drunk) will follow waygooks home and try to get into their apartment. Or in my case harass you outside your door late at night. Korea is definitely safer than Chicago but that doesn’t mean it is by definition “safe.” So fellow waygooks in Korea or people interested in coming here. Just bc Korea is “safer” than back home it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.

Now that I had this happen I got some important numbers in case anyone will ever need them. And apparently they will forward you to a translator when you call (didn’t know that last night lol):

Police:112
Emergency medical aid or fire department:119
Here’s a site with a full list of emergency contacts: http://southkorea.angloinfo.com/inside/emergency-numbers/

Anyways, that was my Thursday. It was a strange and anxiety inducing experience but I’m ok. Thankfully I have the day off so I’m gonna head to Daegu to run some errands and find me a Mrs. Fields and Auntie Annies to put a good start to my weekend.

So usually in Korean elementary schools, lunch is provided to students for free.  Teachers are also provided lunch and a portion of their paycheck is taken out to pay for it.  It’s around 60,000 won sometimes more.  But, for the past 7 months I’ve basically been playing Russian roulette with the school lunches.  I’m allergic to seafood of all kinds, and well Asians like their seafood lol.  So sadly on days where seafood is the main dish I’m left with the rice, sides, and if I’m lucky, the soup.  The food portion in Korea is already pretty small in comparison to American sizes.  So needless to say, I’m always hungry lol. About 2 weeks ago, I had the last straw.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Korean food.  And usually I am pretty happy with lunch.  BUT that one day I just couldn’t take it anymore.  Our school in particular is trying to incorporate healthier foods into the lunch AKA more seafood.  The fateful day I decided to stop eating school lunch was probably one of the worst days at school for me.  I was already starving bc I forgot to eat dinner the night before (I blame it on the super long nap).  So I get to the lunch room and literally the whole menu was seafood of some kind.  I was left with just rice and these random fried veggies that had no flavor at all.  So I went back to my classroom, sat for 5 minutes, then went to find my co-teacher.  I told her I couldn’t eat the school lunches anymore for the reason previously mentioned and she gave me the OK.  And it’s been smooth sailing ever since.  Before I hated having to wait for my co-teacher to get to lunch bc I was starving, then I’d also have to wait for him to finish eating since I tend to eat fast.  But now, I get the freedom to bring whatever I want for lunch.    I also eat in the English room, (bc it’s kinda rude to bring it into the lunch room), but I can eat as soon as lunch time starts.  The biggest problem is remembering to make the lunch for the next day haha.  Idk why this post is of relevance lol but some teachers on other waygook sites have been wondering if they can decline school lunches.  From my experience you can, but with a valid reason.  I feel that if you don’t want to eat the school lunch just bc you don’t feel like it, it would look pretty bad on your part.  But I guess I wanted to write this post for any peeps with allergies or vegetarians that really don’t wanna risk having the school lunch.  Also, wasting food is bad so you might as well bring your own lunch.  Speaking of, lunch is soon haha Happy Thursday! ^^

dancepunksnotdead:

You know, the one that gives housewives/full-time mothers a pension— wages for housework?

It’s ONLY A HUGE VICTORY FOR FEMINISM, SOCIALISM, AND WOMEN OF COLOR. Not a big deal or anything. Tumblr is mysteriously silent about this.

http://rabble.ca/columnists/2013/05/venezuelas-new-labour-law-best-mothers-day-gift