Any given weekend:

My life changed, too fast...

Any given weekend, I am stuck in a library, behind a (required) book, or with my eyes glued to a laptop. Not that I'm complaining, because I know I chose this new lifestyle (and truly appreciate the opportunity I have to continue my studies). However, any given weekend, this is what I rather be doing:

New Year 2014

Time for the annual New Years Eve reflection:

2013. WOW! It definitely exceeded all expectations

When I left the United States in 2012, my parents dropped me off at the airport, and I remember just breaking down and crying in front of them. "What the heck am I doing?" "Why am I leaving?" "When am I coming back"?  .... fast-forward to August, 2013 when I had to leave Korea and it was the exact dramatic scenario, except with my closest friends dropping me off at the airport. I still cannot believe how fast time flew by, how incredible my experience was, nor that I would be missing it so much! I am sure my friends/family were so tired of my stories always beginning with "In Korea..." It was like word-vomit ;) I will always cherish 2013 and it will hold a VERY special place in my heart ❤ 

All melancholic feelings aside, it was a move I had to make. Although it was (extremely) tough, I am beyond satisfied with this point and stage where I am in life. Allow me to share one of the best advice I have ever received: (one which I have learned it applies to all aspects of your life)

 "Don't give up what you want most, for what you want right now."

It was, and continues to be, the most applicable quote to live by. It really motivated me to look beyond what I could be doing now instead of studying and writing papers, and helped me realize that what I want most in life will only be accomplished through this sacrifice. Not only looking at the future long-term plans, but also acknowledging how lucky I have been this year to find employment, fellowships, and extra-curricular activities in just my first semester! All that to say: It was meant for me to be here. It feels right and I have a good feeling about this. Not many get this opportunity to attend graduate school..... and although I much rather be traveling the world any given mid-term/finals week, I am not taking this chance for granted.

2013:

I am thankful for absolutely everything and everyone during my time in Korea. I am thankful for being accepted, and finishing my first semester in such a prestigious and excellent institution. I am glad I found such a perfectly fitting program, that combines my passions and academic interests; I am ready to give it my all. I am beyond thankful I got the chance to see my family in Asia, in the USA and in Venezuela. (I pray and hope that this is something I could continue to be thankful for every year.) I learned many things this year, most importantly I experienced personal growth and took the first step towards a path where I want my life to go.... to be honest, I am still not quite sure how I'll get there, but I am glad I finally found where I am going.

2014:

I look forward to another successful year in school. During those days when I hate life due to the overwhelming amount of work I have to finish, I'll make sure to look back on this post and SMILE, agree, be thankful, and go get ice cream (haha). I also truly hope I get the chance to fulfill my desired Summer Wanderlust plans! (Although, I've learned that "What is meant to come will come, and what's not will not) Overall: hoping for a healthy, happy, family filled, adventurous, romantic, educational and FUN 2014! 

The Alchemist - Post-reading reflection

"When you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it"

 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

To continue the tradition, here is my personal take & lessons learned from the latest book read:

I found positive and negative reviews on the story itself, the author, the writing style, and the message. I took it as a simple inspirational fable, like those my grandparents told me as a child. I found multiple messages applicable to my current dilemmas, yet this is one of those books that you can relate to during any chapter of your life. Besides the message, I could relate so well to the main Sheppard (Sebastian) and his Journey. Being abroad, and in the midst of entering the next chapter of my life, it is inevitable to be scared of the outcomes of your decisions. What if I fail? - I could very well relate to the fear of taking the leap of faith to the next step forward. I especially liked the craziness of looking back & realizing the omens presented during the path, as well as the beauty of following your heart. Lastly, the way he talked about Fatima and his words about Love. Just simply perfect! Here are the main lessons the book taught me:

Importance of a positive and optimistic outlook on life.

Learning to enjoy the journey.

Not allowing the the fear of failure prohibit you from conquering your dreams..   

The importance of having a dream. 

My (hilarious) students.

Everyday there is a funny story to tell. There are few specific ones that I want to share:

1)My students bully me
Everyday I get called fat, at least once, every class. I don't really take offense to it (I can't help my hispanic curves & the Korean slim waste difference!) BUT I do highly enjoy their creative ways of reminding me each day that I am indeed, fatter.
Elephant-  One class insist on telling me that I am as fat as an elephant, and even when I ask them to be quiet, those little bullies make an elephant trumpet gesture with their arms to each other behind my back!

2) My Name 
Oriana.
Translations
Ori= Duck
Hana= One
Pi=blood
Gogi= Meat

How many more nicknames can they come up with! OriHana. OriGogi, OriPina ..... etc .....

3)Typical class conversations 

Jun:  "Teacher, if all Venezuelan people are so beautiful, why are youu...... "
Me: "Excuse me, why am I what?"
Jun:  "So u-g-l-y and fat? Oh maybe because you lived in America"
Everyone in the class laughs. I STARE AT HIM WITH EVIL LOOK

Me: "Jenny, why don't you like Japanese people?"
Jenny: "Because I hate history class. If Japanese people is no, then my history book is half"

Me: "Students, do you know what CIA stands for?"
Students: " Cuba International Airport?"


I wish I would have started a comprehensive list of all of the hilarious moments that spontaneously happen within the classroom sooner. There is never a dull day with these hilarious kids. Although, I do not plan on being a teacher after this experience, I have enjoyed this job and the students a great deal. I tried my best to be the "fun and cool" teacher, especially since this country has one of the most intense education culture/systems I have ever witnessed. I think I can write a whole post about the rigorous academics the children undergo since a young age. But anyways, I  commend all of the teachers who have made this field their life long careers, I now know it takes infinite amount of patience and enthusiasm to be a (good) teacher everyday.
I will truly miss them my crazy, fun students!

A story of a dinner, in pictures

Our dinner in the Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장)

 Busan 부산 Korea

Thousand Splendid Suns

Afghanistan
I want to make it an ongoing trend to analyze and express my insights post-reading a touching book. Oftentimes we feel inspired by a great read, or story, but inevitably let those feelings pass and lose the flame. Perhaps writing down my thoughts and lessons gathered from each book, will serve as a continuous reminder. As well as maybe influence others to read & be inspired as well.

Today's book is: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.  

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs. 

Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls”

A simple summary: It is the story about two women, whose lives intertwine amid the violent years of war, and Taliban rule, in Afghanistan. The author cleverly relates the suffering of Laila and Mariam, to the massive injustices faced by all females in this country. Besides highlighting women's oppression,  the book additionally includes a heart warming love story, embeds Afghanistan's history and politics well into the character's daily lives, and perhaps just in my optimistic reading eyes, it also showed the importance of looking at the beauty of life in the hopes of a light at the end of the tunnel.

it's not my intention to give any of the book's important plot away, but my lessons learned are based off the book, so I recommend to GO read it! -Spoiler alert-

Being a (n educated) woman. 

The thought of being a simple possession, an instrument for creating male babies, shattered me as I read this book. Throughout my studies, I focused many of my courses on human rights, and despite my awareness and knowledge on this subject, it still deeply affects me reading about these violations.
What did I do to become so lucky? How do I deserve this? Not only to be born a female, live in a country that respects females, but with a family that believes in my  future successes.  I know there are customs and traditions that differ, for example: although I feel free and beautiful to publicly show my hair, I understand other woman may choose not to do so, and feel equally happy. Yet, what baffles me are those "customs and traditions" that belittle and undermine a woman. The book portrays many of these impotent aspects such as : wearing of the Burqa, prohibiting female education, punishment of public wandering without male representation, etc. I know many of these circumstances have changed, and continue to be challenged around the world ... but ..
If there is one fact I am constantly aware of, and never take for granted, is the realization that what I have been given many others with my nationality, gender, and social status, may only dream of. I feel empowered and determined to not let this chance of luck I received go to waste. With that, I hope other women understand the importance of lifting each other up, and strive for the day when these injustices will be in the past.

Overcoming obstacles by Love. 

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in a story that I forget it is fiction, but I sobbed and cried reading this girl's struggles. Not only Mariam's but Laila's as well. In fact, I related to Laila in so many ways. Then, when everything was taken away from her, including her supportive parents, I couldn't imagine how she managed to live her new obstructed life. I then came to the conclusion that it was through love.  She loved her daughter & that kept her fighting. Later, when Tariq comes back into her life, her unburied love for him, gave her the strength to escape the nightmare she lived in. 

Love.
Very philosophically speaking, the lesson I gathered is that perhaps the best way to overcome any obstacle in life is to focus your energy on the "thing" you love the most. OR, put incredible amount of love into a goal or dream you want to achieve. For some this happiness may be another person, for me I think is achieving my goals, for others it may be an art, or success. Whatever it may be. In the book, Laila had absolutely every odd against her, but still she tried to escape, to "fake it until she made it", to give her children a happy life. On the other hand, Mariam, who didn't have such a happy ending, still managed to see the beauty in the sun. She overcame her obstacles of guilt by learning to love herself.

Okay, whehh, I could go on forever! If anyone is interested in continuing this conversation, or have any other "main lessons learned" I would love to hear them! Feel free to comment :)

Needless to say, I absolutely loved this book! Recommend it 100% 

My students

This past weekend we had a great Festival at our school. Students could exchange their homework stamps for fake dollars & purchase food (that we, the teachers, made!) as well as stationary products. We also got to play fun games and meet some of the student's parents. Even though I enjoy Middle school classes more, I can't get enough of the cutie pie elementary school students :)

I love these kids so much, they make the job much more enjoyable. Even though I do not plan on continuing teaching as my life career, I am grateful to have this opportunity to be part of their lives for a short time. Hopefully I have had some sort of positive influence on them. Anyways, here are pictures of some of my favorite students! ^^

 

찜닭 "Jjimdak" -YOEIKO

This past weekend, my lovely friend and I had the ultimate Saturday!  Went shopping around Myeongdong and ate a delicious, mouth watering dinner that I had not tried before. Jjimdak. Its traditional of the city of Andong, and if I get the chance to visit, I will definitely come back 10lbs heavier!
But..... YOLO, right? or in my case:
YOEIKO
"You only eat in Korea Once"
♥

Language exchange

Last weekend I attended a Language Exchange Club in Gangnam... I met incredibly cool people, all with the funnest stories to share.

I did learn a few new Korean phrases, and even presented *in Korean, in front of the group!! (I strongly debated posting the video of my presentation on here, but to spare me from ridicule and embarrassment, I decided against it.) Anyways, after the lessons, we all went for lunch. It was a lovely Sunday. Just my favorite kind of days.

Overall, I have learned the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and risking going places where you know absolutely no one. This is how I've met all of my friends in Korea thus far, and this has made my experience way more memorable ~

 Someone once told me, and now I couldn't agree more:
 "A stranger is simply a friend you haven't met yet"

Eat. Pray. Love.

“People tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you’re fortunate enough. But that’s not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it.
- Elizabeth Gilbert. Eat Pray Love

It took me a longer time than usual to finish this book. I paused for about 3 weeks during the "pray" section. When I started it again, I finished it in less than a week. 

What a perfectly fitting book to read at this point in my life. I was quite amazed at the similarities in my personal life, as well as the help and calmness it shone upon me. The stories and ways the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, reflects upon her new outlook on life, has without a doubt influenced the perspective I now have towards this adventure and on my life in general. 

For anyone who has seen the movie, which I believe is arguably the case to all books turned movies, I recommend the book 100% more. (Well, okay, I haven't actually seen the movie, so this advice is unsound and entirely biased.) But I found it to be one of those books, that even if you cannot relate whatsoever with the troubles the main character is facing, the advice and suggestions she provides are targeted in general to be applied to any situation. 

Few reasons why this was the perfect timing for E.P.L: Not only am I in Asia, a part of the world that up to last July it had never even occurred I would visit, let alone live in. In addition, I went through a non-dramatic, very mellow, beginning levels of an emotional breakdown sometime around last Fall. It was evidently not nearly as chaotic as the book's divorce story. But even so, I felt that I needed to escape. Well, magically, coincidentally, or by pure fate, I ended up across the world, with this book... and it has graciously changed something within me. 

Here are the 3 main lessons, I gathered. (Which I will now eternally live by)  

“There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under my jurisdiction….I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with. I can select what I eat and read and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life, where I will see them as curses or opportunities”

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That's the only thing you should be trying to control.”

“So much about self esteem building is choosing your outlook. How will you speak to yourself. Will you entertain negative thoughts or refute them. (p260)

 "You should never give yourself a chance to fall apart because, when you do, it becomes a tendency and it happens over and over again. You must practice staying strong, instead.” 

1) I have control over the negative aspects in my life. I, and only I, have the power to alter my happiness.

Maybe I can't control the fact that we broke up, that I didn't get the job/scholarship, that we are fighting, that I dislike my boss, that a certain person's actions really affected me, and I could name about 10 more facts that I had (have) no control over. I can't control what happened. BUT, is it necessary for my body, mind, and soul, to be consumed daily by these facts? The answer is written all throughout this book. AND If I can help it, I am determined to delete all aspects of my life that are causing me, or will cause me, to be unhappy. No he or she should have enough power to alter my inner-peace. I am currently in the process of learning to see all of my circumstances (even the unfortunate ones) as an opportunity. I fear being unhappy. To overcome that fear, I'm learning to escape any shadow of unhappiness that crosses my path. 

2) Selecting my thoughts as I would select my fashionable clothes everyday.

I love this one. Oh so much. Even so, that already I have been noticing this change within me. How easy it is to dwell on a negative experience. After reading this book, specifically this lesson about controlling your thoughts, I kept remembering a time when I constantly thought about "what mean thing I should have said in response" to that person. How energy draining and simply ugly! " YOU ARE AFTER ALL, WHAT YOU THINK." ..... I made it a personal goal to stop thinking negatively. Before, I felt that because no one on this planet would ever know my inner thoughts, I was free to think as I pleased. But man, was I wrong. As the book mentions: "Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slaves to your emotions."  Therefore, even though nobody can disturb the privacy of your thoughts, any negative aura within you, will always find its way out of you. By words, actions, or however, you will always be controlled by your thoughts. SO the only thing in life you can and should control, are your thoughts. Peaceful thoughts= Peaceful mind=Peaceful life.

3) Being Strong, Fearless and Unstoppable. 

With this trip, I have grown an immense sense of self-empowerment, independence, and acceptance of myself. I can do this, better than I thought I could. Snaps fingers. Flips hair. In the book, through the author's faults and recollection of herself, she lifts an invisible mirror and allows you to see the beauty within yourself. ~  I feel a bit reserved to fully express myself on this third lesson learned, simply because I am also superstitious and have always believed that if you speak your wishes out loud, they may not come true. But let's just say, that I am more inspired than ever to continue my journey, and follow my dreams without leaning my heart on anyone; simply relying on the power of me. 

I doubt anyone but myself has followed along, but if there are readers up until this point: Open a new tab, & order this book immediately, express shipping ;)

My hood

Sometimes when you become accustomed to people, places, or things, it becomes easy to forget the beauty, and hard to appreciate what is in front of you. In that same context, a precious and valuable perspective about something can easily be worn out. Inevitably and eventually one loses those eager emotions. (To anyone who hasn't read the title of this post, this may sound as if I'm referring to love ..... but not at all, that's another topic altogether)  I am addressing the overly excited phase I went through of being mesmerized with the regular non-touristic neighborhoods around Seoul. In the hopes that the compilation of aforementioned emotions never take over me, I decided to create this post. I love this neighborhood. I love this city. I picture myself living in a city like this for the rest of my life (just maybe closer to family, so I don't know, New York? but that can't be, because I've been there, and there is simply no comparison)

I would be exaggerating if I said my neighborhood is the most exciting place in the world. It is not, and I know plenty of people living in cooler areas of the city. But overall, I feel extreme luck of having been placed here. Everything is so cute, convenient, and homey. The lady down the market is adorable & I don't even have to tell her anymore, she knows I want "one 호떡 please." I have become a regular at Paris Baguette. Even made friends with the daughter of the owner of the store of the first floor of my building. Also, the people that were placed in my life in the wonderful form of neighbors, well.... I could honestly not have asked for a better group of friends! (gosh this is getting mushy, I hope they don't read this) - Overall, I wanted to express this, as well as document pictures of my "hood" because, when I am 60 and annoying my grandchildren with these stories, I want to remember that I lived in Banghwa, Seoul, Kr! (and hopefully I'll make it to that point, if some crazy online stalker doesn't find me first with all of this information out in the open ^^  ) 

Home is where the heart is

WOW.

As I sit in Caffe Bene, right across the street from my apartment building, I take a deep breath and wonder how am I going to put into words the amount of happiness I experienced over these past two weeks. I once read in a book that there is no such description as an "indescribable" event; just non-creative writers.. and although I am far from wanting to be a professional writer, I'll take her advice and try my hardest to describe it.
I am 14492 kilometers or 9006 miles or 7825 nautical miles
 away from home. Four months ago when I made the decision to move to this country I took those miles into consideration, added the 12 hour time difference, timed it by the amount of hours it takes to travel here,  raised it to the power of the cost of an airplane ticket, and the math was simple:  I am very far away in the world from home. Well, for these past two weeks, believe it or not that equation was multiplied by zero. Meaning, there was nothing between a place I called home, and here. "Home is where the heart is." I felt this beautiful realization that no matter what corner of the world I am located, my family will always be there to support me (even if they disagree with my decision) They have been there for me and I will be eternally grateful.

Not only their physical presence made me feel like I was a 5 year old girl again, happily together with parents, but it was also all the little things that parents do to make you appreciate them even more. They helped clean the apartment, bought me food and did groceries, prepared dinner when I arrived home from work and even walked me to work. It was refreshing and it uplifted me in unexpected ways. I was also proud and filled with joy to show someone my new life. It is not the same writing about it or showing pictures, than it is to see it. I even made a very organized itinerary of places I wanted to take them, and had them up early every morning to enjoy each day to the fullest. 

In conclusion, if you are living abroad (or no, actually in general) I think there comes a time in life when you stop taking your parents for granted and start appreciating all they do. My moment arrived while in Korea. My family is a crazy story, but I would not change anything in our history, because I've been truly blessed.

Thank you Dad & stepMOM for your wonderful visit <3

United through Service.

If anyone in Seoul, Korea is reading this:  I encourage you to become a member of BEAN. It is not an impossible commitment, since you get to choose which event you'd like to attend. You'll get a chance to serve the Seoul community, as well as meet fantastic and caring people from all over the world, as our volunteers are foreigners as well as Koreans.  Click here to be directed to their website

Bean - Seoul Chapter

 Upon arrival to Seoul, one of the first (of many) researches that I did was to find a volunteer group for community service. As fate would have it, I found and became actively engaged with Bean. I posted earlier on this blog my experiences with the first volunteer session, and I went into detail about how fulfilling and enjoyable it was to do service in Korea. Since then, I have become an active member in the organization, as well as being a regular volunteer for the Orphanage visits around Seoul. Last week, after just two months, I was invited by the executive members of the group to attend a "Leadership dinner" where all members looking to become more involved with the organization could obtain more information about the structure of the group. During the dinner they mentioned the opportunity to become a site leader for one of the orphanages, and being my typical overachiever self, I decided to take on the responsibility. Little did I know, I would be in charge of my first event by the next weekend! I must admit, I was a bit nervous about the language barriers, and what would have happened if the coordinators at the Orphanage would try to communicate with me? What could I have possibly said? ~ But, they reassured me that there would be at least one English speaking volunteer attend and that it had been done in the past, therefore I did not need much communication with the Orphanage office.... So I put my nerves aside and said YES, I'd do it! Leadership is the same in any language.

So I am thrilled to share that this Saturday, I led my own Orphanage visit! The announcement to the group members was sent on Wednesday (with my name and number on the website) and by Thursday I began receiving random text messages of volunteers asking how to sign up to attend. I had been to this Orphanage three times before, but only as a volunteer, not as the leading-in-charge-person! Throughout the week I kept in constant communication with the group's volunteer coordinator and she was phenomenal! She sent me worksheets and activity ideas that we could play with the children during the visit, as well as sent me the list of all the Children's ages, names, and level in school. She also sent me the list of volunteers that had signed up and by Friday the number was finalized to 7 volunteers. When the day arrived, I woke up at 7am (since the orphanage is exactly one hour and fifteen minutes from my house (in the city of Incheon) and when I arrived to the station, I went to purchase the snacks and drinks for the Children.The visit ran very smoothly. I met the volunteers at the subway station, and we walked together to the Orphanage. After the volunteers chose their age group, they all got to work! The children were tons of fun and participated throughout the activities.  We had worksheets, games and snack for the students and overall it was a simple event, but I could tell the students had a fantastic time. I am so thankful that my first time leading a visit was a great success. After the visit was over and the children left back to their rooms, I sat down with the volunteers and took notes on their input about what worked, what didn't, what needs to improve or should be changed. I took all of the constructive criticism and now I am looking forward to becoming a better leader and making these visits to orphanages the best they could possibly be!
Even though it is only for a few hours a week, I am thrilled to be completing one of the many goals I had set up for myself during this year, to engage in International Service. I am happy I found this group and look forward to helping the organization grow in anyway that I can  ❤

This picture is post the Leadership Dinner (with a few missing).  BEAN -Seoul Chapter executive members, and new leaders,



Lunch with some of the volunteers. 
 

The 4th graders group. (Sad this was the only picture I took from my first leading Orphanage visit)

My first big girl Korean purchase

I LOVE THIS COUNTRY 

This must be one of the best countries in the world !!!!!! I must share:

I have some very very important visitors coming next week ^^ (of course there will be a future post about that) SO I decided I needed to buy a futon for them to sleep for two week, right? OK so even back in the comfort of home where I speak the language, had a car, and knew what stores to go to, furniture shopping is still always a hassle, RIGHT?

WELL, NOT IN KOREA! Because this country values and loves their convenience, and I love it.

My (super helpful lovely kind patient amazing and lovely) new Korean friend, told me about an app on your phone where you can do online shopping. So, I downloaded it, and even though the whole entire single application is in Korean, I managed to browse through it for enough hours until I found the home decor tab and a beautiful and incredibly economical green futon. I feel in love with it. So, I sent my friend the link to it via text, she then read the reviews and after deciding that it was great quality and with 5-stars, I decided to buy it!  My friend put her phone information in case of anything they would contact her (hello, it is all in Korean!) ..... This is where the story gets good:
I also have an app on my phone for my banking, since its easier to manage than web based online banking (due to the Korean of course) ANYWAYS, so through my phone app, I made the money transfer to the furniture company. I made the transfer on Friday morning. They called my friend Friday afternoon that they could make the delivery the next day between 5-7pm. She calls me Saturday around 6:15 that they are on their way to my apt. He arrives, and immediately starts to assemble my gorgeous new futon (Evidently, it was one of those awkward moments, since all I knew how to say was "Hello" ..... I wanted to offer water, or help, but you know, I don't know how to say any of that in Korean) Also, I texted my neighbor that delivery man had arrived, and that he was assembly the couch, just in case you know, I disappeared in the back of a furniture store truck forever. But nope, after just 20 minutes of me wishing I had studied harder in my Korean classes thus far, the man was done, the couch was assembled, and he left. That was it!

Everything is so convenient, efficient, and advanced in this country. I saw this couch on Wednesday, on my phone, and by Saturday this brand new beauty was in my possession, for 1/3 of the price I would've paid for a craigslist second hand futon in the States. ..... I feel accomplished.... and my visitors will have a comfty sleep while in Seoul.

Korea: I love you! 

Bowing

Prior to arrival, I was very  well aware of the respectful culture in Korea toward elders.
Regardless of the fact that I had seen it before, or that I have been witnessing it be done multiple times throughout my quotidian day;I must admit it still comes as a surprise and feels a tad bizarre when my students bow down to me. When they say Hello or Thank you or sometimes Goodbye, they bow down to me.I am bowed down to.I am certain the unusuality of this action will soon wear off, but I am stirred with joy realizing I am fully integrating in another culture. 
In addition, I myself have started adapting my customs, and when I am greeting or saying farewell to my boss, I am bowing. 
After all, when in Rome ...... do as the Koreans do 

Valentine's day ♥

Today was a beautiful day! It was valentines day ♥ Gosh, I just love holidays!! They are the best excuse to be extra happy and show each other affection... And even though Koreans don't celebrate Valentines Day the way I have been used to, I did not let that get in the way of celebrating my way! ;) it did not stop me from making the cutest goodie bags full of chocolates to my coworkers, classmates and students.
More info about Korean Valentines Day traditions coming soon in another post....

Also today we had parent/teacher conferences at work! It's so official that I am a teacher when I meet the student's parents. The good thing about coming in early to work was that the company treated us to lunch..... And oh my goodness what a Korean lunch it was!! I don't think I would have ever tried that food if it was not because I was with my Korean coworkers. I'm not too crazy about seafood but this was actually so so so delicious! Here are some pictures for my memories ...

Happy Valentine's Day everybody!! ♥

Love,
Oriana

Life

Is this real life? 

Even I am in shock at how much I've abandoned my blog and how much has happened in a month. Where to begin to catch up?
Okay to start off with, this is MONTH II. It feels like yesterday. I'm also surprised at how much I've made Seoul my home in such a short period of time. I'm impressed at my ability to adapt and at the wonderful people I've met thus far. 
This weekend was Lunar New Years!! A holiday that I have never celebrated before in my life, and I confess that once upon a time I also made the terrible cultural mistake of calling it: "Chinese New Years" Oh big NO NO! Other Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year people! Not just China.... and although I did not celebrate it the traditional Korean way as I would have loved to, I did get to try on the Hanbok 한복 and had the marvelous opportunity to go to Church, but that's such a long story, so let me start from the beginning ~
A few weeks ago I went volunteering again and to my surprise, fate worked its little magic and on that day I made a new friend from Guatemala. I was ecstatic to have finally met a Latina in Korea, AND on top of that she introduced me to (a now new friend) from Venezuela. I tried not to be a crepper, but I just didn't know how to explain to her that I demanded we became best friends haha. Anyways, The following week we met up and they introduced me to their group of Latino friends, and as silly as it sounds, I felt like screaming "yesss I found you!" I just felt at home finding this group of new friends. All hysterical and extremely welcoming. 

CHURCH- 

Here is where I spill my heart out: I am beyond words to explain how I felt this past Sunday. If this was not legitimate proof of my blessings, gosh I don't know what could be. To begin with, I have not attended mass in a long time. To an extent this is unusual for me, since I was  once not so long ago, a determined Catholic who religiously went to Church every Sunday. But as LIFE always hits us all, for one excuse or another, I progressively stopped attending. Moreover, around this past Christmas time, I was brand new to this city and I made  that an excuse to not attend mass on Christmas (which is unheard of in my heart and life, and yes I still feel guilty about that on the inside.) Anyways, as ridiculously far fetched as this may sound: I feel as if somehow God was tired of hearing my excuses and he knew exactly how to get me to come back. He put a new friend in my life, and she took me to Church. It was that simple. She said: "I go to a Spanish mass on Sundays, come with me and I will introduce you to the Hispanic community in Seoul" and I know in my heart it was God indirectly saying: "Here you go Oriana,  I'm killing two birds with one stone and I'm blessing you with a great community to surround yourself with, as well as welcoming you with open arms back to Church, even though you abandoned me for a while." Needless to say, mass was something else. I quietly shed a few tears after receiving communion, because I had a really beautiful realization. It is now crystal clear that regardless of what corner of the world I am in, God is always watching over me, I was appointed a guardian angel and he will never leave my side! I am blessed beyond measure and I feel that now more than ever. 
Okay enough about my ephinany ^^ SO BESIDES Church, new friends, Lunar New Years, a super cool new savvy phone, getting a terrible case of food poisoning which caused me to be in bed for 2 days straight, Sightseeing, and enjoying the nightlife of this fantastic city: I have one more exciting update:

KOREAN CLASSES- 

Oh my goodness! I am officially a student again, and I love it :) I began a Korean course in the Ganada Institute of Korean ( conveniently located at the Hongdae campus) and well, what can I say. Of course I am in level I and very much struggling already but I love love love it. It is a bit exhausting, I am now working full time and going to school part time, but then again when is Oriana not used to trying to be superwoman and being eagerly involved in everything? ;) FSU trained me well, and I am now juggling 12 hour long days! I go to classes in the morning and work in the afternoon, but I actually enjoy the intensity of classes since I am confident that after my full year, I will be fluent in basic Korean!!! >.< I think that would officially qualify me as a polyglot and well, life goal: complete! ..... hmmm but I must confess, Korean is NO JOKE. WOW. I am only on lesson 2, week 2, and I already cry in class. So the first lesson was learning the alphabet, and after I learned it I felt like the smarted duck in the pond! Yes, excellent, got this, easy piecy, easy as pie. UNTIL lesson 2 came about and now we have to form complete sentences. Oh yeah, dummy came out and now I never raise my hand in class anymore. It is so different than anything I was used to. French, Spanish and English all use the same structure, but in Korean you literally have to say everything backwards and remember the polite and less formal way of saying this. AH! It's just going to be way more than I originally thought, but I am ready for the challenge! I'm known to have even more determination when I set a goal for myself. Perseverance is my middle name, and trust me when I say: I will speak Korean by the end of this year! 
Well, with that being said: I have class tomorrow at 10am bright and early! 
More pictures to come soon .......   <3
Absolutely loving life and counting all of my blessings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mind & Heart

A simple realization

I am not sure if it is because of the book I'm reading, or the fact that at  three different times today, my friends and family back home asked: "How are you doing?" and the three responses were a very long and genuine explanation of my current state of happiness. I have realized that I am content beyond belief of my decision to come live in Korea. I know it has only been a month and a few days, so I really hope this eager-honeymoon phase does not ever fade (and if it starts to do so, I can look back on this post & remember) ... that right here, right now, it is exactly where I need to be at this point in my life, and all of my surroundings reassure me of that everyday!

It is as if I am divided into twins, my inner mind-self and my inner heart-self, right? and finally this  week I became so aware of how happy I am, that my mind ran, jumped and gave my heart the biggest hug ever. Saying: "Thank you for making this decision!!" - I followed my heart, and stopped thinking rationally about all of the factors holding me back. And now, I am here. Unreal.

Everyday when I leave my building, walk a block to take the subway, see/try to read all of the Korean signs surrounding me, when I arrive at my station, and when I'm walking my 10mins to work, I promise it feels like a real life music video. (Sometimes when I'm listening to music, I even twirl around in the streets- music video style) People MUST notice and think I'm crazy, but I honestly do not even care. I'm young, if I'm happy I can twirl around the streets if my heart desires.
 
And that is exactly it; you know when you are happy. I am certain I will experience home-sickness at one point. I'm also sure the culture/language barriers will not be as exciting during month #5. BUT, I am falling in love with this city. I love fast-paced, metropolitan cities, the lights the traffic,the waves of people... I am also falling in love with myself (in a non-cocky way, promise) I love that I can laugh at my "foreigner mistakes" and that when I look in the mirror, I can see my confident attitude, and courageous smile telling me that I can face the challenges of today. I can feel myself becoming stronger and realizing (Frank Sinatra style) that if I can make it in this country, being completely and utterly out of my comfort zone, then indeed, I can make it anywhere.  I am the number one believer that you should act on impulses and pursue your own happiness (Insert here all other cliches in the world: God not giving you more than you can handle, and that everything happens for a reason) Deep breath. In conclusion:Cheers to happiness! 

Thank you God, Family, and Heart.

For always being by my side and pouring your endless blessings on me.

For raising me to live life with an open mind and an open heart, and lastly

For being spontaneous, overpowering and uncontrollable!

                                       
                     

Official

It is official! I have my Alien Registration Card (Korean ID for foreigners) and a Bank account! 

I thought about it, and that means I currently have bank accounts in THREE different countries 
.....
Am I the sketchiest person ever, or what?!