Thank God for Uniqlo!

I came to Korea last March 4, 2012 unprepared for the weather. I had this wrong impression that spring is warmer and a little heavier jackets or maybe even layering will do. Though I did check the weather at some point, I thought it will be manageable. Coming from a tropical country, I have never been so wrong. I had to endure a full week before I managed to get two decent jackets more suitable for the cold, dry weather. Some of the locals did comment that it will get warmer but I have realized that so far, this was very relative - relative to the sub-zero temperature they had just a few weeks prior to my arrival.

Good thing the business trip to China last June 2011, introduced me to Uniqlo and what they usually sell. So when I went looking for "winter/spring" clothes, I made it my first stop. There is one just one subway station away from where my apartment is at Sunae Station's Lotte Department Store. And because of the changing season, I managed to score some sale items. I am still trying to build my wardrobe though (read: thermals) as I always end up a little short on cash during weekends. Uniqlo's everywhere and I have really come to appreciate it. I was not sold on it while I was in China. I thought they were too simple for my taste. Now, I realize, they carry the basics at a good price and decent quality. They have some cute items too but it would be wrong to compare Uniqlo with F21. I kind of think it's more of a lower-end M&S.

I can't help but wonder how the store would fare though when it opens its doors in my home country this June at MOA.

Myeongdong Sunday Day22

I managed to attend the English service at the Myeong-dong Cathedral today. The M4102 bus was definitely faster than taking the subway from seohyeon. Although, I had to wait probably around 20 minutes (I missed the previous bus), I still managed to make it in time for the Gospel. There were people from my country but sadly I didn't get to make friends with any of them. In any case, after the Mass many of the stores were still closed and Myeongdong was pretty much deserted so I had the chance to just walk around and explore the area while waiting for the shops to open. As the minutes passed however, several buses and policemen came to view in the area complete with their shields or whatever you call it. You know those things that they use to contain a protest or disperse a crowd. They were all over the area especially the main road (I forgot what it's called) but along the Lotte department store. Policemen were stationed everywhere the Myeongdong area (Lotte included) including the entrance to the underpass/subways. I was curious what was going on but I had to settle with the thought that there was some sort of protest going on.

  

see the police in front of this building

 Since I had too much time to kill, I chanced upon this restaurant on the opposite side of Lotte department store. Of course, when I saw it I knew right away where I would be having my lunch. Forget the fact that it is on the expensive side at least for me. It's not often that I get to eat xiao long bao so I ate at Din Tai Fung in Korea. It was definitely an indulgence (too much eating though).

Din Tai Fung in Myeongdong



SNOW! Day 21

So I've been here for three weeks now and it's one hell lot of a struggle. My reserve of courage and willingness to fight is dwindling but I have to. I will survive. I can do this. I just have to entertain myself, cry it out and take those steps no matter how small to adjusting and changing.

On other news, boredom got the better of me earlier today so I decided to head to work. On my way, it was raining white or in my opinion snow. Snow in March. Being from a tropical country, this gave me a small joy. I felt giddy I had to sneak a video. For a split second, I felt more like a tourist than an OFWstruggling to get through each day.

first vain shot inside the elevator.

relatively empty bus 55-1. because it's saturday.

Day 18

Today I was on a self-imposed/forced diet. I tried but I failed miserably. There was no English menu nor were there pictures. Next time I'll take a picture so I can ask my colleagues what they mean so I know what to choose. in any case, it brought my morale, self-esteem, self-confidence down. There are really a lot of things to learn, improve on, change and grow. For starters I need to be more assertive and less timid/shy. *sigh I don't want to be a burden to anyone but I am having trouble adjusting to everything so far.

I guess it also didn't help that I was mistaken about the vacation of my friend here. I guess I was looking forward to being with my race and familiar people this weekend and have some sort of breather on my loner life here (I can be more relaxed)... Oh well...

Girl, you have a lot of growing up to do. A whole lot!

Cooking 101

So I decided to cook dinner today and for the next couple of days (yes, I intended to stock them up).

Menu 1: "gambas"
I was almost resigned to not getting to cook this dish and settling for buttered shrimp in garlic but then on my last round at the mini-market down at the apartment's lobby I found it that it actually had worchestire sauce. I've been making the rounds at this supermarket and at Home Plus at Yatap looking for this and it was only late this afternoon that I found they actually have this stuff. Case in point, the mini-market have most of the stuff I need to survive.

Note about this dish: it needs chili and the green bell pepper doesn't really blend well with everything. If I can afford it, I would probably have to go for fresh shrimp next time instead of the frozen one.

Menu 2: pork adobo
For us Filipinos this is probably one of the easiest and well-loved dishes. It's definitely a work in progress though in terms of improving the taste and the tenderness of the pork.

Hopefully, they won't spoil to last me the week.

Day 15

So I set my alarm but it didn't go off so I woke up late to get to Myeong-dong Cathedral. I tried to find my way to Catholic International Parish of Seoul for their 11am English Mass but apparently taking the subway to Hannam was a bad idea. It took me about 1:30 just to get there. I got there just as the Mass ended. Sorry Lord.

Anyway, I decided to take the bus home since I knew the vicinity on where I should stop. And boy, did I realize that at least for the churches, it looks like Google maps was pretty accurate in terms of the travel time. It took me roughly just 30 minutes to get to the stop near my apartment. If I just mustered enough guts to take the bus to Hannam, I probably would have made it. Lesson learned.It's really a learning process. I guess I'll just charge it to the fact that I am still trying to orient myself with the surroundings. I was too tired to go around Hannam (and maybe Itaewon which was supposedly nearby). Unlike Myeong-dong, there was not much in the immediate surroundings of the Catholic International Parish of Seoul especially for a foreign newbie like me.

Day 14

I finally have the whole weekend for myself. It's almost Sunday and yet I feel pressed for time already. I still have a long way of adjusting to life here which I guess in a way is good as it keeps me busy and preoccupied thereby taking my mind off being sad, bored and homesick.

Today's agenda was mainly grocery and then to scout the area where there is an English Catholic service. The two potential locations I identified were unfortunately in the Seoul area which meant more than 30 minutes of travel/commute for me. Supposedly, there's an English Mass at Catholic International Parish of Seoul at 9am and 11am. However, I found it easier to look for subway directions for  Myeong-dong Cathedral. Given that the language barrier is a huge obstacle for me, I thought it's best if I travel by MRT first before exploring the bus routes. Google maps did point me out the bus numbers but I don't have the confidence right now to try them yet. I think it's better I become familiar with the destination first before I try that form of public transportation.

To get around, aside from the directions I got from the internet, a picture of the seoul MRT subway lines (especially the ones I need to transfer on), I knew I had to get myself that T-money. I've become a mute person here and avoid talking outside. Apparently, some people can understand me so maybe I should talk more. Anyway, I managed to get my T-money at a mini-stop outside of AK plaza at 2,500 Won. I just looked for a sign that said T-money. I then loaded it with cash value at one of the loading machines at the Seohyeon station. Thank God they have English instructions and they also print receipts! Apparently, T-money has this transfer system so you don't really have to pay the fare each time you get on and off a subway or an MRT. The amount supposedly is more or less based on the distance traveled. That being the case, I just might try taking the subway to Moran station and then the 55-1 bus on Monday to see how much that would cost me. Currently, it costs me 1000+ to get to work for around 40 minutes or more. Hopefully, it won't cost that much but shorten the travel time considerably. But I'll have to consider the fact that I'll most probably be standing during the whole commute.



T-money

I managed to get to Myeong-dong after two transfers and about 1 hr and 30 minutes. Yes, it was that long given that I was very cautious on the directions. Re-reading the signs and the maps several times to make sure I was going the right way. I knew that I was getting closer to Seoul as more foreigners came into view on the subway station. At Myeong-dong, I guess you could say that I finally got a glimpse of Seoul, a commercial one that is. Myeong-dong has a good mix of local, foreign and tiangge stands. Uniqlo(~4 floors), Zara, Forever21(~4 floors), H&M(~4 floors), Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Molly, Skin Food, Body shop, Watsons, Crocs, Guess, Giordano, Gap, Nature Republic, Foot Locker, Polo Ralph Lauren, are probably just a few of the many shops there. I also saw Starbucks, CBTL, and Pizza Hut during my quick walk in the area. It can be compared to Hong Kong somewhat but there's still somewhat a different feel and vibe between the two. I decided to check out H&M and Forever 21 as those were the ones that I am not sure were within the Bundang area. Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Molly and Skin Food you can see just about anywhere (and maybe Olive Young).



a glimpse of Seoul



It was hard to miss the Cathedral as long as you are paying attention to the directions and your immediate surroundings. The Church is beautiful and different both inside and outside than the ones that I am used to in the Philippines (mostly Spanish-inspired). I have to sleep now so hopefully I get to hear Mass tomorrow morning at 9am. Next time I will try taking the bus for more sight-seeing opportunities.

I loved the weather today by the way. It was relatively warmer but still cold enough even after all the walking in the crowded subway and streets.

Time to rest. today was tiring after all that walking, commuting, carrying groceries, eating late and "ironing". Dang, it's hard and it didn't look my clothes got ironed at all... such a pain. It's one of those things I know I have to learn and improve on but I honestly would rather not. I'd prefer "cleaning" than pressing I think especially since I have to do it on the floor. (the board is merely a foot above ground) This makes the need to keep the place especially the floor clean all the more pronounced.

Day 11

for the 4th time since Friday, I am heading back to Songdo TechnoPark to the same site I've been to (the only one) since getting here last March 4. I was supposed to finish the report in the office for the 3rd time since Monday today. But somehow I am getting shuttled by someone back to site. I am going alone though this time (someone will just drop me off) so we'll see how that goes.

I was contemplating on getting an international driver's license because I miss driving and if I had one they might just let me drive here. The roads so far especially going to site, remind me of US (austin/florida days). Just thought it would be cool to get to drive here also. But then again, I might not... :D

Lord give me the strength and wisdom to get through today. I need to keep it together and stop with the ranting to select people. Hopefully, I get the hang of this soon.



Seohyeon-ro



Day 8

fairly productive day today:
-finally got to "clean" the apartment by that i meant using the broom and mop and cleaning the bathroom.
-walked in the freezing cold with three layers of clothes but still ended up almost frozen, to a train station away from AK Plaza (Seohyeon Station) looking for LOTTE department store in Sunae Station. Apparently, I walked in the wrong direction (almost made it to Yatap station).
-the stations (sunae and Seohyeon at least) in Bundang line had english instructions! hooray!
-got some pretty good deals on the items I needed for this cold weather from Uniqlo (6th Floor Lotte department store). They are on sale as the season's about to change. But what the heck, if I'm still going to be here for a year I'd eventually need it.
-walking around I found some items in Zara that were on sale. They didn't have my size so I decided to check out the one right by AK Plaza.
-bought some fresh produce and decided to make ginisang kahit ano for dinner. hahaha
-If only I had braved getting into Zara to look for winter coats, I wouldn't have had to wait until this weekend. I know Zara's prices which is why I avoided it but I ended up getting the size I needed at the branch in AK Plaza at a very cheap price: 39,900. I was out of cash but I couldn't pass it up. Yes, it is really off-season. I am contemplating on returning the one I got from uniqlo at 79,900 (from 99.900). (I am that cash-strapped). But I think I'd rather not (unless I see a better deal elsewhere) wait for the next winter season come up and the need to get another one rises.
-it's going to be another loooong week so might as well make the most out of today than start working on the report.

So far I'm over my budget but still within range considering I am working on some key pieces in my wardrobe and the apartment. Hopefully, it will normalize soon so I have some for the trip home this May.



yep that's it.



to the hallway. haven't started "Cleaning" yet.

Day 6/7

March 9-10, 2012
I'd probably forget the day but in my whole career this was probably the longest time I have clocked in. It's different when there's some pressure and your brain cells are squeezed dry from all the thinking and the fatigue. I mean I can last a whole day and I even had a 18 hour workday but it was for a scheduled shutdown and some of it was because we were on standby. This was different and the challenge was too much for me to handle that it actually broke me...

When I said I was having a hard time facing, coping and adjusting to the "real life" I was not exaggerating. Like I realized in my previous post, I had a pretty sheltered, pampered life. It was hard for me to adjust to the environment, the weather, the language, the lack of amenities, the self-reliance I have to muster, being alone, the desolate state of my apartment (and dirty), the budgeting of my measly allowance considering the high cost of living among others. I tried to hold it in and I thought I was able to keep it together. But 24 hours of no sleep and the possibility of God knows how many more extension was the straw for me.

I thought I would win the bet with a colleague. Little did I know that I'd end up crying not because of the sadness or homesickness but because of the hardship I was facing. Do I regret crying? I will probably but I guess I reached a point I didn't know if I could handle anymore. It was too much too soon for me. I was actually praying to God, please no more. Do I regret taking this assignment? No, not yet at least. I know this is for my own good and it is already showing me the lessons, growth and learning not just for work but life in general that I can gain from this. Sometimes you really have to step out of your comfort zone so you can evolve and mature. I stepped in a war zone by my standards. Hopefully, I last. God help me.

Day 5

So it's been 5 days since I last left the comforts of home. It's been an overwhelming learning experience so far. Compared to the 4 months of stay in the US, it was one heck of a walk in the park. This is the real thing. It's more than just a challenge at work but living alone outside my comfort zone. We were not particularly well-off but now I realize my life has been pretty darn easy. I was pretty pampered and sheltered. Compared to what I have and experiencing so far, I was quite spoiled. I don't know if it's a good comparison, but I guess ganito pala ang typical OFW. My other colleagues don't probably qualify as they earn a lot but my measly allowance has to be squeezed to the very last drop to cover the higher cost of living, expenses for the bare apartment, the lack of appropriate clothing for this darn cold weather and the personal costs of meeting with friends whether here or at home. Yes, I need to plan those as early as now if I want to stretch my allowance otherwise I'd end up not saving anything. I can't say it's a good thing because I am having a hard time with the budget and all but that condo purchase adds to this whole experience. And now I learn that the ipad is out... But I might have to save up for a wireless router or a mobile internet...

How can I forget that the language barrier is also a struggle. Step by step I am finding my way around... Hopefully, I discover more and learn the language. I have a whole year of learning experience ahead of me... The people here appear to have really nice, almost flawless skin and somewhat fashionable. I see a lot pretty girls too, I do feel insecure.

Tomorrow, we head to site. Another new thing. So we'll see how that goes.

Hopefully, I get to shop this weekend for winter clothes because I am literally shaking and freezing during my commute or even just going out for lunch. Besides that I have a lot of chores ahead of me both work and non-work. Yes, this is LIFE!

Sidenote: I am happy to have found stores/fastfoods I know in the area though: KFC, Burger King, Subway... whew... If only I can stand the weather I can walk around some more. My heels and the backup together with the weather are too much to handle at times.

burger king and kfc on the opposite side of AK Plaza (at least the one nearest me).