Earthquakes in Japan.

Here's the story.

7.0 Earthquake in Kyushu a couple of hours ago. I felt it. I thought that the guy next door to me was having a good time with someone and making my entire room vibrate, but the shaking kept getting stronger and lasted for a couple of minutes. Even though Korea isn't on a fault, Japan certainly is. Ulsan's close enough to Japan that I could feel it. It wasn't too violent here, just some vibrating. At any rate, I've been though my first earthquake.

I find that I'm really enjoying my job so far. Everyone that I work with is very nice, and my boss is treating me well. He asked if I needed anything, and I asked where I could get an iron. Next thing I know, he brings me a new iron for the Lotte department store! Maybe he just liked the cookies that I gave him. Maybe it's just the fact that he's new to the ESL business and wants to make his employees happy. Maybe I'm just delussional and still in my honeymoon stage. Either way, I'm pretty happy right now. He's also taking me on Monday to set up a bank account (I'm getting my money direct deposited into an account. Everyone at my school does.) and to the immigration office to register me. Maybe I can get a cell phone then to. I could really use one!

After reading Shawn's last two posts (Shawn is another ESL teacher in Korea and has, probably, the most popular Korea blog on the internet.), I realize that I must be very lucky...or like I've just said; delussional. They are very depressing posts about not liking the job and having to put up with a lot of bullshit. In his second to newest post, he says,

Lately I've decided I'm going to stop recommending people try teaching in this country. Don't come here. Don't even think about it. Read my book, the three of you who bought it, but only focus on the worst parts of my experience. That's the way it really is.

I feel sorry for him, that he's not enjoying his job. On the other hand, I couldn't disagree more with what Shawn has said. I'm really enjoying my job, my co-workers, boss and kids are great so far. I've met a lot of cool people from all over the world (English countries, Pakistan, Mongolia, Russia, etc.). Some are English teachers, some are locals, some are industrial workers at the Ulsan shipyards, and some are university students. Even though my apartment is small, it's good enough for me; so I like it. My fridge is full of food. Most people are friendly...or at least they are entertaining to watch. Overall, I'm very happy. Maybe I'm lucky that I'm enjoying the school where I work, as that doesn't seem to be the case for everyone. Maybe that's where the difference is.

Do I recommend that people come here to teach English? I don't recommend that just anyone come here, but if you like children at all, are willing to explore and accept things for what they are, don't let the little things get you down and have a positive outlook on life, then I very much recommend that you come here. I've only been here for a week, but so far it's been just great. At times I've been board and lonely in my room. I'm in a PC room right now, and only one guy here talks to me (a Korean from Australia), since nobody else want to test out their English skills on me. So ya, it's a bit lonely when I'm not at work or at the bar. Even at the bar, I go by myself and it's a bit lonely until it picks up. Then it gets fun. That's no different than in Canada though, or anywhere else. Everyone gets a bit lonely when nobody's around. Even if you live with someone, they can get annoying and then you'd wish that you were alone! It's all about attitude that you have, no matter where you live.

That sounded totally gay, but it's true!