SIZE MATTERS!

A week after my departure from England, it's time for my first "Scribble from the R.O.K."

True to form in Korea, there was no time for a rest after my arrival in Ulsan on Monday lunch time. I just had a few minutes to drop my luggage in my apartment, and grab a ride to the school. This is after 2 hours sleep in 2 nights, and a stringent medical in which I learned I've shrunk 2cm in 18 months...the weight of my own expectations clearly taking their toll.

The School:
The school has a mix of elementary and middle school kids, and last year my average class size was 10-13 students in tiny, airless rooms. This time, the average of 4-6 kids are lost in the huge, spacious air conditioned classrooms, each of which could fit my entire apartment inside comfortably. With a later start time and an earlier finish, and less students in a bigger space, coupled with a quieter, more relaxed environment, work is going to be great. The only potentially negative aspect is the distance from my apartment. It's a 25 minute walk to the school, which although a nice trip, once it gets really hot and humid in a few weeks, might become epic. The upside, if I walk to and from work everyday for the year, it's a total of 970 miles (1,560km)...good for the temperamental, middle-aged waistline I'm sure.

The apartment. 
Well, if I'm honest it's a downgrade from last year. It's nice enough, but a lot smaller...and they'll be two of us. 'Cosy' would be the grandmother of understatements! I was lucky enough to have a separate bedroom before, but this time the bed also doubles as the couch in the studio layout. The whole space is dominated by the giant fridge freezer, and I kid you not, my boxey bathroom could fit inside it. The kitchen is standard sized, a 2 ringed hob with no work space, and if I turn around too quick I'd burn my big arse on the pan. (There's a hot ring joke there somewhere) Still, it's part of the challenge here, and makes eating out a less guilty choice.

The Dong. (that's neighborhood, if you're wondering)
I felt like living in Sinmae Dong last year was to be living in the best area of Daegu. It was a perfect spot, but now here in Mugeo Dong, pronounced 'moo-guh,' I think it's been surpassed. It has everything Leslie and I will need, such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, parks, shopping, karaoke bars, hiking trails etc, and just as in Sinmae, the city's World Cup Stadium is right on the doorstep. There's also a Muckdonalds dangerously close. Must not go! Must not go!.
Despite having been here just a few days, it already feels like home, and the transition has been easy.

'Blue Hour' in Mugeo-Dong, our new neighborhood.

There is just one thing missing so far...and she will arrive on Wednesday!

P.S COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!