Foreigners only

Hello, from the future. Today is January 8th 2010, and it is approximately 9:30 am. I woke up to the Korean national anthem once again, which is apparently broadcasted around the military base here in Yong San. I couldn't refrain myself from singing along in my head, although I could only remember every other word.

It is day 2 and we just received word that we will be picked up by our sponsor around noon, and escorted to Camp Casey. From there we will begin looking for housing with a realtor assigned to us by the Army. Hopefully our saving grace will be that we are both fluent in Korean, and we will come out with the better end of the stick; cause God knows neither one of us have very effective bargaining skills.

Preparing for the day is a very grueling process. The amount of layers I have to wear requires assistance to even be able to put it on. When I am finally ready to walk out of the room I feel as though I have been bound by a straight jacket from the limited amount of mobility. The cold weather here leaves no room to make any sort of fashion statement... I have come to terms with looking like the puffy white marshmallow on ghost busters, and rudolph with my bright red nose.

We were finally able to get out of the hotel yesterday to meet for dinner with friends. If our jet lagged appearance and Americanized clothes didn't scream foreigner, the taxi we rode in definitely got the job done. In order to get back on post there are only certain taxis we can ride in that have "foreigners only" stamped in bright orange along the side of the car. To get 5 miles from our hotel, it took close to an hour by taxi. The traffic here is needless to say, ridiculous. It will be a completely new experience having to drive in it.

The BCS championship is being televised as I sit here and finish this post. The score is 14 to 6, with Colt McCoy out for the game and the backup quarterback shaken up as well. I can't help but utter under my breath that it's just not fair.

It's almost noon. We are so used to living out of a suitcase by now that packing up our stuff is a five minute process. As soon as the phone rings, we will lug our 7 bags and Lexi, our Lhasa Apso, downstairs to begin the 2 hour relocation to Camp Casey. Upon arrival we will begin getting settled and familiarize ourselves with the town. The experience should be interesting.

Will keep you posted. Until next time... ahn young =)