View from the hill

Today was my first day at my second school. It was a bit sunnier than it has been so I was able to take some decent photos and included a few that I took from the 4th floor. This city is a little like me... it looks so much better in good lighting.

The vice-principal from my first school drove me over and introduced me to to the Principal and English teachers at the new school. It is a strange thing being introduced when you don't know what is being said. He could have been saying, she's a pretty girl but hasn't got a clue so good luck to you for all I know. During the ten minutes of them talking about me, I sat there and sipped my sugar with 3 granules of coffee and struggled to make out a few words- Sullivan, California, Seohwan (the district I live in). As uncomfortable as this may seem (especially since I don't know whether I need to actually look at the person who is technically asking me a question), it is oddly liberating. I can sit there with a dumb look on my face for a perfectly good reason. In the teacher's lounge I can completely zone out and not worry about anything being said. Actually, I will mention that it appears that no one actually pays attention when the important people are talking (i.e., the Principal or Vice Principal). I am the only one who looks up when they address the teachers and I don't even understand a word that's being said. I guess it's a sign of rebellion to look a superior in the eye. Everyone sort of just carries on with their work throughout the speech. As usual I quickly follow suit and turn my face back to my computer, but this is one thing I will never get used to. Directly giving the impression that you are not listening is simply... well, foreign.

The students were thankfully a bit calmer at this school but perhaps the shock has just worn off and I'm slowly becoming immune to their exhausting energy. Like the constant sound of water flowing through pipes and the refrigerator gurgling in my apartment all night long, the shrieks and giggles have become part of the soundtrack of my Korean life.