To All the Boys I’ve loved Before XO, Kitty is on Netflix currently and its set in South Korea.
And before you start fangirling as you think about all the Hot K-Pop stars, let me pause by saying this is not that story!
It’s 2009, the recession. I am brave, and more animated, although still dramatic. I’m scoring through the internet searching for possible countries I may visit and teach, after having graduated college with a liberal arts degree. I’ve settled on South Korea.
The school said they’ll pay me eighteen hundred a month which is the salary of a garbage truck driver. I’m worried, but I figure it’s better than nothing. Plus they’re giving free accommodations.
Bonus, they’ll be recording me while I’m teaching. A mental image of someone scrutinizing my every move while they’re sitting in a private room eating kimchi comes to mind.
No worries, I can do this.
-16 hour flight, no problem.
***2 weeks later.
I arrived in Korea.
“Ana-ha-say-ho” says flight personnel.
I smile and look around for my host. He’s holding up a sign with my name on it.
“Welcome,” he says. “We took my car and got to the school.”
“Yes,” I say, nodding enthusiastically. “Com-sa-hum-ee-duh.” I said to him,
“What?” he asks.
Okay, so my Korean is a bit choppy.
(note to self MUST STUDY HARDER)
We go to get my bags, but they are not on the baggage carousel. In fact they are nowhere to be found!
I do NOT have anything I need, and I’m in a foreign country. Now is the time to get anxious, Trish.
Oh Man, OH man! What do I do? This is not good. I’m getting hot. Why am I doing this? Why did I come here?
Let’s say some mantras.
I am a great person.
I can do all things.
(except find my luggage)
I am Awesome! I am Awesome! I am Awesome!
Okay, I am awesome. I said that, didn’t I?
Okay, let’s get in this stranger’s car and be on our way.
And this folks is what no one believes when I tell them my side of the story. Although, I didn’t make it long in South Korea. I’ve travelled overseas many times ever since. I survived.
