Last night was new years eve, it was a bit low key since I don't know any one here yet. I spent it on Skype and google voice talking with my best friends.... and having a glass of wine!
Yesterday was my first day on my own here! For most of the day I was stuck at my apartment waiting on a delivery of my new kitchen table (that my school bought for me) and at 2pm the telephone company came to hook up my phone! The table delivery did not give me a time that they would be here, so I had to stick around. Mid-day, I went for a short walk around the block to see what was around me, and took a few pictures! The phone guy came at 2pm and I now have a home phone for people to call me on. I heard from my co-teacher yesterday, she and I made some lunch plans for Sunday. My kitchen table was delivered at about 4pm. The guy set it all up for me :) it's a nice addition to my apartment.
In the evening, I ventured out once again. This time, I brought my new Garmin watch, and good news the satellite works here! I found the E-mart, I only have to walk down 2 streets to get to it. I also found a river to run along. I am going to head out for a run later this morning. At the E-mart I picked up a few things including a wine opener, I was hoping they would have some wine as well, but I was sad to only find beer and liquor there. I stopped at a little corner shoppe on my way home to get some wine. They weren't labeled with pricing, so I had the lady give me the price on 2 bottles, both were the same price 29,000 won! (about $28). Not sure if all wine is that expensive, but I'll try a different store next time. The wine likely cost $10-15 back in the US.
Some prices differences I've found so far:
Chapstick = 2,600 won ($2.50) for 1 stick
Banana's = 3,900 won ($3.75) for 5 banana's
Sushi = 3,700 won ($3.50) for 6 large pieces
Crab meat = 6,000 won ($5.80) for a 1/2 pound!
Body wash = 10,500 won ($10.00) for a bottle for some american brands
I bought a laundry basket for $4, which I thought was pretty cheap.
Most food items are pretty in expensive, unless they are imported. I have found brands like Nestle's and Coke here. The E-marts beer selection wasn't bad: Carlsburg, Corona, Heineken, Bud Light, and a few others (and of course some korean beers)!
Happy New Years :)
I like the new look of your blogspot! I can see you have been busy. Sounds like you have found sticker shock in the stores. We will be hosting an exchange student in a few weeks from Shanghai University. I am told they like to shop like crazy here and bring everything back home because everything is so much cheaper here.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Carolyn
Thanks! I like it better too :) I have been very busy. Yesterday I started on making some posters for my classroom! I can't wait till tomorrow when I begin teaching. That is amazing that you are hosting an exchange student. I assume they know a fair amount of English. What university will they be attending? Are they their for a semester? I can't wait to hear more about that!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Leann
Glad to hear you're excited about setting up your classroom. Good luck on your first day tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteOut exchange student is from Shanghai University. They are in the MBA program studying business. They will only be here for a short time 1/10-1/16. The average age of the students is 30 years old because once they complete their undergraduate work they are required to work for five years before they can start in the graduate program. All students are fluent in English and apparently all classes are taught in English in Shanghai. They will be attending lectures at Wayne State, the University of Windsor, touring the Dearborn Ford Axle plant, and Henry Ford Hospital. We have requested a non smoking female but don't know who we will be getting as of yet. It think it will be a great experience for our family.
Love,
Carolyn