Korea Part Deux

Coming back to Korea is infinitely easier than coming. There is no new school. No house hunting. No learning military jargon. No separation from Kristie and Aslan. No being the new guy. No mourning missing out on Europe. No staying up late staring at an unfamiliar ceiling wondering what I have done to my life. No wondering how to say, “Please stop shoving me, Korean Man” in Korean. Actually, I still wonder how that translates. I could use that one daily.

Rather, even though it is our second year, we are old-timers. There is so much turnover here in Osan that one moves up the chain rapidly. I’m being considered for principal this year. I’m kidding about that.

There are about a dozen new people in the building. Most of them seem like a nice addition. We’ve gone to Seoul on a few outings with a handful of them so far.

Kristie and I are looking forward to another year here. Autumn is a nice time to be here. It is cooling down, and it is so green. Looking at rice fields makes me really understand what green means, even though I’m a bit color-deficient.

Throughout this school year, our plans are to travel to Vietnam, Shanghai, Thailand, and perhaps back to Bali. In late spring, we’ll put in for a transfer to Italy. For the first time, I wouldn’t be too disappointed if we didn’t get it. Maybe it’s the kimchee talking, but Korea has the beginnings of being our home. We are a part of this community, and we like it.

For now, anyway.