A good deal

After many, many hours of stressful life- wasting time in a phone shop, all six of us volunteers have Korean phones. Unfortunately, the only way that we can have cell phones here are prepaid because all contracts here are for a minimum of 2 years, so none of us have 4G data (sad face). Also, these past couple of days have had very stressful endings because of the subway system. On the way in for the days of orientation, everything is fine and I always show up reaaally early. But, on the way back, it is rush hour, the train stops halfway through, and I have to transfer twice after that in order to get back to the station closest to my house (eeeergh). This is so difficult for me, as I explained to my host family because, I am used to driving myself wherever I need to go (or being driven-- Thanks parents). I live in an area where public transportation leaves mush to be desired. Other than the one hour each way by bus, I had the option of 2 hours between two different buses and the lightrail in order to get to or from my summer classes at the university this summer... All that I have to say is this: THANK GOODNESS FOR THE ELDERLY (who are usually ecstatic to get to help a foreigner).
In other news, i did not have to go to the bank to exchange money for my transportation card because of my host family, bless their souls. They are going on a trip to some various other countries in Asia around the same time that I will be departing from Korea, and for one of these countries, they will need American dollars, so we made an exchange. (Honestly, even if the amounts are not totally equal, I am staying in their home and they are incredibly kind to me- also, I am helping the children with English). Also, allow me to say that this exchange only required two kinds of money and google, so it was far more painless than I expected it to be! YAAAY!
Also, today we went to a palace, and everything was amazingly beautiful!  I am so grateful that I got to see it, especially with the view of the mountain and the interesting contrast between the old of the palace and the  built up newness of the buildings around it... so cool! We walked until our feet hurt, daydreaming of ice cream and pretending to be small children or taking fake album cover- esque pictures, and then we walked some more. Orientation is drawing to a close and I start my new job on Monday!
Stay fresh (like the Prince)
Remember how great you are!