Chuseok Break


Starting about noon on September 29, I have been on break for a week. The name of the holiday is Chuseok. From what I understand, it's the harvest festival and a time for families. There are 3 official holiday days - today, tomorrow, and Friday. The first 3 days of next week do not have classes, but the teachers and staff must use vacation days to take them off. Different than what I'm used to. I used to just not getting paid at all. I'm ok. It's just odd because I'm new and forced to take these days because I don't have a ride to the school. Vacation accrues per month. I have only 1 so far, so they will take 2 away from future accrual. Odd but whatever.

The Bicycle 
I've been trying to piecemeal put this thing together. I was sent the wrong assembly box, so I've had to look up directions and buy tools. Today I found out the valve for the tire is different than the regular tire pump, so I had to go out and buy another pump that has the correct adapter.  
It's called a Dunlop valve. I found out that you can actually buy adaptors. They're not readily available here, so I went with the new pump. 
Now I have to figure out how to put on the dropstand. I will try to sneak a picture or two of a bike that has one. I did find a great video this morning of how to install the front break. Got that going during the first presidential debate for 2020. Now I will forever think of the bickering duo when I look or think about that front break. (Reminded me of a school classroom that is in chaos. At least the teacher has some authority with the students there, so it's possible to get them quiet. Feel for the moderator when you have to deal with personalities like that.)

Mattress topper finally came. (A foam cushion on top of the mattress.) It was listed as 11 cm, but it's probably smaller. Doesn't matter as it is just right for a comfortable bed. I have an acquaintance 's duvet cover over the topper as I haven't cleaned the cover of the topper yet. I will do that during my routine on Saturday morning.


I have known about this park for a bit. I just got to it yesterday afternoon. It's a good place for a bit of something and reading. People not acknowledging you or bothering you can be an advantage sometimes. Like I can sit here, eat, and read in peace. I can people watch a bit as well. There is some exercise stations and a place for whiffle ball (mini-tennis). A gentleman is doing circles around the pond right now on a bike like mine. I can see the basic set up of the dropstand. Now, if I could get a closer look. There is also a group on the exercise posts, so I can guess how to use them if ever I decide to. 
My treats while sitting here yesterday and today:
- Tornado Green Tea from Lotteria (milkshake with green tea powder)
- same thing but on a popsicle stick

I plan on coming here or somewhere outdoors everyday this break so I dont go insane staying in the apartment complex. 

I'm going to walk back the same way to avoid the grocery that has a good price on Snickers. Temptation is to strong to drown stress in chocolate. I will find better means for this. This is what I see on parts of the walk...
- going to try and bike to this place on Saturday morning. It's about 4 miles.

Comments

  1. MajaOctober 18, 2020 at 1:38 PM

    The outdoor scenery is really beautiful to see in pictures. So, I can only imagine how much nicer it is in person. Have you started learning Korean yet? I recommend Talking To Me In Korean. It is a free S. Korean based company for learning. They do sell books and other items, but the main learning portion is all offered free online. Once you are able to start communicating with the people there in your community your whole experience will be enhanced. Every native Korean that I have met here in the U.S. has always been nice and welcoming to me once they discover that I speak a bit of the language and know some of the culture. I am sure that those there would be even more welcoming as you have also chosen to dwell in their country.

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