Something About The Busiest Day of My Life

Thursday, July 19, 2007 will forever be in my memory as the busiest day of my life. My day started at 4:00 a.m. when my alarm went off. My train to Daejeon was at 5:40 a.m. and I had to do a final clean-through of my apartment and finish packing.

After arriving in Daejeon at 6:20 a.m. I then took a taxi to my new apartment at Woosong. I dropped off my suitcases, let Venus out of her carrying case and then took a taxi to Daejeon Station.

At 8:00 a.m. I took the train to Seoul. My passport expires in December and I need to renew it before my VISA run in August. July 19th the last possible day I could renew it (I'll be teaching Monday-Saturday at the summer camp). As I was riding on the KTX (bullet train) I could hear some crackling on the roof. I realized it was raining but the train was going so fast I couldn't see it on the windows. When I arrived in Seoul it was absolutely pouring in rain. I took a subway to City Hall Station and set out on my trek to The Canadian Embassy. I have to say I had never been to the embassy and the only directions I had were from what I had printed from the Internet. I had to have my picture taken before I renewed my passport. Even with an umbrella I was absolutely soaked by the time I got to the photo shop. My passport picture has me in a drenched shirt with a 60's greaser hairdo.

I found the embassy alright and I thought the day would start getting better. It didn't. I had come to the embassy prepared with all the official forms I needed to fill out, including my two references. When I handed in my documents I was then asked for an additional 2 more references. What the heck? I was hot, tired, starving and drenched. This was not a good situation. After frantically calling every foreigner I know in Korea and getting no answers I made the call home to Canada with my cell phone. I'm not looking forward to this months bill. Thankfully my dad was able to find 2 references for me and I handed in the documents.

At 11:00 a.m. I made my way to Namdi moon Police Station. For my new job at Woosong they want me to have a criminal record check from Canada. I had to get my fingerprints done at the police station and will now mail the form to The RCMP offices in Ottawa. At 12:00 p.m. I took the KTX back to Daejeon.

By the time I got back to Daejeon the rain had reached the city. It was now raining more than ever. I took the subway to Home Ever and bought some things for my new apartment (plates, mugs, glasses, etc.). I took a taxi back to my apartment and unpacked. I was drenched for the second time that day. After unpacking I had to go to Woosong and hand in some final documents. I made my way back to my apartment and slept for a couple of hours. After waking up I organized my apartment and again went to sleep at around 10:00 p.m. What a day!

But wait! It's not over! At around 3:00 a.m. Friday morning I had the scariest experience of my life. I was sleeping faced towards the kitchen when all of a sudden I heard a huge bang followed by some crashing. Anyone who has been to a scary movie with me can attest to the fact that I scream like a little girl when I'm startled. I must have woken up the entire apartment building with 2 quick screams. As I opened my eyes I could see a bright light coming from the kitchen. I jumped out of bed and ran for the door. I seriously thought my apartment was on fire. As I came to my senses I realized that my kitchen cupboard had fallen right off the wall. What the heck? 1 new plate and 2 new bowls were now smashed all over the floor mixed in with spilled cat food. My ceramic tea pot also smashed. It's not a big deal, but I have never been so frightened in my life. I think the rest of the teachers must have thought I was having night tremors or something.

My alarm went off at 7:00 a.m. on Friday morning and I made my way once again to Daejeon Station. I start my summer camp on Saturday and the director wanted me in Seoul Friday morning. All I want to do right now is sleep!!!