Week 3: Been there, done that

So what did I actually do during the first three weeks here?

Physical activities are the easiest to describe so I'm going to tell you what I've been up to. Besides, reflecting on what I've done doesn't take that much energy. I'm writing this at the dormitory on a Sunday morning at 7AM. It's been intense.

3. Do

As for sight-seeing:
I've visited places. Getting to know the surroundings and where to go when you need something, the river that runs through Seoul, another river but an artificial one, the city hall (under construction) et cetera. Yesterday morning I woke up and went hiking to Bukhansan mountain, which was nice.

The exchange committee HUG also organized a trip to an old village for us. There were unexpectedly many Korean tourists as opposed to foreign ones to see a lot of performances: a traditional wedding, horseback riding, dances & a tightrope walker. Being exposed to all the exchange students I took the chance and got to know the Finns here a little better at a dinner of chicken and seafood, mostly octopus. The Finns reminded me of how reserved people are back home though. It's not that we're unfriendly but we try to save our energy for the close ones especially because of the lack of sunlight in the winter. That's my conclusion.

Another field trip was organized to get the exchangers to know Seoul. Despite the problems in organizing the trip we finally embarked on our way. My group visited Insa-dong, a tourist street. It was actually better than it sounds as I had time to mingle with the tutors and the others. One thing remained clear: our tutors clearly haven't organized a lot before this and it shows. A lot could be done better, but this is one of the first years Sogang has received so many exchangers.

I've had my share of fantastic parties here but as the time goes on people seem to lose their energy. Getting to know people takes its time but as the introductory stage is complete we can crawl back to our comfort zones. It doesn't mean we have to, though, and it's definitely not something I intend to do. Roaming around the city breakfast time and spending time with some random people of Finnish origin is one example I can give you of a Saturday night.

As for activities: besides school, socializing and the parties I've taken on some new hobbies. I enlisted on hot yoga sessions for a month as I've been interested in gaining insight to how my body works and how to develop it. The hot yoga classes are similar to asthanga yoga classes in content, but they take place in 32C to ensure proper blood circulation. Which ensures that I get to sweat a LOT. The locals don't, which is crazy!

I've also been taught breakdancing by another exchange student. Because I had a cold for one and a half weeks I didn't do any more so far but it's definitely a way of expressing myself that I want to delve into. Besides, it looks cool and is a good form of exercise. Having learned something new gives me the kicks.

AIESEC has taken some of my time here too. I've hold two speeches at recruitment events so far, which seems like a good way of evaluating myself and practising performing in front of public. And I can contribute a huge amount of motivation to the local committee, which I hope will help them to recruit more quality members. For more propaganda, see the post about AIESEC.

Why are succesful people succesful? My opinion is that what you do defines who you are. Not the way around. Consider e.g. how you smile. When you smile, is it because you're happy or are you happy because you smile? In my opinion it is revelations like this that you have to keep in mind to keep the mind open. Busting myths is very important to help people avoid resisting new ideas or things.

More has happened that I could write about but I'll be back with updates. Upcoming next: a trip to Busan during the thanksgiving holiday next week. I still don't have a laptop though, thanks to nobody really knowing anything about anything (sense my frustration). I'll have to fix that.