Spring = Good weather = Nikki's happiness

First cherry blossom in Busan

Yes, spring is finally here. This weekend, we will see the first of the cherry blossom season. I've been looking forward to this day for a few months. As I mentioned before, I didn't have a very pleasant and happy winter. Spring in Korea is a very exciting time because the flowers all bloom and the weather is warm.

One of the many pots of flowers for our new principal.

A few updates from the last time I wrote. I started a new semester and there were some changes at my school. We have a new principal. He's quite nice and seems more talkative than our previous principal. He came in my class a few times to check on my students... telling them to show me respect and to sit up right. He probably also wanted to see if I'm doing my job and good news is he seems to be satisfied with my teaching. I do have a group of new 1st graders and they are a blast. I'm surprised they are not as loud as my last class. They are more cooperative; maybe they are still fascinated with my English. This honeymoon stage might not last long. I think once they are used to me, they will start yelling and running around like typical kids. My schedule changed a bit and it took a few adjustments with taking the bus but things are quite settled this week. 

Flower blooming on my street

Fortunately for me, some things didn't change. I still have my co-teacher and my mentor teacher. I was afraid that I would have to work with a new co-teacher. There were news that my mentor teacher was leaving the school but she's staying for another year or so. Yay!

what a sight! 

The excitement of being in Korea is gone. I have to find things to do to keep myself from dying of boredom. I often go on a run twice a week. Running keeps me positive and happier mentally. I'm also training for my 10k on April 13. I also attend a Christian book club with a couple of teachers on Wednesday nights. We have a new group since new teachers just arrived in Pohang. On Saturdays, I try to go on a hike in another city. On Sundays, I would attend mass with the Filipino community and eat with them after. During my free time, I would read and watch shows online. So that's my typical week this semester. 

with some English teachers; checking out the blossom 

Cherry blossom in Gyeongju, Bomun Lake

with English teacher from my school