hi! still from Mexico

[howsmyenglish]

Sooo... while I have a few minutes to myself (we're still in Mexico, husband has gone away to buy some groceries, I've finally been working a little today and am pretty empty now), let me share this: I've been invited to a conference. Big deal, right? But it's just over a week after I get home from Mexico. And it's in - *screaming at the top of my voice* - Seoul! The universe must be shitting itself from laughter. So, what I'm doing here in Mexico, is enjoying myself - because I have to - and worrying, because I need to have a paper ready in ten days and a talk in a language I've never given a talk in - in fifteen. I picked a great subject, I think. It's the part of my PhD I know best. I never presented it before. It's very nicely organized and such. But. I need to get it all ready while I'm traveling. (the place we're staying at right now is one where we stay for a week, and it's the longest period in one place we have here) Aaand... I keep losing my track... aaand? Oh, yeah. And, I'll get home with an 8 hrs jet lag, spend a week to acclimatize and fly another 8 hrs in the other direction. This year is unbelievable. Really. I might have wished it, when I was a child, but please, please, can it stop now? I'd like to see my home for a change. Go to work like normal people do. Sigh.

How're you? I'm reading you every day, though not commenting too much.

Comments

[angelofthenorth]

Oof
Take care of yourself

[howsmyenglish]

I'm trying :) Thanks!

[thanatos_kalos]

Congratulations on getting accepted!!! And Seoul is *amazing*-- if you want tips on where to go and what foods to try, let me know. I lived in Korea (about an hour south of Seoul) for a year.

I've presented at many conferences (& even ran one) so if you have questions or want to run your paper by me or anything else, just send me a message. :) One thing I *will* say is that *everyone* presents while jet lagged. It's part of the experience. :(

[howsmyenglish]

Thanks! I would like some tips, even though I'll only be there for three days, two of which should be completely full with conference stuff. I'd love to know what to expect though!

And thanks for offering to review my paper! That's amazing. I'll have to finish it during the first three days back home, I really doubt I'll have the time to wait for a review. But still, the offer is amazing, especially considering how busy you are. I really appreciate it!

[thanatos_kalos]

Thanks! I would like some tips, even though I'll only be there for three days, two of which should be completely full with conference stuff. I'd love to know what to expect though!

:) Seoul (& Korea generally) is one of the most technologically advanced places in the world. Expect incredibly fast wifi and an overall sense of ppali-ppali or 'fast-fast.' Definitely see at least one castle and go to at least one night market for the food; get whatever everyone else is having. (sundae, or blood sausage, is amazing). The national museum is wonderful, so I highly recommend that too, if you have time. It will be chilly in Seoul, so bring warm clothes and good shoes. Seoul has a lot of hills so expect to do some walking. The hanok village is a must-try as well (very good cafes in the area too) and Insadong has these amazing modern art galleries. If you like sweet potatoes (and I love them ;) then try a sweet potato latte at any cafe. A Twosome Place makes really good ones and have decent food too. :)

Koreans are also generally very kind and polite and help clueless foreigners more often than not. When they want to get your attention (e.g., to offer you a seat), there is a tendency to slap the person on the hand more firmly than would be normal in the West, but it's not meant aggressively. They also love it if you try to speak Korean (even if you mangle it).

But still, the offer is amazing, especially considering how busy you are. I really appreciate it!

You're very welcome! I can always make time if you finish the paper earlier than expected. :)

[howsmyenglish]

I forgot to add: I'm allergic to garlic :/ Is Korean food very garlicky?

Thanks for all the advice! Let's see if I manage to do one thing out of all the ones you mentioned... (there's an inflammation in one of my legs and walking might be a luxury...)

Should I take the airport express bus or the train to get to the (I'm ashamed to say) Plaza? Aaand... should I buy a SIM card at the airport? Or is there enough Wifi around to do without one for four days?

[thanatos_kalos]

There is a reasonable amount of garlic, yes. :( 마늘 (maneul) is what my dictionary says. 'anio' is no and you can cross your 2 forefingers to make an 'x' to also indicate 'no.' :)

I'd go for the limousine buses; I believe the 6005 goes to City Hall, which is near where you'll be. You can take the airport line, but it's always packed & is more expensive. There are also taxis (or taxis from Seoul Station, if you take the airport express) which aren't cheap but aren't incredibly expensive either. :)

[howsmyenglish]

Yes, we've learned the crossing of fingers as a sign for "no" in Thailand)) By now, I know how to say "no garlic" in a lot of languages, including Thai and Chinese! *nodding proudly*

Thank you again! :D

[thanatos_kalos]

You're very welcome! :) Seoul is an amazing city so I'm sure you'll have a great time!

[thewayne]

Ouch! Granted, I don't know your field or the conference, but I would have thought that papers would have been due long before now and not at the conference.

That would be something to see Seoul, though.

[howsmyenglish]

In my experience, no one does anything with the papers until the conference is long over. Abstracts are another thing. Still, doesn't matter. I got a short extension, because I'm not at home and have none of my books with me :D

Whether it is something to see Seoul or not (well, I'm sure it is), I'll let you know very soon! The conf is around the corner...

[divinemusings]

How exciting! Take a deep breath. You've got this! :D

[howsmyenglish]

Thank you! It really does help.