Today was just a normal Monday teaching wise, but halfway through the day the immigration people paid a surprise visit. Luckily everyone’s visas were in order, but being hauled out of class and asked to produce your Alien Registration Card is nervewracking, even if you know your papers are correct. I guess they have to do these checks from time to time.

I get especially nervous every year when I go to renew my visa. I think it’s because it’s not just my job and my home on the line, but our relationship too. I think many international couples will have experienced the fear of being separated due to some bureacracy. We are fortunate that my status is legal and English teachers are in plenty of demand. Being part of an international couple has benefits too. It’s great to be able to share each other’s cultures and it adds an extra layer to a relationship. Just keep your visa up to date!

Leave a comment

Recent posts

  • Of Fishing and Failure

    Today we decided to go sea fishing. We drove 90 minutes to a small island near Incheon airport, and we bought our fishing worms, some coffee and some ramyun. The second we pulled into the car park the heavens opened and the rain came down. We ate our noodles in the car, watching people pack…

  • Of Forests and Fitness

    Today we went a drive to a local forest for a walk, and a look for chestnuts as they are in season now. It was beautiful, full of pines and chestnut trees, quiet and green. There was only one other couple there. I love the forest and fully believe it is good for your mind…

  • Two Hearts Bakery Cafe

  • Songpyeon for Chuseok

  • Of Sweetness and Superposition

    A few weeks ago, before the previous teachers left, we went to Outback Steakhouse for lunch together. I ordered chicken salad. The seasoning was off as the chicken was too salty. The thing that I couldn’t get over though was how sweet the cheese soup was. The bread and butter were sweet too. I have…

  • Of Retro and Remembering

    Today we had Retro Day at the school. I didn’t have any clothes from the past but I found a worn baseball cap, from San Francisco, that looked vintage. The kids dressed up. There was a photo zone and fashion parade. We made dalgona candy and ddakji, which people may know of now, due to…