Just found out we were stolen from!

 So we get a registered mail sent to me. I am thinking it is back taxes, or perhaps fines totaling around 450,000 Korean won. Ok, no biggie. We went and picked up the mail. It was a reminder from immigration that reminded me to get my visa extended! We were shocked! Usually, they send a text message. Why waste time sending paper mail?

Well, the main post office is next to the police station. We decided that we ought to pay the fines on our car then it will be possible to throw the car out. Basically, sell it for scrap to a junkyard. We found that over 1.6 million won in fines had not been paid. You see many people in South Korea do not settle traffic fines right away. Years, ago the practice was if you want to get a new car you clear all of the old fines. That is what junkyards told us years ago. Being young and ignorant of the system we trusted that they would pay those fines. Well, they did not and pocketed the difference instead of paying the fine. They saw two foreigners who didn't ask for receipts and did not follow up on them. 

The police officer was surprised when we said we would pay for the fine in full. It pays to be on top of matters related to owning cars or property. You must follow up on things to make sure there is nothing in your name. I think our next post will focus on taxes here in South Korea.

/tata

Had a wonderful weekend!

 So Yogi and I along with our boys had a nice weekend. It was very odd due to Yogita and I eating an early lunch on Saturday. Afterward, we explored our area for a bit. We settled on eel. We found a really nice Eel restaurant near the motel we visit every weekend. We walked for over 3 kilometers looking for the drinks we enjoy. We found an Indonesian restaurant, and right next to it was a Chinese restaurant. We did not go in but we might order food for the family. 

The next day we walked to the South Asian food store and picked up lamb, and goat meat. This is perhaps my favorite protein. The boys are excited because they will prepare biriyani, a wonderful rice dish from India. 

Note to self I need to overclock the CPU in the computer George uses. Basically, it was just us spending time together offline and online. When we are at the restaurant our oldest son usually asks us questions about the cuisine we are trying. Sometimes family time is the best time. Spending time with others can get tedious. More on that next post...if I remember.

/tata

Another odd week is ending...

 So at the school, I work at our weekend makeup classes have been canceled. I am very happy because now I can teach my other students. I actually, feel happier, spend more time with Yogita, and even make more money teaching those students. I am able to communicate directly to parents to help prevent issues. 

Where I work at a certain person has a really bad reputation in this city. The opinion of her is that she is not kind, is rude to students and parents. Also if parents have a complaint she shouts at parents, arguing with them. I have seen this on a few occasions. I saw her fight with another teacher (Korean) in a very unprofessional way. 

So while I am happy about this change, there is another side to this. The make-up classes have been postponed until March! This year Yogita and I will make sure to NOT spend time with this person. Work is fine. Anything visa-related to work there is no issue dealing with her. However, she is not friendly towards us at all. She leaves a cold arrogant impression which rubs us the wrong way. It is important to not put oneself in a position where one will do something wrong. 

I feel that it is wise for us to limit interaction with people like this. So yes an odd week is ending, but another one will come at a later date.

/tata

Over 200 cases of covid-19 in Iksan...

 This is not a surprise. I think due to the omi variant of the virus this is happening. It seems this new variant is far more transmissible. It spreads like the common cold. The people who have gotten this form of covid-19 infection are showing very mild symptoms. This is fortunate. Of course, people still have a strong irrational fear. Like Adam in the garden of Eden people, today are not logical. They wish to place blame. You see in the school that I work at we have 3 positive cases.

People blamed the academy. We all got tested and other than those who likely contracted the virus from traveling to other areas, we all tested negative. This system we live in is full of extreme fear. People are anxious about so many things. In the bible, Jesus tells us not to do this. He said that God knows what we need and at the right time he will give it to us. I have seen this in my life. I am trying more and more to pay close attention. Sometimes we are being led in a certain direction. We are being guided. We need to pay attention, stay awake, and stand firm. 

So even though there are 200 cases (215) in Iksan of covid-19 infections, I will not stress. I will, however, be as careful as I can. I am now using kf-94 masks, well we all are now. 

Ah, this is the week where I will work 7 days thanks to covid-19 LOL.

/tata ... 5 more to go.....

A wierd two week...

 Well, last week was certainly odd. I had two covid-19 tests, both came back negative. I knew they would. The kid who got sick always wears her masks and routinely washes her little hands. 

This week we are coming off of the Lunar New holiday. It was a nice time for my family. I didn't walk as much as I wanted. I feel so bloaty because of that. Now, I am back at work yet it is a two-day workweek. Next week will balance things out as we will have makeup classes on the weekend. Saturday is not really a drag for me as I normally work 6.5, or 8.5 hour days. Sunday is only 3 hours which I like because I can walk with Yogita while the sun is up. So expect really good numbers for walking in the next two weeks. 

It is tough to get over this sandwich holiday thing in South Korea. One main issue is that due to how fast workdays pass for us two days feel like a blink of an eye. 

I had a great holiday though! I spent it with people I wanted to spend it with. Well, there is one exception. Time to search for used cars, then start this work day!

/tata