I learned today that when you are unsure as to where you are going, follow the labels you know. Nothing good comes from going away from Nina Ricci, so, by default, going towards will yield the best results.
I passed the U.N. Village, where, as I later found out, diplomats live when they stay here in Korea. It was the only building on the street that was, well, pretty.
And, as always, Seoul surprises me with her culinary delights. Those pretty pink flowers are an edible cake. Pretty, pretty good.
I was a little lost, wandering all along The Hill, so I ended up going into the Nina Ricci building (the Italian consulate could be there, right?). I guess they're building a store? Who knows...it was gorgeous anyway. No luck finding the embassy (are the embassy and the consulate the same place?).
I finally arrived at the Italian Embassy, mere steps (and an hour and a half) from where I started. The trick is to find someone who can give you directions and understand what you're asking for. That aside, it was a pretty impressive building and boy! was I glad to see that flag waving!
The inside was just as majestic as the outside, if not more so. Though there were other offices in the building, my office was the only one that mattered. The transparent staircase? Awesome...
Here's what the consular told me (he was the Big Cheese and I got to sit with him for about ten minutes with no appointment! I had to wait an hour or so, but it was SO worth it!): I have two legal choices:
1. I can apply for Italian citizenship as a regular Joe(lle). I will write a letter requesting citizenship to be granted, explaining how my father, grandparents, and great-grandparents all relinquished their Italian citizenship when they became Canadians and see if Italy will bestow upon me their highest honour. The letter is being written in my head as we speak. They like that I still have family in the country and that I've always wanted to return as a citizen, though my family can't (or won't).
2. I score a contract with a great school for whom I want to work (read: an international school. They pay well and I would get to teach my subjects). Once I get the contract, I return to the embassy in Korea or Canada and apply for a work visa. The consular told me that in order to get these jobs, they have to prove that there is no Italian who could fill the position and then no EU passport holder who can fill the position. Le sigh. BUT I was just talking to Nathan (the eternal optimist), who said, "you just have to find the right school. Once they want you, they say that there was no one else who could do the job." Ohhhh...right. Sounds great to me!
After the meeting, (before talking to Nathan), I was a little overwhelmed at what loomed ahead of me. Trying to remain ever positive, I thought about all the ways I could impress them with my teaching ability. I am, after all, a biology, science, and math teacher. That's pretty impressive, right? Right!
I walked around the city for over an hour. I wound up walking across the Han River, which I didn't even know you could do. My view certainly did make me feel a little more grounded and in awe of what was around me. I guess anything is possible...
The walking path alongside the river is so much more majestic than mine along Anyang's river. Oh well...I like mine juuuust fine!
This was my favourite picture of them all though. At the end of the bridge, looking back...it was really a gorgeous sight.
Then after an hour on the subway, THIS is what I came up to. Just LOOK at that blue sky! It was about 15 degrees today in the sunshine. I just LOVE the weather!
I took it as a sign:
with a little hard work
and a lot of positive energy,
this is going to happen.
Just watch!
with a little hard work
and a lot of positive energy,
this is going to happen.
Just watch!
No comments:
Post a Comment