The Best Experience Ever... Not

Last Friday I had the wonderful opportunity to get a health check here in Korea. {please note the sarcasm} 

Last post I talked about all the hoops we had to jump through to get our E2 visas; today I want to talk about one of the steps you have to do when you get to the country. 

The Health Check 

This was one of the things I was most worried about because I could never find conclusive evidence on what the heck happened during said health check. I really didn't know what was going to happen and what they were going to test for. 

Now, it's not like I had anything to hide, but I always get a little paranoid when I don't know exactly what is going to happen. 

All I knew was they for sure tested for drugs and STDs {which I know I don't use/ have}, but other than that it was a mystery. 

So here's the wonderful process for those that are curious about the torture they put me through. 

{How I felt after my exam.} 

{I needed my passport, a passport sized photo, and 80 Won} 

Room One: 

Height and Weight - there was a little confusion as a tried to step on the scale with my shoes and got yelled at by the nurse... oops. But in my defense in America the nurses usually laughed at me if I tried to take my shoes off before getting weighed. 

Bust Size- I don't know what this has to do with my health other than telling everyone I have huge boobs, but they do it :) 

Vision Test- they make you read the line at the bottom... you know the one that just looks like dots. I mean- who can read that line? 

Hearing Test- Like the ones you do in grade school 

Blood Pressure- Pretty standard I would say 

Room Two: 

*The nurse asked me if I spoke Korean. I said no. She said well that's okay. Thanks Nurse. 

Urine Test- again standard. You just go to the bathroom, and pee in a cup. 

EKG- Okay, I was NOT expecting this. I had to lay on an exam table (with my shoes off) and then take my shirt and bra off. The nurse then stuck a bunch of suction like cups to my chest and what looked to be battery jumper cables to my wrists and ankles. I guess at this point my heart rate was going crazy because the nurse told me to calm down. Calm Down! Are you kidding? There was no way I was going to be able to lower my heart rate as I was half naked and had a bunch of stuff strapped to my chest. I guess it finally calmed down enough for her to like the results. Good news is that I have a regular heart rhythm even if my heart rate was elevated. 

*Note- Matt does not remember this at all, so maybe it was just me that had to do this. All I could think of during this was electroshock therapy, and I kept waiting for a shock. 

Blood Work- I don't know exactly what they ran, but I am assuming it was a drug and STD test. I know they check your liver because Matt had to redo that test because his results were a little off. *You have to wait to get your blood work back, so you won't know your results until later. 

Room Three: 

Chest X-Ray- Again, I had to strip off my shirt and bra, but at least this time it was in a little room and I got to put a grown on. I think this is for TB, but again not really sure. 

Room Four: 

Doctor- After all this you go and talk with the doctor as he reads your report. My doctor was really good looking, and nice. He said it looked like I was nervous because of my heart rate, and then he checked my lungs and breathing. And that was that. 

The exam was done. Now, I just wait for the results and then I can move on to the next part of my immigration process. 

I was really lucky because the director of my school came with me, and he was able to take me from room to room. When Matt went he had to go by himself, and I can't even image doing this by myself. 

It really wasn't that horrible, but I wish I had been prepared for the EKG. That was what freaked me out the most. I am actually surprised everyone was so nice (other than the nurse from room two). The information I had found on the internet said that the doctor and nurses would comment on my weight and basically call me fat, but they didn't say anything. Which I am thankful for because I am pretty sure I would have started crying. 

I really hope this information helps someone because I know I was stressed about the health check. 

If any expats have any notes or stories to share, please share them with me! I love hearing other people's immigration process. 

The Road to Our E2 Visas

By the time we figured out Matt was going to Korea we only had 6 weeks to get all the visa work done. 

We were really nervous because the list of documents we needed seemed really long, and we had never done something like this before. I wanted to share the process we went through in order to help those that may be trying to get their visas, or maybe are just curious about the E2 visa. 

One thing is for sure: Visas = a lot of hoops to jump through. 

An E2 Visa is specifically for people going over to teach English. 

Here is what you need for an E2 Visa:  

1. Copy of College Diploma (notarized and apostilled)*

2. FBI Background Check** (notarized and apostilled) 

3. Official University Transcript (we got 3, but only needed 1) 

4. Health Assessment Form (found here)

5. Two Passport Photos 

6. Copy of Information Page of Passport 

7. Resume 

8. Signed Teaching Contract 

*An apostille is another form of authentication. In order to get a document apostilled you need to first get it notarized (most banks and schools have a notary). The notary will give you a cover sheet with all their information. This will cost $5 per signature (document you need notarized). You will then take the cover sheet and the form to your state Circuit Court and the clerks will then verify that the notary is valid, and they will give you another cover sheet. This will cost $3 per document. The last step is to take all those papers to the Lieutenant Governor's office to get it apostilled. They will give you another coversheet and it will cost $1 per document. In some states you will need to make an appointment with the Lieutenant Governor's office. In Hawaii, you can just walk in. 

So at the end of this process you will have: Three Cover Sheets (Apostille, Circuit Court, and Notary Form) and the copy of your document. Make sure to staple these together so its easy for immigration to follow. 

**To go directly through the FBI can take a while. Since Matt and I didn't have a lot of time we went through one of the companies that is allowed to run FBI background checks. These companies can get your background check to you within 2 weeks. (When Matt and I did this we got it back that day.) You will need to go to office and get your fingerprints done. This whole process will cost $50. 

You will then send all of these documents to the Korea Immigration office, or your school depending on what your director wants. Matt and I sent our documents through Fed Ex and it cost $50 to send the envelope. *Note- we sent one envelope through UPS and they took a lot longer than Fed Ex, so I recommend Fed Ex. Since it costs so much to ship documents I would really try to get everything done right the first time. 

After your documents are approved through the Korean Immigration Office, you will get a Visa confirmation number. You will then take your confirmation number, a passport photo, and your passport to the Korean Consulate. (Or mail it in if you don't have a consulate in your state.) 

You will also need to fill out the visa application and pay $45. 

Then you pick up your visa! For us, this took a week. I am not sure how long it will take if you have to mail your info in. 

And that is that- you have your E2 visa and you're good to go. 

At least until you get into the country, but that's for another blog post. 

Total Cost for Matt and I: $340 

I hope you found this helpful. If any readers have any helpful tips, please leave your comments. 

*Note: This information was valid from August 2013. I would always check with the immigration office as things change a lot. 

Friday's Letters #3

Dear Korean BBQ Place, I really love you. I look forward to having any excuse to go and eat your food. I love that you are literally right next to where we live, and I am going to miss you when we move next week. But I promise to visit all the time. 

Dear Owner of Korean BBQ Place, I love you as well. Every time we visit, you make us feel so welcome. Plus, you said my hair was beautiful- thanks for that. You are a food pusher in every good sense of the word.

Dear Big Brother 15, thanks for keeping me company while Matt is at work. You are such a trashy show, but I love you anyway. But for real- Helen needs to leave.

{image via} 

Dear Korean Health Check, Thanks for making me super uncomfortable. I know it’s not really your fault, but I did not enjoy that one bit. {More to come the health check later.}

Dear New Blog Followers, Thank you so much for reading, leaving your comments, and coming back day after day. I really appreciate it. If there is anything you want to know about me please feel free to leave a comment, or send an e-mail. I love you guys!

Dear Matt, You keep cooking our meat and wearing those suspenders, and I'll love you forever. 

 Dear Fall, Get here faster.

Love, Alex 

Friday Flashback #62

The last few weeks I have been sharing pictures because I haven’t had any ideas for stories to share. Boy do I have one for you today!

If you didn't know, I love Maxi dresses and skirts. They are so comfortable, but they are nice enough to wear out or to work. You can really do anything with a Maxi.

Including get stuck in an escalator.

Yup, it happened.

Did you ever seen the episode of Modern Family where Claire gets her coat stuck in the escalator and she's naked underneath? This story is kinda like that. 

{image via} 

A while back, Matt and I were at a mall in Hawaii and needed to go down the escalator. As I stepped off the escalator I realized something was not coming with me. My skirt had gotten stuck in the escalator. I panicked immediately and yelled for Matt who was a few steps ahead of me.

I think I said something like “I’m stuck!”

Matt had to come back and grab my skirt out of the gears of the escalator. There were all these people just looking at me and laughing. And what was weird was that the guy behind me just pushed past me- he didn’t even try to help!

Finally Matt was able to free my skirt and I was saved! I guess I am just lucky that my skirt didn’t tear off and leave me standing in my underwear in front of Windward mall. And I am really lucky that Matt was there to help me. If not, I probably would have been standing there in my underwear. 

Do you have any really embarrassing stories like this? I would love to hear your embarrassing stories- please share!

I Know You See Me

I have been in Korea for about 12 days, and so far I love it. I could definitely go for some cooler weather, but I'm sure that will come soon enough.  

I know it's only been a few days, but there is something I am having a hard time adjusting to: 

The Stares. 

When I go out, people stare at me. Let me clarify: Not everyone does, and I know that not everyone that does is doing it in a mean way. Most of the time I think they are just curious. In fact, it's usually people in the older generations and really young children that I find staring at me. 

At one restaurant we went to a toddler turned all the way around in her highchair and stared at me for a good five minutes. At first it was really funny, but then I started to feel like I had two heads. Every time I smiled and waved her eyes just got real big and her mouth dropped open. 

 Before I moved here I had friends telling me that I should expect this because of my hair and eye color, so I was trying to prepare. I knew this was going to to happen, but I don't think you really know what to expect until you're actually in the situation. And honestly, it's a little disconcerting. 

So I have two options to chose from

1. I could let this bother me and take offense 

2. Accept that I will, at times, get weird looks and move on with my life

Of course, I am choosing route two. Getting strange looks is going to happen, and maybe some people will talk about me (but I don't know Korean so I really will have no idea). But I really can't let this uncomfortable fact ruin my time here in Korea. What I can do is make sure my actions show that I am not some crazy foreigner with no respect for local customs and practices. I can make sure that when people stare- they will see something positive. I just have to remember that no matter what country I am in- people are going to watch, and that is okay. 

{image via} 

So what if at times I am being looked at? Just because I am uncomfortable doesn't mean I can't have a good time. This is the start of a very good adventure. If I was 100% comfortable- it wouldn't be an adventure. 

What do you think? Have you ever had a similar experience? What did you do to overcome it? 

Wanderlust Wednesday: Natural Wonders {A Link Up}

Today I am linking up with Casey from True Colours for her monthly Wanderlust Wednesday link-up. This is the first time I am taking part in Wanderlust Wednesday and I am very excited. 

{PS- If you haven't been to Casey's blog yet, I would highly encourage you to.} 

I wanted to go back in time and share with you one of the most wonderful places I have ever been: 

The Isle of Skye. 

{The Old Man of Storr} 

Lately, I have been reading all these blog posts about these wonderful adventures to the UK, and they really make me miss my time as a study abroad student. 

While studying abroad, a friend of mine, Jenny, and I had the opportunity to take a tour through the highlands of Scotland and visit the Isle of Skye. Jenny and I booked a three day tour through the company Rabbie's, and it was awesome. Our guide was great, and the tour was even better. Rabbie's offers all sorts of driving/ hiking tours throughout the U.K., and what's great is you set the budget and they will set up your accommodations. I like booking tours like this because you have an expert driving you around and they give you a bunch of history and facts surrounding the area. 

We went in the Fall and a lot of reviews said it would not be at its prettiest, but I could not image it any more beautiful. Plus, there were only three other people on our tour bus, so it made the tour a little more flexible. 

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the tour: 

{The Highlands} 

 {Bearreraig Bay}

 {Me and Jenny}

 {Creag An Fheilidh}

 {Neist Point}

 {Neist Point Lighthouse}

{Eilean Donan Castle} 

What do you think is the Isle of Skye a natural wonder? Would you ever visit the Isle of Skye? 

Discover Scuba {Travel Tuesdays} {Travel Series}

This week I wanted to share with you one of the greatest experiences I have ever had: Scuba Diving! 

While my cousins were in town we decided to try Discover Scuba. Discover Scuba is for those trying to figure out if they want to pay the money to get certified to scuba. It's good for those that aren't sure if they can actually dive. 

Becoming scuba certified is on my 50 by 50 list, but I get really nervous in open water, and I wasn't sure I would be able to do it. Discover Scuba is the perfect entry into diving. 

Discover Scuba with Rainbow Scuba Hawaii 

Time: About 4 hours 

Cost: $100 

Location: Piers across from Ward Center in Honolulu 

There are a few dive companies that offer discover scuba, so I want to talk to you about how we chose Ken at Rainbow Scuba. My friends and I started talking about going diving and immediately we were on Yelp and Trip Advisor to see what company was going to be best for us. We had it narrowed down to Rainbow Scuba and one other company. We were kinda on the fence about the two. They both offered two different dives on your tour, both had really good reviews, and both were pretty close in price (Rainbow was cheaper by $25). So I called both companies just to get a feel of them, and right off the bat I knew I was going with Ken at Rainbow. 

He was super helpful on the phone and made me feel really comfortable, so we picked him. Plus, he takes pictures while you are under water and they are given to you for free! 

{Jessie, Me, Jane, Tyler, and Jake} 

When we got to the piers we had to put on our wet suits, which was literally the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and get set up with flippers. 

Then you get on the boat and while they are driving to the first site Ken takes you through the basics. {Clearing your mask, breathing through your respirator, popping your ears, etc.} 

*I get really sea sick so I took Bonine the night before and an hour before our dive. This was recommended by Rainbow Scuba, and it worked really well. I did not get sick at all. 

{Jessie, Jane, Jake, Tyler, Me, and Ken- with Diamond Head in the background} 

What's weird is that you are on the boat with other tour companies, so you can see how the other tour guides teach and treat their customers. {I'm happy we went with Ken.} 

After your short intro to scuba, Ken gets all your stuff on and then you're in the water. Discover Scuba is really basic when it comes to what you have to know. We didn't learn how to check our gauges because the instructor does that for you. The dives are only about 40 feet deep, so you see everything, but you are still safe. While we were under water, Ken was constantly counting us and checking our gauges. I know this would freak some people out, but I felt like I got enough information to do well. Plus, I stuck pretty close to Ken. 

{That's me floating up. The whole first dive I had a hard time staying on the ground. This was our first group shot and Tyler was trying to pull me down and still look good for the camera.} 

There were three things I was worried about: 

1. Being able to clear my mask under water- which was really easy

2. Being able to pop my ears- everyone else seemed to be able to dive down and pop their ears, but I had to stop diving to pop them and then I could keep going. I was always able to pop them, but I felt like I was always having to do it. The first time we went down I started to panic because they weren't popping and it was really hurting, but Ken stayed with me until I was good to go. 

3. Seeing a shark- Everyone in my group wanted to see one and I was so scared, but we saw one and it really wasn't that big of a deal. 

{White tipped reef shark- about 6-7 feet} 

{Our first dive was to a spot called Turtle Island. There were tons of turtles just swimming around. And they were huge!} 

{This whole reef was filled with fish} 

This was seriously the best experience ever. I am glad they have programs like this because we got to experience a real dive without having too much stress for our first dive. I will definitely be getting certified in the future. Most Discover Scuba programs are set up to put money towards your certification so you usually get a discount if you go through the same company. 

Being underwater is unreal. It is so beautiful down there. The pictures are not even close to how pretty it was. We were able to see so many cool things- I am glad I got the courage and went. 

It was such a blast, and I'm so thankful I was able to go with such great friends and family; I only wish Matt was able to go. 

{Me, Jessie, Tyler, Jane, and Jake- I love that he is sitting on the floor. It looks like he is pouting.} 

What do you think? Would you ever scuba dive?

If you dived before, what's been your favorite dive?