Our flight from Heathrow was ok, but I didn't get much sleep and developed a sore throat, which then turned into a full cold.When we arrived into Seoul we got through immigration with no problems and then quickly found where to buy bus tickets and purchased our tickets to Gwangju.The next bus was full, so we had to wait about 40 minutes.It had been so hot on the plane and in the airport that it was really nice to stand outside in the cold for a while, and just watch the activity of the airport.My mobile phone would not pick up a service, and Graham's would only allow him to text and accept calls, so I had to find someone to ask if I could borrow their phone to call the school.The people are so friendly here, that it did not take long, and we arranged to be picked up at the bus station in Gwangju at 9.50pm.

The bus was more expensive than the Lonely Planet guide said, but I think their price must be from the city centre, and on a normal bus.The airport buses are called limousines, and there were only 28 seats on a usual 53 seater coach.The chairs are large and comfortable recliners, with a leg rest, so it was a pleasant bus ride and only about 17.00GBP each for the 4 hour journey.The even have a little tune that is played to let you know when they are stopping for a break, when the break is over, and when you arrive at your destination.They are very punctual and we actually arrived about 15 minutes early!

We were collected and driven to our apartment.Here began the first confusion, as we had been told we were going to see a small apartment which we could have for free, but that was still occupied.We were then expecting to be taken to a motel for the night to decide if we liked the apartment and if not we would see a bigger apartment the next day which we could pay some money towards each month.However this is not what happened!Since the email they had sent me a couple of days ago about this, they had decided the apartment would be too small for us, so they rented a new apartment and that is where we were taken.The apartment was great, and we could move in that night, but we had to pay an extra 100GBP per month for it.It was late, we were jet lagged, and we were told they had already got the apartment so we had no choice, so we stayed!I think it is probably what we would have chosen anyway, as the other apartment had just one room, but it would have been nice to have been given the choice we had expected!So, we have a shower room, and lounge (with the fridge and wardrobe in), a bedroom, and a small kitchen/laundry room, which is strangely off the bedroom!So the layout is a little strange, and as the apartment was new there was little in it, but the positive was that it was newly decorated and clean.Plus we get free internet.Also we are on the second floor, and everyone else must have their heating on because it's boiling, so we don't need to put our underfloor heating on at all.The Koreans seem to really feel the cold, as all the buildings are really warm inside and everyone gets really wrapped up.

On the Sunday we decided to explore our area and try to get our bearings.We found the supermarket so got food supplies and some basics for the kitchen, then decided to do a small hike.Opposite our apartment is some woodland on a steep hill.There are a couple of walking trails through it and info about distance and how many calories you will burn (they seem quite obsessed with exercise too).So, we did the 4.7km hill walk, which gave us some great views over towards the World Cup Stadium which is near our apartment.There were a lot of people out walking, and at the end of the walk there is some gym equipment you can use for free.It was a great walk, but doing it with jet lag was not such a good idea!Whilst sitting on a bench at the end of the walk we saw the strangest thing - a woman carrying a small white dog with dyed bright orange ears and tail!Now I know we had jet lag, but we definitely were not seeing things!

So it was back to the apartment for a good rest before I started work the next morning.

Maggie x