Tuesday the 25th, I started actually inprocessing with the battalion and the band. It's basically a process of tracking the correct people down, doing what they say to do and then getting them to sign my paperwork. It is an incredibly frustrating process. I do, however, feel like a Pokemon master - gotta catch them all!
Wednesday the 26th, was my "day 3 inprocessing" at the battalion level. Which meant I had to sit in the movie theater most of the day listening to briefings on everything from sexual assault to tours of the DMZ to schools available for dependents and/or soldiers (I could get an associates, bachelors or masters but no PhD programs...) It was a long day and I didn't have nearly enough coffee...
Thursday the 27th, included more inprocessing and a bit of playing
Friday the 28th, I had PRT with my unit for the first time. We met in platoons and then it was squad run. Half my squad is on a no running profile so it was just a few of us (plus our officer for some reason) who gallivanted through the rain for about 3 miles. I am proud to say that I didn't fall out - even on the hills! Though I had an odd urge to yell "Kill the Hills!" each time we got to one. The rest of the day consisted of trying to collect more signatures for inprocessing, doing online classes for inprocessing and a concert band rehearsal for our recording studio gig on monday (hello marches...) Afterwards, there was a touch of drama and then a group of us went down to Rainbow Galbi for Korean BBQ and soju. Then to WA bar and then Seoul Pub in Itaewon where one of our band mates moonlights as a bartender. We left with plenty of time to make it back before curfew though we had to wait for some silly girls who couldn't get the self automated gates to work. It's actually an interesting set up - you have to scan your ID card and then walk into a sealed booth through one door. The machine directs you to place your finger on the scanner where is checks your fingerprint in the system. If you check out, you are allowed to continue through the next door and onto post. The system is pretty touchy so sometimes the first door doesn't like your id or the machine doesn't like your finger and it screams at you to "exit the booth!" Luckily I have a good ID card and a small, easily readable finger so I am usually a first time go.
Saturday the 29th, I was a lazy bum and slept in and then refused to get out of bed before reading for a bit. I met up with a band friend for coffee and donuts. That afternoon I learned why you should never volunteer unless you know whats going on. But after that fiasco, a group of us made the trek up to Seoul Tower to watch our rock band play. Seoul Tower is one of the tourist landmarks here and quite a hike to walk up to! It was a collection of steep inclines sprinkled with endless stairs. I think if I walked/trudged/ran up to Seoul Tower every week, I would be in amazing shape by the time my tour here is done. At the top, we camped out and watched the rock band play and ate Cold Stone Creamery. Afterwards, we treked back down and ended up at a little pub that had a decent Stout. I hope to go back to the little pub because they had all sorts of wild pizzas that reminded me of Motor City Brewery. Though, a bit more wild with wild boar sausage and the like...
Today, Sunday the 30th, I rolled out of bed in time to participate in my book club which was a rousing discussion as always. It's great to be able to talk with everyone back home! This afternoon, one of the married band couples who lives off post had a BBQ at their apartment (actually on the roof of their apartment) so myself and a friend tracked down ice, charcoal and a selection of booze to bring - it was the last day before our alcohol rations reset. The BBQ was a lot of fun - a selection of band folk were there and the view was amazing. And the evening ended with Cards Against Humanity (which is always a good time!)
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