Public Nudity

I can't believe I almost forgot to post this. I guess since I told my parents all about it, it escaped the "this must go into the blog" file. I feel that this is the most cultural experience I've had in Korea. And also one of the coolest.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to my first jimjilbang. I met my friend, Keara, and we had lunch first. She had been there many times, so it was nice to have somebody there who knew the ropes. We walk in and pay our 7,000 won. The lady gives us a towel and our shorts and t-shirt. First, we put our shoes in a locker. Then we give the shoe key to a different lady, and she gives us another key for our clothes locker. This is the part where I felt a little weird. Here in a big open locker room, you strip down. After getting over my initial "oh my god im walking around naked in front of all these Korean women and Keara" moment, we make our way into the public baths area. You are required to shower first before doing anything, so we head over to the only shower head not being used.

Before I go any further, let me paint a little picture.

Its a big square room with tile floors. Along one of the walls are the shower heads. There's also bath stations throughout the room where women sit on plastic stools and wash themselves. Another wall is filled with massage tables covered with naked ladies being scrubbed down by the workers. The back wall is home to a wet steam room and a dry steam room. The remaining wall has a cold water bath, a freakin' cold water bath, and a tepid water bath. In the middle of the room are the heated baths. Oh and there's also an area with heated stone floors to lay down on. Naked.

And it wouldn't be Korea without sinks for brushing your teeth.

So after I shower, I go into the dry steam room first. Its pretty crowded, so I'm forced to stand for a minute or two until somebody gets up. I then take their place, setting my towel on the bench before sitting down. I'm not going to pretend my eyes weren't wandering around. After all, its not everyday you get to see what Korean ladies' bodies really look like. I was surprised at all the flab. Of course there were a few of the typical Asian beauties, but the majority had pretty average bodies.

After a few minutes, my lungs felt properly saturated in steamy humid goodness. I got up and went over to the heated stone floor. You lay down on your back, naked of course, and just relax. I did cover myself with my towel, since it wasn't going to be used for anything else. A Korean lady was lying next to me, and Keara walked over for a minute. As she was walking away, the Korean lady threw her head up to watch her walk away. I guess Koreans are as curious as I was.

Picture this sans clothes and Star Wars towel-do

After my back was hurting from lying in one position, I decided I wasn't ready for the lying on my side with my ass hanging out yet. So, Keara and I tried out the warm baths in the middle. She then wanted to try out the cold baths, and for some reason, I went with her. I could only get in up to my stomach, and I quickly got out to jump back into the warm bath.

During all this, I observed. Old ladies are walking around careful not to step on their boobs, and little kids are running around without a care in the world. But the sweetest thing I saw were the moms washing their kids. It almost felt like we were in ancient Rome. And it may sound gross, but it was so clean. Everywhere you look, you see women exfoliating in the shower, lathering on the soap, and brushing their teeth.

Its interesting to think about from a cultural standpoint. Here you've got a typical conservative Asian country, where tank tops and flip flops are frowned upon. Yet, you walk into a jimjilbang and women are completely comfortable in their own skin with no inhibitions about being naked in front of their friends and strangers.

America, however, seems to be the opposite. Women can get away with wearing practically anything (nothing, rather), but get us into a locker room and eveybody's reaching for the towel from behind the shower curtain.

But there's more to a jimjilbang than public nudity. We walk out of the baths, and put on our matching pink shorts and shirt. After walking down a long hallway, we reach the co-ed part. There's little cubbies filled with Koreans napping, reading, eating, and talking. There's all kinds of different heated rooms to sit in. For instance, a salt room, charcoal room, lavendar room, etc.


They also have massage chairs (1,000 won for 10 minutes), which we took full advantage of.

Again, old people walk around, little kids run around and play. It's like an indoor central park. There's even a snack bar and restaurant!

I can say with full certainty that won't be my last trip to the jimjilbang. I feel clean and relaxed just writing about it.

George Bush has charisma, and Obama is an adulterer.

One of the parents I teach asked me to go to dinner with her tonight to practice her English. When she asked me, she specifically said, just you and me. This lady is very spastic, intense, and just a lot to handle. But, she's also very nice and sweet, and who are we kidding? I'm not one to turn down a free meal.

So, I got home from school, did pilates, threw on a shirt, put my hair in a messy bun, threw on my sneakers, and walked to the restaurant. Whatever, just get this dinner/English practice over with, so I can be warm in my PJs.

She walks to the door to meet me, and takes me to our table. As I'm putting my things down, I realize there's two guys sitting at the table RIGHT next to us. They are looking at us like they know her or something. One of them is really really really cute too.

"Rachel, this is my nephew and my son!"

Oh shit.

I immediately see the cute sweater hanging in my closet, the stylish black boots next to my door, and my hair straightener and brush just lying by the bathroom sink.

Luckily, my mind wakes back up in time to meet Max, the Korean with the heavy Australian accent from Melbourne who will graduate with an Accounting degree next year. And her son, who I've taught for four months, but have no recognition of who he is. Don't judge- I see 750 students each week. Still, it would have been nice if he were one of the few kids whose face and name I do know.

Her English level is low, but she is asking me all kinds of questions about myself. Questions like: Do you like sports? Max likes sports. I've heard Koreans like to fix people up and set up blind dates and such. I just didn't realize they would do it without asking you first. But, don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. I kept waiting for the moment she would put food in her mouth, so Max and I could talk. After all, its not everyday you get to speak to a Korean who is fluent in English, has an Australian accent, weighs more than 100 lbs, likes Harry Potter, and gets sarcasm. And has an Australian accent.

Ugh, but then Korea and its common questions had to go and rain on my parade.

She asked me how old I was.

"23 in America, but 24 in Korea." (FYI-technically I'm 25 in Korea now, since its after January 1st. Everybody turns a year older after the new year. However, I refuse to say I'm 25.)

I then asked Max how old he was.

Smiling, he says "I'm 19 in Australia."

Fuck wank bugger shitting arse head and hole.

Anyways....Grace then says "You from Texas Austin! Georgey Bushey from Texas Austin!"

Me: "Yes, he is, unfortunately."

Grace: "I love Georgey Bushey! You don't like Bushey? Why?"

Me: "I don't think he was a good president. Why do you like him?"

Grace: "Oh, he has charisma!"

She then tells me she has a dog, and wanna know what her dog's name is?
Georgey Bushey.

Grace:"Do you like Obama?"

Me: "Yes, I do."

Grace: "He cheat on his wife. She is crazy and angry!"

Me: "Obama? Why do you think this is true?"

Grace: "It is in the internet! Go searchey in internet. It is there."

Oh well, at least I got a free meal with a side of ear candy.

Answers Part Ta-sot

Question One: Have you done anything that's a norm here in America but is considered rude or odd in Korea?
I don't think I've done anything too bad. You are supposed to bow to your bosses and even other teachers at school. There's quite a few times I either forget or just don't. Its so different than what I was taught growing up: eye contact, firm hand shake, smiling, all that jazz.

Plus, if I were to bow to every teacher that walked by, I would start doing it automatically as a reflex when students do it to me...and the students would probably laugh at me for bowing at them.

Also, at the movie theater, doctor's office, post office, bank, etc... you walk up to a small machine and take a numbered piece of paper to get your place in line. I guess since there's so many people, it helps keep everything in order. However, its nice to play the foreigner card every now and again. Laurie and I didn't realize we had to have a number to buy a movie ticket, but the cashier helped us anyway. I'd like to take this moment to say sorry to all the Koreans in line behind us!


Question Two: Here is the MOST important question. Are there any cute guys?!
FYI- I copied and pasted this question. My friends just have their priorities in the right order.

The answer is: yes, ne, oui, si, ja.
Here's the thing though. Before I came to Korea, I thought most Asians weren't very attractive. But when you see them in person, its completely different than seeing a picture. So keep that in mind if you ever see me freak out when I see a picture of Rain. Also, Koreans are the tallest out of all the Asian countries. So that's always nice as far as eye candy goes.

Kang Dong Won & Rain

Since I'm bored right now, here's a better way to show you some hot Korean guys. Alright, you might not think they're cute, but its the music and dancing that's so hot! Plus, people live and breathe Kpop over here. It seeps into my system even when I'm sleeping, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sorry you can't see the entire screen! I don't know how to fix it.

Answers Part Dul

Question 1: Have you been dating, and, if so, who's the lucky lad?

No. I'm beginning to think I'll never date again. Or even meet a single cute smart funny interesting guy who isn't condescending and arrogant. I've met single guys. and cute guys. and funny and interesting guys. and arrogant and condescending guys. But none who fit all of those qualities (minus the last two of course).
I'm not bitter at all though. Clearly.

Next question!

Question 2: What's the nightlife like?

Before I answer this, it should go on the record that I'm not really a "nightlife" person. I'm more of a "lets go get coffee and read/chat person". I did go to a few bars and clubs in Daegu for Halloween, and it was pretty similar to the ones back home. I even got to play fooseball! But the epitome of Korean nightlife is in Seoul (in Hongdae), and its apparently a real happening place. It's close to a lot of the major universities, so there's tons of dance clubs and bars. Also, the subways close around 11:30! You would think this would make people leave earlier. But, it actually just means everybody stays out until the following morning. Clubs and bars don't have a specific closing time. They can stay open as long as they want. Also, the noraebangs (karaoke) and DVDbangs are open 24 hours a day.

One night, my friends and I went to Sinchon (right next to Hongdae) and stayed at a bar until around 1am. Since we couldn't get home cheaply, we went to a DVDbang until 5am when the subways open.

They have tons of movies to choose from. You pick one, they put it in for you, and it shows up on a big projector screen in your room. Although they tend to be popular for couples (if you know what I mean), ours was very clean.

Korea is also famous for their public baths or saunas. These are open 24 hours a day, and usually cost about 6,000 won to get in ($6). I haven't been yet, but there's hot tubs, pools, and nap rooms. The thing is...you take a shower first, and then you're naked! I get stared at so much with my clothes ON. I don't want to think about the stares I would get if they could see ALL of my white skin.

As much as Korea has a variety of fun things to do at night....my friends and I went out in Suwon last weekend (city of 3 million people and 14 universities). Every single place was D.E.A.D. I asked a girl I know who has lived in Korea for 2 years why, and she said "Everybody works hard during the summer to get a boyfriend/girlfriend, so they just stay in together during the winter when its cold." Come to think of it, this paragraph should probably be moved to question 1.

Question 3: Do you live near a U.S. military base? Do you ever run into any U.S. soldiers?

A) Not really. There's an air force base maybe 30 minutes away, but I never go that far south on the subway.
B) I met one guy (his fiance is an english teacher) in the army, and he is a really cool, nice, down to earth guy. But he's from Texas, so that's a no brainer.
However, unfortunately, the other soldies I've come across have been complete jerks. I realize they didn't choose to live in Seoul, but they were embarrassingly rude to other Koreans and extremely close minded about other cultures.

I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW that's not how most of the soldiers are, but I've only come across a very small group, and they were all like that. Which is probably why they were all hanging out together. But really-I know a girl who used to be stationed here, and she is nothing but nice and polite, so please don't get the wrong idea!

11-11 = 2-14

No, I'm not saying that 0 is equal to -12.

On November 11th, Korea celebrates Pepero Day. Pepero cookies look like a 1, which is why they are celebrated on....you guessed it! 11-11. This is basically a second Valentine's Day as far as I'm concerned. The girls have been excited all week.


The girls have all been talking about making pepero sticks.


The guys haven't.


There's been gaudy displays in every store, with people always crowded around them.

And its become even more clear this week that Pepero Day is not for single population. While I will reap some benefits due to suck-up students and the fact that the family mart downstairs is selling them, I have a feeling it will still be a day where I feel like the third wheel everywhere I go.

But I'll deal with it. Because they are covered in chocolate.

The end.

A Few Things

It has been 60 days and 6 hours since I arrived in South Korea. In these last two months, I've seen, heard, tasted, felt, and smelled many new things. I've made some great friends. I've settled into my new place and city. I've traveled to Seoul, Sokcho, Suwon, and Daegu. I know I still have SO much to see and do, but for my two month anniversary, I need to reflect on my time here so far.

Things I've seen:
numerous dogs with fashionable hair cuts, colors, and costumes
men hacking loogies on the streets
women hacking loogies on the streets
students hacking loogies inside school
motorbikes flying down sidewalks
the North Korean border
ridiculous outfits on the subway
firework shows from Canada, China, and Korea
1.2 million people all needing to get to the same subway station

a dead man on a hiking trail at Seoraksan
middle school girls holding hands
middle school boys holding hands
crazily inhumane fish tanks outside restaurants
a traditional Korean dance
girls in 4 inch heels, tights, and a shirt barely covering their ass
people staring at me for wearing...gasp!...short sleeves or V neck shirts
men carrying nicer purses than I've ever owned
boyfriends dramatically waving at their girl friends when they have to part ways on the subway/bus/sidewalk/anywhere
Koreans sleeping on the street, in subways, & during a hard rock performance in a bar
B2ST, 2AM, RAIN, and BoA perform live
matching couples EVERYWHERE


Things I've heard:
my co workers smacking their food
my co workers slurping their soup
my bosses smacking their food
my bosses slurping their soup
a Korean lady yelling "Wae yo!?" (why) about 100 times at McDonald's because something was wrong with her order
a Korean man passing gas right in front of Keara and me in E-Mart.
men hacking loogies on the street
women hacking loogies on the street
people telling us to be quiet on the subway or bus
Koreans talking loudly on their phones right after we were told to be quiet

Things I've tasted:
onion juice
bitter ginseng
octopus I watched die in front of me (no English menu)
dried squid
many types of rice cakes
peanut buttered squid (looks like french fries)
sweet potato balls
Korean melons
Asian pears
some sort of organs in sauce (informed after I had eaten it)
dried salty minnows and shrimp
many types of kimchi
pizza toast...which is cold mushy toast covered in sweet tomato sauce and corn
red bean filled fish pastries from the lady near my apartment
dumplings from the lady near my apartment
soy bean soup (tofu soup)...one of my favorite Korean foods
sweet tomato sauce
sweet garlic bread
boiled chestnuts

Things I've felt:
The freezing cold wind laughing at my thin pants and socks.
extremely happy and excited
extremely sad and homesick
happy to have met some awesome people
lucky to have met another best friend
a gazillion eye balls staring at me and my brown curly hair, my curves, my weird clothes and shoes, my eyes, my red cheeks while running, etc...
sick to my stomach after eating a few said things above
extremely satisfied after eating a few said things above
under dressed every single day since I've been here

Things I smell on a regular basis:
kimchi
fish
sewer
pine trees
fermented bean curd soup

Things I've never smelled:
Koreans. They don't wear deoderant, and they never stink.

Things I've learned:
Spicy means sweet.
Sweet means barely sweet.
Not very sweet means a sugar rush from one bite.
Salty means sweet.
Salty means spicy.
Salty does not mean salty.
Ginseng, onion juice & sugary cough syrupy vitamin C drinks are "good for health".
Everything Koreans eat is "good for health".
French braid is pronounced Frenchie...no matter how many times I repeat it correctly.

Buying in Bulk

Koreans love their teeth. They love them so much, they brush them after every meal. I guess since they brush so much, they buy their toothpaste in bulk.


I hope I like the taste of this toothpaste, because I'll be using it for the next year!

Its Not Over 'Till the White Lady Sings

Today all of the teachers (about 50) went on a trip.

When we got on the bus, they gave us our own little goodie bags and some kimbap for lunch.

Obviously I did not partake in the "squid jerky". If you don't know why, please refer to my "Don't Mess With Korea" post.

We went to visit another middle school, because they are doing something new in Korea. They don't have homerooms; just subject rooms. We walked around the school after the short presentation, and I couldn't help but notice phrases on the walls like "Catch the English", Ladys Only, and Guys and Dolls. The building itself was similar to ours, and it was surrounded by mountains.

Anyways, after that, we went to the national arboretum. But I won't bore you with writing about the scenery. Just see for yourself...


That's right, I live in this country.



Eunji, Vice Principal Oh, me, and Principal Lee




In case you can't tell, I'm the the second one from the right.


English Translation: Jessica's Railroad Company


I called for Tuck a few times, but he never came...

By the time we were done walking around, it was dinner time. We went to a very traditional Korean restaurant, which for those of you who don't know, that means sitting on the floor. I've done this once before with Alex and Keara, but this time I was with only Koreans. This means that when I took off my shoes with everybody else, I suddently noticed I was the ONLY one not wearing socks. Alright ROK, I got it...always wear socks. Always. Nevertheless, I had no choice but to walk in and sit down with everybody else, so I just hope nobody else noticed my...gasp!...bare feet.


Traditional Korean meal: soup, rice, and approximately 500 side dishes = some deliciously creative lettuce wraps. And notice....there's no meat! Yay!

I also tried Macoli for the first time with dinner. It is traditional Korean Rice wine. It has the same rice taste as Sake, but its thick like milk, and is sweeter. It was delish!

After this long day, Eunji and I were both tired and had planned on sleeping for the 2 hour bus ride back home. But wait...

What do Koreans do after dinner?

NOREBANG!......What if there isn't a norebang nearby though?



That's right...the bus suddenly becomes a portable norebang. Complete with extremely loud speakers and eager participants. I should note here that the man you see standing toward the front is the Korean equivalent of Anthony Long. Seriously, I think they were separated at birth...and one of them has a permanent hair color job and skin color change. I just haven't figured out who yet.

OK, back to my story.

Eunji and I were both appalled that we had to listen to this the whole way home. That is, until the vice principal requested that I sing a song.
Then I was appalled AND terrified.

So I was searching through the book for a song they would never have heard. Preferably a country song. I came across Dixie Chicks' "Long Time Gone".
In my nervousness, I immediately thought this was the "Taking the Long Away Around" song...you know, the one I know by heart and would loudly sing in my car in Texas?

But this was not the same song.

This was an older, louder, and faster song. A song whose melody I don't remember too well.

It was horrible. I was climbing Lyric Mountain wearing stilettos and basketball blinders...during a mudslide. All I could do was embrace the hick accent deep within in me to help the situation. Now that I think about it, that probably just made it worse.

After it was over, I still thought my self esteem was intact. They were all singing Korean songs that sounded perfect to me, so maybe since it was an English song I sounded the same right? But then one of the male teachers chose a song. He said in the mircophone "for Rachel"...and went on to beautifully sing an English song. So basically they all knew I couldn't sing, because these Koreans are secretly talented in the art of American music.

As if giving in to the vice-prinicpal's request wasn't enough for one night, I convinced Eunji to sing "As Long As You Love Me" as a duet to redeem myself. Don't judge me-the Backstreet Boys are awesome whether or not you admit it.

So for the second time in one night, I sang in front of half of the teachers and principal and vice-principal.

I don't know where I get these ideas.

Vitamin C

I don't know what it is about these products that are "good for health", but they certainly aren't good for the taste buds. One of my co workers gave me this vitamin drink today. I asked her if it was sweet, and she sad not that sweet. But I've come to realize if someone says its not that sweet, it means its really sweet. And if someone says something is really sweet, it could be completely bland. Same thing with salty, but that's another story.

Anyways, I took a very small sip. I'm glad I did! It tasted like cough syrup. I had to go brush my teeth afterwards because water wasn't washing it down.

Gross cough syrupy sugary vitamin C drink? or an orange?

I'll choose an orange any day!

Namsan Seoul Tower

This past week, I caught up with my two friends I hadn't seen since Thailand, and spent more time with my new fabulous friends. We visited a few different areas of Seoul, but the chart topper was definitely the Seoul tower.



The view was amazing even at the bottom of the tower.


We took a taxi up most of the way since we were pressed for time, but many people walk all the way up the hill. Once we got to the top, there were many things to see and do while waiting for our ticket number to be called. Outside under some trees are strings of prayer ribbons. They were all written in Korean, but still very cool to look at.



Now, I've noticed how romantic and coupled up these Koreans are. But I still wasn't prepared for this level of love here on the tower. Think the Eiffel tower is romantic? You ain't seen nothing until you've been to the Seoul tower. It's Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, and Christmas all combined...and its like that every single day.




People write little love messages or dates on their locks, and lock them to these trees or the fence. The outside area of the tower was just covered with these.

And in case the thousands of locks weren't enough, the walls inside the tower are covered with tiles couples buy and put their pictures and messages on them.



We wanted to see the view from the top at sunset, but the wait was too long. We still had an amazing view of it from the bottom.





After it was dark, we went inside. There is ALWAYS something to look at in Korea. There were stores, a teddy bear museum, some arcade games, and a Twosome Cafe. Yes, there are even cafes just for "twosomes". They also had Turkish ice cream!


Turkish ice cream is chewy, but yummy!

Finally, we rode the elveator to the observatory.






Unfortunately, they didn't have Dallas anywhere. They had cities from all over the world on the windows, and even the South Pole.




I can't wait to visit here again in the fall with Laurie!

Silent Hospitality

This week is Korea's Chuseok holiday. Its our Thanksgiving equivalent. Everybody travels to the oldest son's home. So, since I'm not married, I would still go to my Pawpaw's house. If I were married, I would then have to go to my husband's side of the family. If I married an oldest son, after his dad passes away, Chuseok would always be at our house. Kids get out of school for the entire week, and Wednesday is the actual Chuseok day. But, since everybody goes back to their roots, Tuesday and Thursday are busy travel days.

Anyway, the point is, I still have to work this Monday and Friday. I could have used two of my vacation days, but I didn't want to since I'm not going anywhere. So, today it is just the vice principal, two other teachers, an assistant, and me. The vice principal is the only one who can speak any English, albeit very little of it.

But that doesn't stop these Koreans from being the nicest people I've ever met. We speak through smiles and respectful nods. A couple of hours after I've been here, the vice principal brings me a small bowl of traditional rice balls. They are deliciously simple. Then it gets closer to lunch. I'm wondering, will I need to go get something from down the street? Are they going to order in like last time? How will this work since they can't really ask me what I want? I see the two teachers leave together at 12:15, and presume I'll be on my own for lunch.

But 12:30 rolls around, and the teachers come back with kimbap and some delicious hot soup for everybody! We all sit at the table, and the vice principal puts some pieces in a bowl for me so I won't have to reach across the long table. Once I finish what is in my bowl, one of the teachers immediately asks me (through gestures) if I want more. After we finish and clean up, the VP then asks if I want coffee, and procedes to get enough coffee cups and coffee mixers for everybody.

I wrote and posted the above 2 hours ago. Since then, more has come! A student brought in some sliced Korean pears (3 gazillion times better than American pears), some chocolate chip muffins, and this delicious plum/pecan pie from Paris Baguette. I also learned that the Korean word for pear (I can't type in hangul on this computer, but its pronounced pae) is the same word for ship.

I wasn't looking forward to working this Friday.



I am now.

Few words have been spoken to me today, yet I feel as if I'm being spoiled at my grandparent's house. And that, my friends, is silent hospitality.

Happy Chuseok!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

This past Saturday, two classes went to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. I tagged along.


Hesang and me


Some of the students


Cute little girl, hard at work on her field trip


Palace pond


Changing of the guards...they all had visibly fake beards!





So there it is, my first palace in Seoul. It's not really a "palace"; rather, its a compound. There are tons of buildings and gates that all look similar. A lot of the palace was destroyed in the early 1900s, but it was still very peaceful and a great place to peoplewatch.

Seoul Subway Speaking Session

I read before coming here that Koreans were friendly. I read they ask questions that we might find intrusive or taboo. I read they would talk to me so they could practice English.

But I had no idea that were actually right. Until Saturday that is.

On the long subway ride from the mall to the welcoming party, I sat down between an older adult male and a younger female student. The man started talking to me first.

"Where are you from?" .... "Texas"
"Why are you in Korea?" .... "I'm teaching English"
"How long have you in Korea?" .... "Two weeks"
"How old are you?" ...."24"...(no typo- they go by the lunar calendar, so I'm 24)
"How much you pay?" .... "Uhh, you mean how much is my salary?"
"Yes, yes!" ...."Ummm...2.1 million won." (I don't mind answering the American taboo question at all. It just feels weird as the secret words are coming out of my mouth.)
"What is your religion?" ....UGH these theological people are annoyingly Southern... "I don't have a religion."
I won't go into further detail, but many more religion questions and tip toeing answers followed ...
He then gives me his business card, and asks for mine. I also read that Koreans were obsessed with business cards. He was a little disappointed when I said I don't have any. But then we arrived at his stop...

The girl gave me no breather. Before he was off the subway, she was already talking to me.

"Excuse me, you engish teacher?".... (very smiley) "Yes, I am!"
"Oh, I want to go to school for flighhhdde addentantey." ...."You want to be a flight attendant?"
"Yes! I have interview for school soon."...."Are you already in university?"
"No, high school."....after I get over my shock from this professionally dressed mature looking girl, I say "Oh well that's great!"
"Can you practice me English?" ....We exchange phone numbers and agree if I can we'll have to meet in between our subway stops as they are pretty far from each other.


No complaints here. Peace out girl scout.

Rice Cake

All of the teachers got a rice cake today. I think it was because we had an English Theme Contest, and the parents were thanking us. But I'm not 100% certain about that...it was so busy today I never got a chance to ask. Anyway, rice cakes like the one below are traditional in Korea. People give them when something very happy or sad has happened. Sorry I forgot to take a picture until after I had already started eating it. I was hungry!

It tastes like couscous and angel food cake combined. I know that doesn't sound good (or look good), but it actually grew on me. This one had raisins and nuts mixed in.



Back to the English Theme Contest, I was one of the judges for the story telling part. These kids wrote a little over a page, memorized it, and delivered it to us. They were so cute! When we were done, the Pop Song Contest was still going on, so we rushed down there. These kids (girls AND boys) belt these pop songs out like they are in the shower. And they are doing it in front of all their peers! There's nothing like a middle school boy singing a love song in key to end the day.

What the hell did I just eat?

Until now, I have been amazed at how good Korean food is. Like I said, until now.

It started out as a normal lunch. I walk down to the 1st floor, into the teachers' lunch room, and start to fill my tray. First I see this weird dish. It was the dried salty shrimp like in Thailand, but it went a step further. Dried dead minnows. Not the meat of dead minnows. Full out dead dried minnows. They had eyes. And there were some nuts mixed in, but really, who is paying attention to nuts when there's salty dried shrimp and minnow eyes.

So anyway, I skip that bowl and fill up with everything else. The typical Korean lunch is kimchi, rice, soup, and two other side dishes. Normally its different veggies. Today it was the dried seafood medley and some eggs. Everything else was delicious as usual...yes, the kimchi IS delicious!

It started first with the "tomato hot sauce". I saw what looked like a hot sauce bottle, and decided not to put any on my eggs. Silly me. It's not for eggs. It's for the rice. Oh, and its not hot sauce. It's ketchup. Yes, ketchup on rice. I'm not one of those weird Americans who eat ketchup with mashed potatoes or corn or macaroni and cheese. But when a teacher pours it on my rice for me, I guess I automatically become one of the weirdos I always made fun of.

But, I can handle the rice with ketchup.

Then the principal noticed I decided not to partake in the minnow faces and shrimp skins. She asked "Do you not like it?" "You should try it." Every thing I've read about Korean culture always mentions that elders are highly respected, and you should try everything and eat everything on your plate. So I got up with trepidation and walked over to the bowl of morose fish. I took a tiny spoonful, and sat back down. This is the moment when I actually noticed the minnows still had eyes. While I was sitting near the principal knowing I had to eat this. Somehow, I took bites. Chewing very fast. Lusting after my banana next to my tray.

I'm beginning to learn why the previous teacher did not eat seafood. I'm feeling a sudden diet change coming on for the time being. Excuse me now while I throw up.