Korean Labor Day

Tuesday, April 30

My Korea class actually went well. There were only 3 of them. But they were having a good time. So I had fun with them. We covered our material, we did so slowly and interjected it with fun. One of the students went to the bathroom, so I took the other two out of the classroom and we hid in an empty one. I showed them how to flick coins.

My afternoon Denmark class (the advanced middle schoolers) depressed me. We talked about schedules and what their schedules were like. they each have 12 hours of school every day (including middle school and academies and hagwons). The often go to be after midnight (cause all of the academies give them homework) and wake up at 7 (or earlier) and start the process over. I was talking about school and I said something about recess. They do not have recess. I had to explain the concept of playing after lunch. I think them maybe having 1 academy afterschool is okay, but not 3 hours at one then multiple hours at another. They have such great attitudes. I just feel sorry for them. My Korea and afternoon Denmark, and Spain... all are at ECC for 3 hours. I havent talked to the Spain kids to see what their

schedules are like... but I imagine it is the same. I know that is part of the culture here, but it seems so odd to me. I still believe that kids need to have fun and be kids.

The Kindy kids had their fashion show today. Cute. I am not exactly sure what the rules were. Some were wearing their parents clothes, others were wearing their own with accessories... but there was a little runway. Just very cute. Sometimes getting kids to smile or strike a pose for a picture is pretty hard. I am pretty good at getting the kids to smile and laugh... but some just are not having it.

After work Rob, Ama, Hudson, Sarah, Mike, Taylor (Hudsons GF) and Eva and I  went to Hongdae had 삼겹살 (samgyupsal) which I have had quite a few times. It is 3 layer pork. Basically pork belly... or in simple terms. Bacon. This place has spicy, which actually had a little kick to it. Delicious. We all got a ton of food, drinks, and it only ended up being 15 a person.  Korean places definitely do not gauge the prices. We then went to a cool Reggae bar, then headed to Joons to finish the night. I bought my bottle at Joons. Payed far too much for it. But I get to keep it there and whenever I come, I get to pour it for myself. It is Scotch. Macallan. There is a scotch that is popular in Korea. It is blended and does not taste like scotch. But this, I can go to Joons and get a glass and have a nice single malt. The price of the bottle is a little cheaper than going and ordering a scotch when I get there. In the long run it is cheaper. With scotch, I will have a glass of it, then move to something else. I drink it for the flavor.

Wednesday May 1

Korean Labor Day. No Work!!!

Feels good to not have to work midweek! It would be awesome if the schools switched to a schedule like this. So refreshing. The weather was absolutely beautiful! Ama, Rob, Sarah and I all went to a park by the river that is close to our apartment. We played wiffle ball and tossed the frisbee. We then just sat outside and talked for a while.  Needless to say my bald head is now sunburnt. I am going to go buy some sunscreen soon.

We came back to bobo and were going to play Risk outside of the GS mart. We set up, then the wind came... so we were not able to play outside. We then moved the game to Ama's apartment. We played, and played, and played. The game lasted nearly 5 hours. It still could have gone on too, but we were all pretty tired. Ama did one last push to win... but if we would have kept playing he could have been wiped out his next turn because he was worn so thin. Next time I hope we play settlers. I think they would all like that!

So, needless to say I got nothing I wanted to accomplish done. Maybe tomorrow after work I can start on it.

I cant believe it is already May. Time is just flying. 

We have a picnic/field trip with the Kindys tomorrow. It is to a farm. So I have no idea what it is going to be like. I am hitting the hay early tonight so I can keep up with my kids tomorrow!