The Holidays

It seems as if time has moved at an alarming rate. It still feels as if I had just got here but it is December. I already missed one friend's birthday and a graduation. It should not surprise me since I knew that I would be missing plenty of them while over seas. I thought this distance would have a more drastic affect on me especially during the holiday season but I am coping with it well enough. For once, I can say working in Las Vegas has prepared me for the world. Having to work on all major holidays, some birthdays and other special events has harden my sense of sentimentality. I miss seeing family and little traditions like the Christmas night movie or make fun of Jason day but I will be able to experience that again. The best way to look at this experience is to think of it as a once in a lifetime kind of deal.

Last Friday was a welcoming party with the teachers at Hwadang Elementary School. Most of the teachers and the office manager are over 30 with a family so I did not expect too have too much fun but it was a great time. It was a ridiculous experience, I have never ate so much before. We started the night out with Samgyeopsal (grilled bacon which you wrap with lettuce or sesame leaves add a green onion salad, garlic, soy bean paste and a little salt sauce), then we ate Makchang (grilled pork intestine which is eaten in a similar style as Samgyeopsal but without the green onion salad), and finished with Eomuk (skewered fish cakes that are boiled in a soup). At the first two places we drank Soju (still to this day, I cringe at the thought of Soju, but I drank to be polite) and at the last place we drank beer. I controlled myself so that I would not be a hot mess again. Two of the men at the table expressed how much they liked me more than the previous teacher and that everyone at the school really liked me from the teachers to the students. At first, I felt bad for reveling in the fact that they liked me more but then I realized I just liked the fact that they accept me. I got an offer to come and live with the office manager and his family. I am not sure about that one since I like my independence. It is nice that he would put me up for no charge and free meals but I don't feel right with it. Most of the Koreans' kindness comes from the fact that I take so much interest in learning about their culture. I love the music, the variety shows and anything entertainment. I want to learn the language, customs and culture of the country so that impresses them.

I am not so fond about how blunt the people can be at times. I went shopping in Seoul and the vendor told me that I should not wear light color jeans because they are worn in the summer plus I am a little fat so dark jeans will slim me down more. The week before the office manager also told me that I will be sick more often unless I become more active. So it is not just between random strangers, even people who like you will give you "advice". All the other aspects of the culture I enjoy. I refined my drinking etiquettes, learned more about Korean clothing and the style in which to wear it. I will start to write about the customs of the country I find interesting.

Your placement at the table. The best place to sit in any restaurant is furthest away from the entrance of the room, facing the door and if possible with a wall behind them to lean against. The oldest or most respected person would get this seat. Do not automatically seat yourself, wait until you are told where you may sit. Do not start eating or drinking until the eldest male or family leader begins.

Here are some of my kids from Paegune Elementary School. The kid in the blue bear shirt with the tan jacket is the first grader I absolutely adore. He is the one that was wearing the bear hat/scarf/and mitten combo. Every time he sees me during recess he runs up to give me a hug. I think I was warned about being too affectionate with the kids on Friday. I do not look too kindly on being seen as a pedophile.