CUDDLEFISH(tt), Roasted duck, duck soup, ginseng roots, rice cakes, bok choy, more green vegetables than I could ever identify, and soju (20 % alcohol) I have just had for dinner at what my co-teacher say is the “second best restaurant” of my local area ( the #1 one was closed for an unknown reason). All teachers have dinner together on Wednesdays (today my first time). The principal has taken a special liking to me (thank goodness) and he always makes sure my plate is full of cuddlefish, ginseng, that my legs are stretched, and sends several toast my way. A prevalent Korean philosophy is living and eating healthy and so I am wished to a healthy life and find myself eating a lot of greens and ginseng (which they regard as restorative) FINALLY!!! (GOODBYE CANCER, HEART ATTACKS, AND FAST FOOOD). In fact, as we walk into the restaurant we pass women carrying in vegetables to prepare from a garden right outback.
After a couple small cups of soju, me and the 6th grade teacher chat (the person of closest age to me -30-) he informs me his students think I am a movie star (which I am aware of, in that, the girls ask for high fives and then run around yelling and saying something to the effect of ‘’oh my’ just as certain women would try to touch brad bitt and run away yelling). Crushes are also apparent, as one girl likes to stand at my desk during planning periods. Her favorite activity is bringing objects like fruit and saying “Wiley teacher do u like apples? Yes? Ok, then I like apples”. “Whats this?” A mango. “Do you like mangoes?” Yes. “Ok, then I like mangoes”….to which the other girls giggle.
The 6th grade teacher also informs me that his favorite hobby is boxing, and that he is soon to be a father.
Korean cities equate to American rivers as mountains are everywhere and here and there are small linear cities squinched in between the mountains. Everywhere multiple levels are dug into the mountains forming climbing gardens level up on level… And so even though I don’t live on a mountain…I feel as though I live in the mountains…and the effect, I imagine, is quite similar…quite wondrous…. … I ask my co-teacher does anybody live in all these mountains?” “The monks” he says…and I entertain my next adventure…
There is much to say, much to write, but I must be content in limiting myself to pointing out things- such as- that I am learning an incredible amount each day…everything is something new to learn, a challenge, and opportunity…and at this point my job is quite difficult but rewarding…
What is my favorite part of the school besides the beauty, the people, the kids, the culture? There are small things too, yes. As I go into the bathroom, a sign above the stall says “art is long, life is short” and as I listen I hear the most peaceful song I ever heard on loop in the men’s restroom…also my title “wiley teacher” is liable to make my day….
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