Reunion, Illness and Sports Day
Trip Start
Aug 30, 2005
1
16
49
Trip End
Aug 29, 2006
Jochiwon,
Korea Rep.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
One annoying ssection of my week is my principle is a tenacious man, he really wants this "book"-plan to go over. Apparently my "No" answer was not forceful enough to deflect his from his planned course. It would be an okay project - if I had the time, but I don't and don't want to put in overtime.
So the week past and onto the weekend. I caught up with the people that I trained with just a little over a month ago in Sangnok Resort (See Compound entry) in Cheonan. The town is just slightly North of the Jochiwon (where I live). So it was an easy commute on the Mungungwha (Second class train).
I am pleased to report that I was the only male in attendance out of the 4 others that I trained with. So it was me and 5 girls. Sounds good. However I was in the mood to party and the event was rather low-key, which reminded me of home. It was rather refreshing, it seems the Koreans have an insatiable appetite for the party - usually on a weeknight. I pounded back some gin, we talked hockey, exchanged ideas and kicked back. A new member to the group, Janet, showed up for the first time too and in general was normal by the comparable standard of the group. It also turned out to be her birthday, so she was the only other one to really let loose.
The next day we went for lunch and did some crack shopping for essential like clothing and pasta sauce. For lunch, we went to TGIF restaurant which I have never been to, but is apparently located in North America. It was also a nice change of pace in comparison to the Korean foods. I actually had my old standby, fajitas. And the ever elusive cheese showed up in the form of... cheesesticks. Now this really took the cake for me. You know my obsession for cheese. Then it was back to Jochiowon and a reteurn to work.
However, on Monday I was feeling rather dodgy. I knew that it was only a matter of time before this happened and I did not want it to get worse. So I called in sick. Now, I present to you another essential difference in Korean culture from North America.
Koreans feel it is their obligation to check in on you when you are sick. Whether you desire this or not, it happens. Usually un-announced. You would have thought I was on my death bed; I recorded a record number of visitors. I was offered a trip to the hospital even! Now I am not sure whether this is because for a Korean to call in sick usually a sign of impending mortality - or they were concerned for me as a foreigner. I suspect it was a combination of both. Anyways I was feeling better the next day and went back to work in good health.
Wednesday was a "sports festival" day and things at school were muted, in fact most classes were cancelled. The idea was similar to the elementary "Track and Field" day in Canada. Except with a more prominent military-esque influence. I guess it makes sense when there are constant fly overs by fighter-jets and attack helicopters - it is a military town.
So tomorrow we have an ominious sounding discussion about my "schedule". Usually it is very difficult to get Koreans to clarify there intentions, and usually they are harmless. However I will keep you posted.
Until then... Jeremy
