So the first round of testing is complete. I had to fail so many students, just because Pagoda's attendence policy only allows for three absences--not four, not five. Oh well. Better luck next time.
The job has been dominating my time. If the schedule wasn't enough, the planning, beauracrasy and happy time with mates after work and on the weekends makes Pagoda number one. A few times a week, I am able to break away and go hiking in the mountains. Seeing plant life and smelling dirt (vs. smog) is somehow comforting. I am really excited to get out of town next month. I am planning a weekend excursion to Seoul. A little travel time is just what I need. I have met several nice local's, however it is difficult to spend any time touring around the city.
It is interesting, the duality of this culture. Students will tell you one thing if they want to impress you, or they think you are not aware of what is happening. On the other hand, they act completely differently once they are comfortable. Today in one of my classes, we were talking about what kind of person would make a good roommate. One of my students said a husband, then openly flirted with me in class. It felt pretty good to get hit on. The others in the class picked up on this and chimed in to help, or tease her when appropriate. I behaved professionally, but it was hard to keep a straight face. She was serious, as most Korean women are, about marriage. I said I wasn't in a hurry. She launched into a speech on her ideal man, all the while reading me and changing her story based on my reactions. I asked if she wanted to be friends. She said, "Yes, as long as you take me on dates." Everyone laughed. Too funny.
No comments:
Post a Comment