i woke up at 6 today. this may seem quite early, but it really felt like sleeping in for me, as im used to getting up at 4:42 everyday. i got my laundry, ironing, and lesson plans all done by 9:30. i felt incredibly productive. worked out, showered, and made my way towards my school to meet up with carla. it was a really lovely day, perfect for walking, nice and sunny, a bit brisk. as i neared insadong, where i had agreed to meet carla, i saw a western-looking couple, in matching red and white striped shirts. i think they really have a where's waldo fetish. as i waited to cross a street, i opted to pull out my camera and take a couple quick snaps.
carla and i decided that today was made for being a tourist. we wandered through insadong, stopping to pick up a few christmas presents. there is this korean candy made from pulled honey and filled with nuts. i've seen these guys demonstrate how they make it and they are always a real treat to watch. so i took a video. i believe that the only english they know is that which is in their demonstration. it is precious.
carla and i decided that we should actually buy some of their candies today, as we both took videos. the candy is quite nice. i dont really eat much honey and dont really love honey, so i think it is something i might have to get used to. but the texture is like biting into a frosted mini wheat, except that the whole thing is made of honey.
carla and i continued our walk, wandering into a tent that said something about free drinks. we walked in for the free hot choco, as both of us were a tad cold. about 40 korean people sat in a tent, watching an orchestra on tv. carla and i stayed for a couple minutes and then headed for the bathroom. on our way back, we noticed that the people working the hot choco stand were new, so we decided to get another free drink. we got our cups of hot choco powder and went to the hot water table. and then i saw one of my students, mr. kim! he is the cutest little old man (64) and i just adore him. his company puts on these little 'orchestra in the tent' things, so he was supervising the event (aka making sure the hot choco scoopers only give us one scoop of powder per cup). he was very excited to see his young foreign english teacher, and he rushed out, somewhat flustered. he ended up showing me and carla his office, where he gave us each a gift. i got a set of chopsticks and spoons, while carla got two cartons of tea. (we ended up splitting the booty at dinner.) we have a dinner date with mr. kim this thursday.
we made our way to our favorite cheap little restaurant for bibimbap and some boy talk. and then it was home for me. time to do my nails and toes and get my life together for this week. one more week of this session. it's gone soooo quickly, i cant believe it!
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