Fortsetzung

Things have been steady here. I have found my routine, and have settled in nicely. I work a lot during the week, but I also have lots of alone time in the evenings, which I really like. The weekends thus far have all been spent in Seoul, where there is always a new place to discover and new people to meet. I am getting used to the super markets here, and have even found some good Western food. On the other hand, I am really liking Korean food. I don't know the names of most of the things I eat, but I do know that I like most everything I have tried, with a few exceptions. I do not like dried squid, and the fish here is rancid. Being from Florida, I am no stranger to seafood; in fact, I quite enjoy seafood. However, seafood here, for the most part, tastes and smells very "fishy." Like raw, on the docks fishy. Kind of gross.

The death of Kim Jong Il was announced yesterday to the public. Lots of people in the States were asking me "What's it like there now that he's dead?!" Well, it's been like every other day - chill. Sure, the event has been discussed, but there haven't been any artillery shells landing in my tiny region of Yongin, or North Korean commandos busting down the doors in my city. I don't know why people expect that or anything similar. I would think that a lot of people, behind their public sorrow for the "Dear Leader", are hopeful that the next leader allows them to eat more.

I talked with all of my non-Kindergarten students about the matter. They said that "North Korea is bad and they do not have much money" (not in a condescending tone, but a sad one) and "their president died because he was fat and old." I asked them how they felt about this, and some said "we are happy because we aren't fighting and we hope they will be kinder now." I really liked their responses - because it shows a sensitivity towards their neighbors who, after all, have been very provocative; yet they see past that and want peace. This contrast from the at times very hawkish mentality of Americans is refreshing. Some kids even talked about how their grandparents escaped from North Korea.

My friend landed a job in my neighborhood, of all places. I am sincerely thankful and happy about this. It is something we spent a long time looking forward to, and it has worked out better than I expected. His school is about 200 yards from my apartment.

That's all I have for now; I actually have work to do for the Kindergartners' speeches that they will present in February. Hence why we should rush to finish it in December, right? Right.