The Value of a Dime

Korea is a country that is changing rapidly. Hell, a couple of years ago it was unacceptable for a woman to bare her shoulders. Unfortunately, along with progress come higher prices. The cost of living in Korea is similar to that of Canada overall (if you take out such vice products such as alcohol and cigarettes). The sky is the limit here if you have a lot of money; there is always a place to spend it. However, the value of a dime has not been lost here, especially with the children.

Not too long ago, I was attempting (in vain) to teach my students the concept of money, so I decided to take out the real thing: one genuine 100 won piece (worth about 10 cents). I was completely surprised to find my students rushing towards me like I was Justin Timberlake (he is still popular, right?). "Teacher, give me!" I responded with, "I think you must be mistaken, my dear children. This is not a 500W piece, this is only worth 100." By the way, 500W is the cost of an ice cream here. They did not, however, relent after my declaration, but still came forth.

So I asked them why they wanted it so badly. They told me that 100W is the cost of one video game at the arcade. I swiftly explained that I could not be so cruel as to give one of them the 100W and not give to the others since I had not brought enough for everyone. Enlightened, I went to the nearest arcade shortly after class and played a video game. I invited them all to come watch, but they looked insulted. Kids!

Pong lives,
Joe

"Oh, everything's too damned expensive these days. This Bible cost 15 bucks! And talk about a preachy book! Everybody's a sinner! Except this guy." - Homer Simpson

Buddha's Birthday

Buddha's Birthday Parade - Jongno, Seoul. Carrie and I made Buddha's Birthday a day to remember by attending this awesome parade in downtown Seoul. Before the parade, we made lotus lanterns at the lantern festival and took in the sights as the downtown core was overflowing with things to see and do. What a day! 

Celtic Support

Celtic pride is visual all around the world. I met this friendly and inebriated Irishman at the infamous Limelight. And in the words of Dave Letterman, "what about that guy?" Just who is that guy in the background and what is he saying with that facial expression.

Poker Night

After a long hand and lots of sweats and raises it turned out Matt and Kyler were both holding wired 6s. Who'd 'a thunk it!? After poker we ventured out to a local pub where I saw a guy from my University named Derek who everytime I meet him says like I look like some guy from a movie I have never seen and can't think of the name now. It was a pretty good night.

The Ginseng Man

Carrie and I were planning to buy some souvenirs for family members early. And what better to get than world renowned Korean Ginseng to cure what ails you!?

As we walk, we see this local shop on our wanderings through our neighbourhood and this friendly man beckons us in. He asks (waves) us to sit down, gives us some candy and summons some of his English, "are you Christian?" To which I reply, "uhhhhh, sort of... you could say that... allow me to expl..um.... yes!" A half-relieved and non-fractioned look of excitement devours his face as he picks up the remote control and turns the volume up on his television.

I have no choice but to divert my attention to the screen which cements a scene into my retina that will not soon be erased. There are hundreds of Koreans dancing and singing the lords praises and I look over to see this kindly gentleman softly bouncing up and down on the sofa with a proud look on his face that communicates that he, too, is Christian.

Carrie and I exchange glances and she somehow escapes to do what she really came to do, which is take pictures of the alien-looking concoctions that are like pickled ginseng. It doesn't take me too long to register that this amounts to being alone with this fine, Christian gentleman.

After reciprocating a few awkward smiles a airy laughs, my new friend shows me some of the equipment he uses and attempts his English again. "Ginseng!" he exclaims. "Is good for..." At which point he resorts to hand gestures. First, he points at Carrie who is outside taking pictures, then makes a fist, coarsely puts his elbow in his crotch and makes the show of an phallus. "Uh... hey!" he says with the most serious look on his face, and slightly raises his brow. Finally, he breaks into a heartfelt smile and we briskly make our way, never to return.