It Finally Happened.

The day arrived that many South Koreans thought couldn't come soon enough. Kim Jong-il is dead. You've probably seen the videos of mass hysteria and mourning in North Korean streets. So, is Seoul different?

Guui, although not a key location of Seoul, but still on the same subway line as City Hall, didn't seem to behave differently Monday. Not sure what I expected. There certainly was no dancing in the streets. I did hear some music as I woke up, but that might've been courtesy of the daily fruit and veggie seller.

Work wasn't any different. The kids still complained about working on their writing skills. They still tried to flatter me for quiz hints. Still amused me with their out-there comments. Dinner at our local gogi restaurant had the usual amount of customers. The men behind us appeared to drink the standard amount of soju (at least 5 bottles between three or four of them). We did get service, free beer, which may or may not have been a result of the news, or the fact that we eat there often. They did play the news while we ate, so we saw coverage including videos from North Korea with the tearful woman announcing the news. It also showed some of the reactions in Seoul - There was a 45% increase in the sale of ramen, and 30-something percent in the sale of water. CNN, however, reported there was no change in sales of food and water. Wednesday I plan to go to the local E-Mart, so perhaps I'll see firsthand what is happening.

My co-workers and I have become extremely comfortable with one another over the past year and half, which has in turn affected our humor. One of the new teachers was at dinner with us, and apparently thought our half serious, half joking conversation about evacuation routes, should they be necessary, were completely serious. For the record, I *might* be the person to follow to find underground shelter due to my unusual luck (although usually this luck is quickly followed by misfortune) and somewhat decent sense of directions.

Leaders are making various, vague statements and comments about the situation, so curious and nervous to see what the results will be. Pray that this can be settled nonviolently, and with good intentions for all of Korea.

Nearly Christmas Already!?

Hello! Apologies for the long absence. It's been a crazy few weeks starting my last term (AHHH!!!) and going about the day-to-day activities. We gained two new teachers as two others left, so it's been strange finding new people in the classrooms across from me.

December is flying by faster than I anticipated. I enjoyed a few half days 2 weeks ago due to more middle school testing. It seems like those kids never stop! Korean students definitely deserve more recognition for their hard work and relentless schedules. But with those testing days, comes the realization that some of these students will not return. Some of the kids I most connected with last term have been the causalities. Breaks my heart when I hear from their friends they're not coming back.

This weekend was a busy one. Friday I had a half day, so I went with two friends to Dongdaemun after dinner for the infamous late night shopping. Friday night, starting around midnight until the subways open again at 6:30am, people are walking the streets looking for good deals on fashion while the workers shift through endless bags of newly arrived material. I was able to find a couple Christmas presents, plus a present for myself - the much needed boots. Last winter was rough not having good traction on shoes, so this year I decided I need to be better prepared. After sleeping in most of Saturday, the evening was our office pre-Christmas dinner. The owner and his wife took our branch out to Outback, which is considered a fancy restaurant in Korea. Following dinner, I saw the new film Tin Tin Adventures. The graphics were amazing!!

I hope everyone is enjoying their buildup to the festivities with friends and family.