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.