Kimchi Speak Korean?: A little of this, a little of that...

The month of May is full of class interruptions: testing days, national holidays, sports days, and week-long class trips. Last Thursday, my high school had their sports day. In Korea, every school, elementary to high school, has a sports day during the first semester of the year. However, sports day usually varies from school to school. While some may play multiple sports throughout the day, others will only focus on one. My school basically had a soccer day. Every class (about 30 kids) is a team and has their own jersey. Each class then plays the other classes in their grade (a total of 6 teams for each grade). The kids were also divided into A and B teams, and each team was guaranteed three games. In between games, the kids also took part in jump rope competitions, tug-o-war, and relay races. I spent the day with the Grade 1 (10th grade) students. The 2nd and 3rd grade students were at the city stadium a couple miles away.

Saluting the Vice Principal

Victory!

Please note the kid on the far left, standing up. He likes to call himself 'Damn P'. It's his 'rapper' name - 'Don't worry teacher, only rap name, not a swear...' Also, today he is sporting 'street fashion'. One of a kind...one of a kind...

I got to ref two of the games during the day. That was pretty fun. There was also a rumor going around that I played on the U.S. National Team...I guess being able to juggle a soccer ball gets you to high places in Korea! The kids kept asking me how to spell my last name and I didn't understand why until one kid finally told me they were trying to Google me. Sorry to disappoint guys!

Last Friday was also Buddha's Birthday, so we didn't have school. A couple of us took advantage of the long weekend and ventured south to an island called Namhae. It was warm and beautiful down there, but a hefty 8 hour trek on the bus. I wouldn't recommend this bus ride unless you are well equipped with dramamine...those windy Korean mountains will get ya! Namhae is best known for its sweet garlic. It's also where Jin from T.V. show LOST is from...fun fact!