Easy Weeks

These are certainly some easy weeks for me as far as work is concerned. Last week was test week which means I didn't have to prepare lesson plans or teach, I just had to administer tests in each class. This involves nothing more than relaxing and reading a book as my students suffer and sweat and rack their brains to pass my exams. I know I have said this before, but especially now as it's finals time in colleges back home, I am enjoying being on the teacher side of tough tests. Although grading can be a bit tedious, I'd choose it over test-taking any day of the week.

This week is easy because we had Monday off. It was Children's Day here which is exactly what it sounds like. They actually don't have Mother's Day and Father's Day here, it's combined into Parent's Day. There is also a Teacher's Day which is celebrated just as much as the above holidays. On Children's Day, I gave each of my students (over 100!) a small gift. I had fun picking them out...I gave the younger students nifty pencils and erasers and the older students got small games (Gyonggi - similar to jacks). I can't wait to see what I get on Teacher's Day. Last week one of my student's mothers gave me a loaf of home made bread and some home made blackberry jam. It was my favorite gift so far.

Next week will also be easy because we have NEXT Monday off as well. It's Buddha's Birthday which is a holiday celebrated throughout Asia with festivals and parades. Should be exciting! My baseball team (The Woori Heroes) is playing at home this weekend so I'll be there cheering them on come Saturday. I actually went to see them play an away game in Incheon this past Monday since I didn't have work. It was about 1.5 hours away but it was a gorgeous day and this adorable little Korean boy befriended me. He must have been about 5. He sat next to me and spoke Korean incessantly in a tone of voice full of that urgency every 5-year-0ld has when trying to convey a point. I didn't understand a word he said, of course, but everytime he paused for breath, I said, "Really?" and he exclaimed, "YES!". I guess that was the only English word he knew. At one point when I was standing up cheering I felt his little arms around me and I looked down and he was hugging me! It was precious. Here are some pictures:

Cute little boy outside the stadium

Cute little girl inside the stadium

Fellow Woori fans/friends I have seen at the past two games.

A beautiful day for baseball! That's a soccer arena in the background.

This is my little friend from the game!

Here is is again, with his friend. So precious!