Today!

Kids!

From left to right: Me, John, Julie, and Jenny

Above is a picture of three of the kids that I work with. Their sister, who is around three years old, doesn't like me. It isn't that she's scared, it isn't that she gets upset. She just doesn't like me very much. Subsequently, there was no chance to get a picture with her. I work with them about three times a week, and we play games and learn about idioms. They are definitely high-energy, and are an interesting group to work with.

By the way, their real names aren't John, Julie, and Jenny. They chose their American names themselves.

Shopping

Underneath some of the busiest streets in Seoul lies an elaborate network of underground shops that stretch (literally) as far as the eye can see. They sell everything from floral arrangements to cell phones, but it is mostly a place to get cheap clothes. Clothes here are quite cheap (both in price, and I suspect, in quality). I picked up a new white shirt and tie for around twenty-five dollars total. Dr. Kang told me that I should barter with them. So when the man told me the shirt was fifteen dollars, I said, "I'll give you twelve." He looked at me, blinked, and said, "I said fifteen."

I'm not very good at bartering.

Anyway, I suspect I might lose a little more money to these shops before my trip is over. If nothing else, ten dollars is a good price for ties.

They Call Me on My Cell Phone

By Day, an Ordinary Looking Cell-Phone

After having gotten lost twice in the busy streets of Seoul, I decided a cell phone would probably be a good purchase. I didn't want a full-up plan, however, so Dr. Kang found me a deal on a used cell phone. It only cost 20,000 won, and 10,000 for a service plan. It is an old phone, but it was quite the piece of technology in its day,

By Night, High-Tech Piece of Awesome-ness

The high-tech screen flips around and you have a digital camcorder! The future is now! Anyway, I haven't had to use it yet, but its good to have around just in case.

Other News

Last night I was on the bus and I notice a guy reading (in English) an advanced mathematics book. I sat down next to him, drew for a little bit, and asked, "Are you a student?" He said, "No, actually I'm a professor." And for the next fifteen minutes or so we had a pretty good conversation. His name is Byung-Woo Hong, and he's an assistant professor at Chung-Ang University. He teaches computer science, and he goes to a Presbyterian church. He pointed out a church that I should go to, telling me that, "They have English services there."

It was a good experience.

I have a few more posts for your reading pleasure, so I won't take up too much time. Tomorrow: I go to church(!) and I a professional soccer match(!). See you later!