I wanted to show some pictures from last weekend's kimchee festival. There was some good kimchee. It was a festive time. Thanksgiving came and went with no turkey. But I have no complaints because I made some delicious rice and kimchee. Some women with the Church of God came over, and I must say I have difficulty turning away anyone who wants to talk. I've learned a bit about the last plagues and how I can escape them. They were nice ladies. And they have put a face to one religious group I can't agree with but now know as individuals. I'm working on my debating nature and trying to listen better to, how shall I say-- "difficult" messages. It has been fruitful for me at least. I can't speak for them, but I know I'm not yet a successful convert. On another topic, I did get to talk with some other teachers about time and space; which some may know I enjoy discussing. So that was a highlight last night.

A weekend in Seoul

I spent last weekend in Seo
ul with some other teachers. It was a good time of walking, eating, smoking, etc. It was nice to travel with some friends again. We met up with a teacher who I used to work with, and he showed a nice used bookstore I will frequent on Seoul trips. We also some found some good stores where we found lentils, spices, and cheese. Thought I would share a few pictures.

I think that you have favorite kids for different parts of yourself. Like there's your cute favorite, your surprising favorite, your laughing favorite, your smiling favorite, your whimpering favorite, etc. John is my bizarre favorite. He doesn't speak as much as he makes sound effects and crazy faces followed by explosions. But John got me again the other day. Every day we have show and tell. It can get quite monotonous from having it every day and objects ranging from stuffed animals to paper clips. We once had two beetles which I allowed the kids to take out and successfully send the girls into panicked squeals (one example of a good monotony breaker)
But this day as questions came to a close I was sure I had no idea what John had brought in. As we counted down for the exposure, John ran to the door. Once again unsure of his ultimate purpose I questioned him to tell me what it was he had brought in. With great pride John opened his bag to reveal two full body dried squids. This is not an uncommon sight in Korea, but I was never anticipating such a gift in my class. Also, as a show and tell item it poses quite a problem for distribution and consumption. Luckily John had solved this trivial issue for me, prearranging plans with a Korean teacher to cut up the jerky and offer it on plates. I obliged and we feasted on quite bland and tough squid jerky. The good kind is prepared differently. These boys were just hung out to dry, no seasoning or cutting. Just thought you might like to meet a story from John.

And today was a good day. I decided to go downtown for some morning coffee as I started a new book. I couldn't have found a nicer chair to read in. Perhaps coffee will be a more common Saturday excursion. After a quick lunch I hung around the downtown area reading out on a wonderfully cool and breezy fall day.
Earlier, on my way to the subway I bumped into an older Korean man (Edward) I had met at the doctors this week. We talked for a bit before his stop. Then later I met another older man who started talking with me and invited me to the International meeting that is held once a week at the International Center. I was planning on stumbling in sometime this month, but needed the extra luxury of knowing the time and having someone to join. It was nice to connect with some new people, and hear a talk on Migrant Workers in Korea. Edward was there and he invited me to ride the subway back with him afterwards. We talked a bit and he invited me to his home. There he showed me his stamp and coin collection. They were quite impressive. Funny that I saw my first silver dollar today, and in Korea! But we had a good time just sitting on the floor. He talked about his passion for languages, coins, stamps and all his travels. It's good to have an elder contact in Korea. I was amazed to learn he is 69, when by appearance, as I suppose with all Koreans, he looks years younger. It must be the hiking and kimchee. So I promised to add some Egyptian coins to his collection, and we will meet again at the International Center on another Saturday.
Tomorrow I will go to Maisan, a nice looking place. Hopefully I can produce some pictures with that. But it will be a more eventful weekend than previous weekends of perpetual sickness. Hope you are all well.