Sometimes this country actually does feel like Asia. I have an ex-student named Amy. She's extremely sweet, and had? a big crush on me. I always felt there was something different about her. Tonight I realized, it's because, unlike most Koreans my age, she hasn't forgot about her ancient traditions. I was put in my un-spiritual westerner place tonight, and it felt good, awkward, but enlightening as well. I still don't know what I did, but the story goes as follows....
[11:02:30 PM] daniel.panozzo says: i just got done with a strange Korean experience[11:02:34 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: oh?[11:03:02 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: my ex student, Amy, invited me to a "traditional ceremony, wear socks"
[11:03:04 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: did you finally get a scrub at the sauna?[11:03:05 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: by text message[11:03:08 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: that's all I knew[11:03:13 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: uh oh[11:03:29 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: then she led me up many stairs to this sollemn 'study house' type place[11:03:36 PM
] Amanda Schweitzer says: amy is the one from coffee at the beach?[11:03:48 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: her English isn't that good, so despite my questions, she couldn't explain what was happening[11:03:49 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: yup[11:03:58 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: ok -- i'm with ya[11:04:18 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: there were about 10 women in the place, all studying something, or preparing scrolls, or fruit- they looked really busy[11:04:28 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: then we went to a back room, with a table of fruit[11:04:33 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: Chuseok style[11:04:38 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: ok[11:04:40 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: Amy came in with another women, both n Hanboks[11:04:48 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: then another dude stood by me against the wall[11:04:54 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: I thought she was tricking me into marrying her[11:05:05 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: i was thinking that or a funeral[11:05:40 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: yeah, they lit candles[11:05:49 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: and you said i do?[11:05:53 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: and started doing buddhist monk-ish chants[11:06:06 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: I just tried not to look like Mr. Ignorant American[11:06:15 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: it was really sollemn[11:06:22 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: I had no idea what I was supposed to do[11:06:35 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: uh huh[11:06:41 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: there were all kinds of rituals, and, in between each, we would do about 45 full bows[11:06:52 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: wow[11:06:58 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: I was sweating balls and thanking Amy (in my head) for helping me work off my American gut[11:07:19 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: then we crouched to the floor, face practically on it, and I felt the blood
rushing[11:07:25 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: that went on for a long time[11:07:37 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: I could tell I was praying, but I wasn't sure what I was supposed to pray for[11:07:49 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: so I improvised (a good Bulls season)[11:07:56 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: :)[11:08:02 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: then they lit a scroll on fire and handed it to me[11:08:09 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: and I prayed that I didn't burn this building down[11:08:12 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: really strange now[11:08:12 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: lol[11:08:26 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: all the while, we're chanting something about the four elements of life[11:08:44 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: finally it ended, and good thing cuz my knees were about to give out[11:09:10 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: and we ate the fruit while an older women explained in above-my-head Korean the ceremony to the other participant[11:09:28 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: and they told me to be careful not to step on the door frame when passing into a room[11:09:33 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: the other guy was waygook?[11:09:37 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: I thanked all the women and left[11:09:43 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: nope, super serious Korean[11:09:46 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: hmmm[11:09:50 PM]
daniel.panozzo says: he could bow like nobody's business[11:09:52 PM]
Amanda Schweitzer says: lol
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
Migook in the 08
With a perpetually full belly, a lifetime's worth of memories of good friends, I left America's awe-inspiring blue skies and green landscapes behind. I'm back under the grey midst, subconciously sweating as the dampness rises and the sewer-rats hide. It's crowded, busy; it's the first day of a new semester.
I watch the students pass and wonder how many are premiering a new outfit, bought just for this occasion. Hell, if I had a girl these days, I'm sure I would've got some new slacks, ties and shirts. On my own, the chaos of Korea's department stores is too daunting.
This is the start of my 4th semester here at the Uni. As I said to my co-worker, ya gotta improve the Big Show each and every time. The rookie's eager passion to impress is gone but I have a cool and resolve now that I believe makes me a more effective teacher. By now, I've taught these lessons over 40 times. It's hard not to put it on auto-pilot and start quoting myself. For this reason, I'll be in the office today re-working my worksheets, re-wording my essay topics, and re-thinking my stradegies. Gotta elevate the Big Show!
Outside of the school:
Korean food still blows my mind. The streets are alive as ever. Anyone care to come test my praise?
I'm watching Spanish TV's presentation of the Gold Medal game. Boy, they really thought they had a chance. Silencio says Kobe!
I drafted Kyle Orton in my fantasy draft yesterday. Can't help but play with my heart.
If you look closely, you'll see my brother caught in a picture. This shot only happens once in a lifetime. Good job Stolly!
That's it for now. Annyeong in your well-fed faces!
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