Chusoeka

Chusoek is the Korean harvest. It is a time when many Koreans return to their hometowns to pay respects to ancestors. There are many ways to celebrate. Drinking off course, is always encouraged, as it is 365 days a year in Korea. My students told me today that their families have rice-cakes, pork, listen to festive music and play games. It seems like a time to get together with relatives and be thankful for all that is and was. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuseok

I asked an 11 year old boy in one of my classes if I could come to his house to partake in the festivities. He quickly shook his head. "You not welcome."

Classes this week went pretty well. I've gone from that strict, Miss Trunchbull-esque teacher to a Ryan Gosling Half-nelson type guy in the classroom. Think the kids are taking it pretty well. I don't have the heart to be hard on them all the time. They are in school from 9 am-8 pm and are probably doing homework all night long. Education is all they really know and what their parents demand. Most do all this work now to get into a university in America, where they will do a quarter of the work, still get a 3.5 gpa and all the while, excel in the art of professional lounging. Wish I could explain this to them, but lounging is probably not a part of a Korean student's vocab. Although, I do see Koreans lounging in the oddest places. I went to buy milk the other day at the corner store and walked up to cashier lady, only to see an old woman lying down on the floor under the counter. She looked quite comfortable and matter-of-fact. I also see many older Koreans sitting cross-legged on the ground next to their food stands on sidewalks throughout Chuncheon. Whenever I see this, it makes me feel funny. An American would never sit on the ground outside for long periods of time. Here it is not only agreeable, but preferred and probably traditional. It's a little peculiar but nice to see.

We have this Friday off for Chuseok, which will be good. Not sure what I'll do yet. I would like to go to Seoul again but feel like everyone will be traveling. Wouldn't mind seeing L-dubbs, especially since it is Fordham's homecoming this weekend. It'd be nice to spend it with a fellow Ram. I'd probably also have an interesting story to tell on here. We'll see what happens.

Below is a little nod to Fordham's homecoming this weekend. You thought the Bronx was the home of Grandmaster Flash, Umberto's Clam Shop, Edgar Allan Poe, Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo? Here's to DJ Double Click, Stop 1, Daniel Morse, Jack Coffey Field and Howl at the Moon. Enjoy the weekend up at Rose Hill. Full cup Flip cup baby. Make sure this song gets some air-time.