6 weeks in and i am suffering from my first cold. Inevitable that at some point I would catch a bug, what with the working conditions and numerous kids spreading germs around (it gets much worse in winter apparently when the heating is on). I also woke up this morning and there was no running water. Kelly (Eun-jung) rung to inform me that it had been turned off in the district for maintenance.

By Friday evening, 9 Nov, I was completely knackered. Owen and Scott, in Junior 1/1, have hit on the fun idea, every lesson, of untying my shoelaces. Got a lot of girls in packs of 4 or more giggling behind their workbooks and unending requests for hangman instead of doing anything remotely resembling study.

My suffering, on Friday, co-incided with the last working day before Pepero Day (Actually 11/11). There were chaotic scenes of kids going round with armfuls of chocolate sticks to give to fellow classmates, teachers and whoever came within range. Pepero Day is an unofficial holiday, similar to Valentines Day. Its a marketing campaign, taken on my Lotte, who produce the offending candy. Not offended yet? Try the official song: http://www.pepero.co.kr/talk/fun/song.jsp

Anyway, this co-incided with my first pay day and my first Korean wage slip (see photos). I am now a millionaire, even after having an large advance. Note: only 4% tax!

Again, the kids have taken my energy this week.. but hey, that's teaching. I started the two new Intensive Course classes this week. Mixed results... potentially these classes could be good ones because they contain the more able students... but there is still the danger of expecting too much of them. It is great for me, personally, to finally be using my Sociology degree. A debate about designer clothes lead to talk of sweat shops and materialism. I am hoping i can test their knowledge of 'reflexive modernisation' soon! There is clearly a girl in the 'upper' class who has a crush on me! Other subjects covered (at Zenith level) recently, include perfumes, smoking and the 2004 Tsunami. Asking them to do their homework is almost a fruitless exercise.

On a positive note, all the staff were treated to lunch on Wednesday, after a training session - my first proper, bona-fide, shoe-less restaurant experience (see photos). We had Octopus and Pork Stew, with numerous side dishes. The following day, because I had run out of money, Kelly treated me to a similar lunch ...

Anyway, Kelly bought some medicine for me to take over the weekend - something 'Chinese', which resembles fish-food, and a couple of sepositories. She also suggested I find a 'Happy John'! It's a local jjimjiibang (sauna) and it's actually 'Happi Zon'. So I am off next to find a sign which looks like this:- %uD574 %uD53C %uC874

Love, Peace and Happy Pepero Day!

Phil

ps for a further video of 'Homey Korean' from English Language TV Channel, Arirang CH359, click on the following:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWItCznXa-U (a better recording)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvaIav7f-pk (my low quality recording)