xmas

When i decided to commit to a year in the R.O.K, I was intrigued with the prospect of being absent from my traditional holiday celebrations. Would i miss my family? Friends? Would I miss the stress of packing 4 Christmas' and trying to see i amigos in the Madison area? Would i even notice the difference?

Well my first Christmas abroad was pretty decent. I dog sat for a cute little dachshund. Besides working until 10pm on x-mas eve, it wasn't too bad. We were the only academy in our city to be in operation on the eve of the largest celebration of capitalism in the history of the world. My students didnt want to be there and neither did I. I gave some Christmas word puzzles and called it a day.

That night a few colleagues went out for drinks. One of the teachers had some cointreau. That was interesting :) We sat at a bar and drank to being abroad. I went home to my furry son for the week.

The next day i saw Sherlock Holmes with a Korean lassie I met and her younger brother. That was interesting... Later that night I went to dinner with one of my colleagues, her boy toy and that same Korean Lassie. We went to arguably the fanciest restaurant in town- THE OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE.

No joke. Outback is one of the most expensive restaurants in town. If you tell people you are going to Outback, they are impressed. Its pretty funny. Because this Outback is just like every outback in Wisky- kangaroos all over the walls, waitresses with the cookie-cutter white button up with a colorful bowtie. The onyl thing different is the average cost of a dish is 30$.

I figured i would treat myself to something as western as I could. I had some spareribs and a side salad and some wine. It was definitely what i was craving. Even if it was a bit pricey.

After dinner had some drinks and ended up going to a Noraebong- a private Karaoke room. They have disco lights, lasers, a little dance floor, and couches. These things are everywhere in Korea. People pay good money to go into their own little rooms and sing their heart out either by themselves or for their friends. They even have tiny 2 person rooms in arcades and along the streets. These little 5'w x5'l x7'h room are always packed. Its pretty nutz how crazy they are for their private singing rooms.

Anywho i belted out some of my favorites from the limited selection of English tunes. "Funkytown" "Take it easy" "Complicated" and some 90's ballads that I dont care to mention.

All in all it was a good couple days. I had gifts sent to me from the states (thanks everyone) I didnt get too home sick. It was almost surreal when it was over. One of the things that seem to bother a good portion of English teachers abroad had passed without a problem. Much like most holidays, there is the stress and planning. Then the day comes and goes by super fast. Then the next day is just another day.