I hate cliches...and how do you get the accent over the "e?"
1. I've watched at least half of Youtube's full movie collection. Silver Lining: YouTube can personally thank me for single-handedly increasing the amount of ads that are streamed through my IP address. They can now double the amount of "viewers" they claim for the advertising audience.
2. I have to take public transportation everywhere, or walk, whichever is least expensive. Silver Lining: #1. I actually enjoy walking to my destination. It actually puts me at ease, especially if I'm feeling anxious or nervous. #2 .Less, travel by car = less gas in the future.
3. People jump back and children run away when they see me...OR they hit each other and point and STARE for at least 90 seconds. Silver Lining: It had been a while since something like this has happened in the states. So, despite the excessive media accounts of racism in the states..the truth is, it ain't that bad...( go ahead, hate me, I know you want to play the victim. I'm not about that life. I know life can be rough as a Black American, but I CHOOSE not to complain about it. Instead, I choose to live my life breaking every single stereotype, so that future generations won't have those stereotypes placed on them:-)
4. My co-workers don't really understand the concept of individuality or independence AND teamwork working simultaneously. Silv....Platinum Lining: That's why I live in America.
I haven't officially eaten Vietnamese food other than Pho. I've only seen pictures of delicious, fried sweet and sour meats over sticky white rice. When a friend suggested we have our monthly lunch date at a Vietnamese restaurant, I was extremely excited.
One thing that I love about the states is the VARIETY of food, AUTHENTIC food. I was looking forward to straying from the usual samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) or kimbap/kimchi jjiggae. At this point, Korean food is no longer "exotic" or exciting. It's a part of life!
As I mentioned previously, I've eaten Pho, and had NO interest whatsoever in ordering it again, despite the sub 30 degree weather outside. We actually planned on going to a different Vietnamese restaurant, but we couldn't find it, so we settled with Pho Ban Vienamese Cuisine. No, I did not spell Vietnamese incorrectly, that's how it was spelled all over the building. Sign #1 of an underwhelming "Vietnamese" experience.
Today was testing day. Students had their big English and subject matter test, which means no classes, and LOTS of sitting around. We typically eat lunch in the school cafeteria, but since there were no classes after lunch, the other teachers decided to go out to eat. I had to tag along. We went to a cozy noodle and rice restaurant. It was unfortunate because it was all gluttinous (read, "food that I'm not interesting in eating because I 'll be in bed for 4 days afterwards with a headache and stomach pains), and I had prepared my food for lunch, in anticipation of avoiding the horrid cafeteria food( cue the , "You're a bad stereotypical American because you don't eat ALL the food and obey ALL Korean customs and don't pretend you love EVERYTHING about the country" music).
I DIGRESS...I apologize! In reality, I was really hoping for some kimchi jjiggae. That is by FAR my favorite food here.
So, How did I get this lovely mug?
Post- the-awkward-lunch-where-I'm-eating-out-of-my-tupperware-at-a-restaurant, we went to a coffee shop called "One + One." This is the term in Korea for BOGO, buy one get one free. It was the grand opening, so they gave out 1 free mug and these super cute Vitamin Pens( see below).
To determine which of the six teachers would get to keep the mug, we did Rock Paper Scissors, which, by the way, is how we solve ALL equity issues in the classrooms. I won, so I get to keep the mug. Perfect for my nightly cup of tea.