just another American teacher in SK

As the only GET (Guest English Teacher) and the only non-Korean in the school, it’s very natural that I get a lot of attention, from the students and the teaching staff.  But I didn’t anticipate special attention from the school lunch lady!  Every day, one lovely woman on the kitchen staff comes to greet me in the dining room and brings me special food ~ a bowl of soup, a slice of bread, a plate of fruit, a juice box …  When I asked my co-teacher to explain, she told me that the lunch lady thinks I don’t eat enough.  Trust me, while I may have lost a few pounds on the “South Korean Beach Diet”, I have no fear of blowing away in a strong gust of wind. 

Grocery shopping has been quite a challenge.  Fortunately, I have befriended an employee in the produce department who has guided me through the store, explaining what some things are, how to cook it (“no bakee”), and warn me about some things that may not appeal to the Western tastebuds.  Truth be told, I just don’t like the food very much, but I appreciate the warnings.

I live within a few blocks of Paris Baquette (similar to Au Bon Pain), where I can pick up fresh bread and spreads.  If I get really desperate, there is also a Lotteria (similar to a Hardees) on the main street.  There is a resturant down the block from my house with a sign “Mexican Chicken”  but I’m not sure if that is what they serve or just a clever name ~ it seems unlikely that we will find out.  There are a couple of “pizza” places, but we have to go to the place (impossible via phone) and be very specific with topping choices (i.e.  … and cheese, please ~ no drizzle of fish or barbeque sauce).

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