just another American teacher in SK

At the end of the day on Friday, the teachers took me out for a “farewell” dinner, to a very nice restaurant in the country near Gimpo.

I almost cried when we arrived ~ the restaurant overlooks a pond and the lawn is equiped with “American-style” barbeque grills.  I couldn’t believe what I was seeing ~ it was like sitting on the deck on the lake, any lake, at home  …  home, sweet home.

We had a wonderful dinner ~ seated on chairs at a waist-high table, with “normal” utinsels (knife, fork, spoon), cotton placemats, 8 oz glasses …  
The menu included a “Western Beef Steak”  entree, which was actually breaded veal. And everyone else had … god knows what.   

After dinner, the elderly gardener approached me and gestured that I walk with him through the gardens.  (These situations always make the co-teachers nervous, but I asked to allow a walk with him without a translator.)  He pointed to every plant, chattering away in Korean ~ I don’t have any idea what he was talking about, but he seemed content with my English identification of plants and shrubs (azealea, japanese maple, hosta, hydrangea, clematis … blah, blah, blah)

After my stroll with the gardener, the owner approached me, curious about where I’m from, etc., and launched into a lengthy conversation  (in lovely clear English) about his restaurant and his desire for the “Western” influence.

The Korean teachers (my hosts and dinner companions) are completely baffled  (and horrified)  at this point ~ they don’t know if they should “save me” or just continue with their own communion and let me be.  The owner returned me to the group and settled everyone down with a round of green tea …

Anyway, the night ended with a gift from all the teachers and a resounding “You are the BEST native English teacher we have EVER had!!”  “We are so sorry … SO sorry … that we are so busy that we can’t spend time with the foreign teachers.  Oh, it’s so sad …” blah, blah, blah.

blah, blah blah ~ too little, too late.  Why didn’t you bring me here months ago?  Not that it would have made any significant difference … but if I knew there was something (ANYTHING) that could alleviate some of the culture shock, it may have enhanced my experience.  

We had a nice dinner, pleasant conversations, culminating with gifts and photographs.  But, to be totally honest, I have little interest in keeping in touch.  Sad, but true.

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