A quieter week. Didn't have to teach extra classes, for the winter program, as I thought I would. In fact, I've got one less class than before. Still like to go in early and lesson plan so that I am on top, especially on a Friday, where it's one class after another. One kid wrote in his diary about how he hates study and his Korean teacher, but loves teacher Philip. He even drew a pie-chart of how he wants his lessons arranged in the future. We've got a few new teachers, including Moon's replacement who is a bit strange to say the least. Moon sadly leaves us the end of January. She is migrating to Canada.

Spent last Saturday with Kelly, who beat me at pool, and Monica, about to start her new job as a golf caddie. Then I made a video of my long weekend in Seoul, which has been on the site and on youtube for a week now. I'm having fun with Movie Maker again and being able to convert video file formats is useful. I haven't started using the camcorder yet, but you ain't seen nothing yet... i'm going professional.

Been going into restaurants/bars by myself or with Gary and ordering in Korean. I can read hangul and slowly pronounce items on a menu - not always 100% sure what I am ordering - but we have a rough idea or are able to work it out. However, we were dumstruck by a free food item that came to our table on Wednesday - beondegi - the chrysalis stage of silkworm larvae. NOT the most pleasant thing I've eaten.

Beondegi are a popular snack food in Korean cuisine. Literally meaning "chrysalis" or "pupa" in Korean, Beondegi are steamed or boiled silkworm pupae which are seasoned and eaten as a snack. Beondegi are often served by street vendors, as well as in restaurants and drinking establishments (cf: wikipedia)

The more exciting news comes from back home, with Kirsty's new year surprise.

At last the Hisani calendars have arrived and been posted out. I will still have to wait a couple of weeks for mine to arrive.

Anyway, until more exciting news....