So, my Korean experience I would like to share today is the " Treats in the staffroom" phenomenon.Now, as a teacher-yes that is what I am in fact doing here- I get all the low-down on school matters when someone feels like translating, which is great. It does make me query though-what teachers used to say about my peers and I when I was a wee student at school. The best time to get in on the scoop is when the food comes out at about 4pm. From no-where teachers scurry into the staff-room and enjoy the delicious treats which one teacher has prepared.
I always get a "JO-AnnEE come join us" or "come eat". And I am always more than glad to partake in this ritual. Firstly, I love watching the expressions of different teachers and the unspoken body language between those that are clearly close and those that are just work colleagues. And secondly, the treats are always fascinating! I have had cherries, Korean grapes where you spit out the grape skin, Watermelon, Kimbap (sushi like stuff), Chelsey bun equivalent, bread-literally-plain bread, ice-cream lollies, DDUK (which is prob my least favourite thing-a rice cake that is tasteless as if you are eating pure DOUGH), small chocolates, and today I was spoiled with Tomatoes and wait for it-honey and sugar! Seriously?! I love eating freshly sliced tomatoes -but honey and sugar seemed a bit much really. I politely had 3 slices and then took a step back.
This kind of sharing is such a Korean and stems I am sure from the Confucian model. The one thing about it is- you have to partake and is probably why I have managed to put on the pounds. For this reason, I think it is apt that I joined the GYM today! Definitely not Virgin Active but has cool treadmills with mandatory flat screen tvs! :) After a quick jog, ki made my way to Korean class-which displayed my utter incompetence! Something I need to clearly work on! I am exhausted and now need sleep! PHEW!
Bisous
JO!
Now looking at that list
haha. Wow, tomatoes and honey and sugar? Something new for the books! :) Tea-time in the staffroom sounds like fun tho!
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