So far this first week has been on the go. I'm having a little trouble adjusting to the late night teaching hours from 3 to 9, but I pin that one on the jet lag and the freakishly humid weather. My first three days I worked with elementary students. It went well, but it was defiantly out of my confort zone. It was, however, interesting to see how smart some of the little dudes were. Also it was interesting to find out how much they study or are forced to be in school. Most start at 8:30 only to finish Korean school at 3:30 then it's off to an institution to study math, science, history, music and/or English. They end up being in class over 10 hours a weekday only to go home and do homework or study more. Plus, many take extra classes on Saturday as well. It's good because they are learning a great deal of information while their brains are still developing. It's bad because I wonder how much of a childhood most of them have.

I'm learning a great deal about Korean culture that I didn't think I'd pick up until I read more of their history, but talking to natives and witnessing Korea at first hand I am beginning to see things more clearly. Work is long, hard, and nearly everyday. At Samsung when they're doing a serious project they might end up working 30 somewhat straight hours only taking small power naps when needed. Everybody seems so busy in Seoul having a place to be and something to do. The town does not sleep. In fact, it almost seems that the city gets busier as the sun sets and the moon rises. Yes, the Koreans take work serious and stress the importance of working hard. However, such conditions do leave some fatal conclusions. Suicide is on the rise because of the high demands on teenagers and young adults. Alcoholism is widely accepted as a way to relax and forget about work. They have several nights during the week that are set aside as proper nights to get drunk so as to relax. Bumbs falling asleep on sidewalks, sometimes, isn't seen as disturbing but part of life.

While there might be some errors in their culture from the perspective of an outsider, I should also not that there are things to credit the Koreans with. Since I've been here I've noticed that they have a love for nature in keeping it clean and promoting green energy. They have established many parks, trails and hikes. Within their parks are not just toys for kids but exercise equipment for all for choose to take advantage. Also, worthy of noting, the Koreans are very nice and consider. Oh sure there are some that are not so friendly, but for the most part they are kind. I don't know why, maybe because the Koreans are a friendly race, but crime is low and I feel safe. I have yet to feel threatened.

This is what I have to offer so far until later good-bye my friends. (Friend in Korean-Chingoo)
Don't quote me on the spelling. I'm spelling it how I heard it. Caio