No Shoe Left Behind: FUNdue Friday!

Last Friday was such a fun day. For one, it was Friday, and there is only one more week until summer vacation!

I finish teaching on Fridays at 2:30 pm, which is always a great start to the weekend. Yesterday, I decided to head into the "mighty" town of Geochang and do some shopping. My dad's birthday AND Father's Day are just around the corner, so I seriously needed to get a move on. Have I mentioned I'm a master procrastinator???

While it was a beautiful day, and it is only a 30 minute walk into town, it was a million degrees outside (plus I'm lazy!), so I called for a taxi. It's four bucks and well worth it in my book. Plus, I only go into town once or twice per week. And, yes, on nice days I actually walk (umm...ok...sometimes).

The taxi arrived, and, as I was walking across the dormirory parking lot, I was met by four of my students, who appeared to be heading into town as well.

"Teacher, where are you going?"

"I'm going to Geochang town. Want to ride with me?"

"Really?!?!?!? Yes, teacher! Thank you, teacher! It's so very hot!"

So we all happily piled into the cab."

"Teacher, what will you do in town?"

"I must buy a gift for my father's birthday and then go to the post office and mail it to America."

My stdents then proceeded to have a secret meeting in the back of the cab. (I was sitting in the front.) They were all whispering to each other in Korean.

"What are you talking about? No fair! Use English!" I laughed.

"Teacher...umm...we...you...together shopping?" One student asked nervously.

"You want to go shopping with me?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes! It is OK?"

It's was so funny. They looked like five year olds asking for a new toy.

"Of course. You can help me choose a gift!" (and translate!)

So my students and I proceeded to walk around the tiny town of Geochang in search of gifts for my dad.

Now, those of you who have been shopping with me, *cough, cough...Darcie...cough* know that I basically wander around aimlessly without any predetermined plan or destination. I like to just walk (sometimes in circles) until something jumps out and yells "Buy me! Buy me!"

Because of this, the students have all earned spots in the I Went Shopping with Laura Ellen Swilley and Survived Club.

As it turns out, shopping with my students is my new favorite pastime. They would not let me carry any bags (including my purse), patiently waited for me in each store, answered my many "what the heck is this?" questions, translated when needed, and provided opinions.

After shopping we went to the post office, where they made me sit down as they packaged my purchases and spoke with the postal workers. Now, I know this will shock many of you, but I throughly enjoyed feeling like a modern-day princess with an entourage.

After shopping and a trip to the post office, my students invited me to go bowling. Now, I SERIOUSLY hate bowling. I'll go once in a blue moon with friends, but only to socialize and be silly. But they have been such wonderful students all semester, and they were so sweet to help me in my shopping venture, that I had to say "yes." And I'm glad I did!

When we got to the bowling alley, I realized that I was not wearing socks. (Rental shoes without socks? Gross!) One of my students IMMEDIATELY ran down the street and bought me a pair of socks. They are yellow with a picture of a bear and say "HAPPY BEAR." I swear, I'm keeping these socks forever!

Then they broke out the "Robo Cop" gloves, and we bowled!

I do not recall ever seeing these robot-like bowling gloves in the States, but Koreans love them!

Prepare for gutterball!!!!!!!!!!

After one game, I had to say goodbye to my students and head out to meet my friends Erin, John, and Sarah for dinner at a puffer fish restaurant! I was super excited to check yet another item off my bucket list, and I now want a t-shirt that reads "I SURVIVED EATING PUFFER FISH." It is a poisonous fish, which can be lethal if not prepared properly.

We ate the puffer fish in a soup. It had a weird texture for fish. It was kinda chewy,
but not as chewy as squid.

In case the puffer fish soup was my last meal, I wanted to make it worth it, so we went to Baskin Robbins for Fondue! Can anyone tell me if BR in the States has fondue? Or is it just in Korea? Regardless, it was worth EVERY calorie!!!!!!!!!!!