"Boating" day hike

6/30/12

So, today was election day in Korea, and as such we all got the day off to "boat." A group of foreigners had been talking about hiking Gumosan, the local mountain, which was perfect because I've been wanting to do the same myself ever since I got here. In fact, my goal is 50mi in 2012 (not all at once). We didn't make it to the top, but it was still a great day.

I guess my story starts last night. No, scratch that, yesterday afternoon. Science class. Do yourself a favor: always read and follow the directions as stated, especially when dealing with a classroom full of small children. You don't know how close to homicide the words "teeeeaaachherrr heeeeellllllllpp meeeeeeee" can bring you until you've given kindergartners a complicated task. For kindergartners, everything is complicated. I had to go about winding string onto a spindle with a cardboard baby chick in the way, ten times over, while keeping a classroom under control, while being hounded by whining kids, and knowing I was destined to run out of time.

Needless to say, this stressed me the frack out.

Then later, the residual effects of said stress stuck with me, and manifested itself in a weird psycho rumination over getting paid on time/keeping my job. I got paid at the end of my shift, but as I was on my way out the door my supervisor asked if I was busy tonight, her and the head teacher were going out to eat and wanted to know if I should come with. I didn't know if this was a genuine request or a hint, so I accepted and cleared up my evening. I left even more panicked, thinking that they might be giving me the ax, hoping that the envelope full of cash I had just been handed had enough money for a ticket back to the states without me having to hit up my dad.

But to me relief, it was just a fun night out. I ate (for free!), drank a bit, made a few Korean friends, went home, grabbed some cash, went to pay down my tab at the local bar.

[added later, kinda kicking myself because I remember this was a really good day]

I got drunk and passed out, woke up with a killer hangover and went to the mountain by myself in a cab. I'd asked the owner of my school about how to get there, and rememberd enough to make it on my own. Get this: it has its own amusement park! Best part: all the rides are pedal powered!!! Yea, NEVER taking my kids to such a place!! You crazy man!!

First we did the whole very korean thing and ate outside on mats. I met a LOT of people I'd end up meeting agian and again. A few of them have become quite good friends in fact.

We went hiking and to be honest, it was awesome getting away from the city. The cherry blossums were blooming, and it was really spectacular.

I know this is a really lame interpretation of what was supposed to be the meat and potatoes of the story. Sorry, but details have an expiration date. Let this be a lesson to myself.