korea, fighting!

There's nothing like a sporting event to bring about a little patriotism......even if it isn't your home country your cheering for. We've spent the last three weeks supporting the Korean Red Devils and it was just on Saturday night that they were beat out of the World Cup. And I have to say, with all my soccer know-how, that Korea had them...it looked like they were the better team, but in the end they were beat 2-1 by Uruguay. It was a sad night followed by an even sadder hangover... :P

Mike and I have decided to stay here in Korea for another 8 months in order to finish off my contract. At first, it was a bit hard coming to terms with our decision. We were both pretty excited at the prospect of going somewhere new. But after many talks about what made the most "sense" it is here that we have decided to be. And it was through our nights out for the world cup that I was reminded of just how great Korea can be.

Game 1 - Korea vs. Greece - I rediscover the friendliness of Koreans

Mike and I went to Busan Station to watch the game outside. We showed up about a half hour before game time to a sea of red. Found a little spot, spread out the sleeping bag and settled in for the game. About half way through, it started to drizzle. Not being prepared we just sort of huddled closer together willing to endure a little rain. Not even a minute goes by before we are offered an umbrella from a man sitting behind us. (this man, we are positive is the mayor of Busan...)

This is not the first time something like this has happened. I have not only been offered umbrellas from total strangers after being caught in the rain, but I have had, on more than one occassion a Korean escort to wherever I am going with the shelter of their umbrella.

Game 2 - Korea vs. Argentina - I rediscover my inner Korean passion for picnics

This game was held on a balmy Thursday night and Mike and I headed to Gwangalli beach for the game. Again, we showed up to a sea of red, found our spot and settled in. We had picked up some mandu (korean dumplings) and had a couple of bottles of wine. We were sitting behind two Korean couples in about their 40's who had been there for a while and were diggin' in to some raw fish and whisky. It wasn't long before we were sharing food and drink and a lot of smiles.

Koreans love picnics, and they have it down to an art. I feel that I have a lot to learn in the world of picnicing, and this is the place I'm going to learn it. A dozen tupperwares full of Korean yummies set out perfectly on adorable little picnic mats. And always enough to share with any unexpected joiners. My favourite part about Korean picnics is that they remove their shoes to sit on their picnic mats. Traditions...

Game 3 - Korea vs. Nigeria - I rediscover just how patriotic Koreans are

This game, I slept through, but I showed up to school and every teacher had stayed up or woken up for the 330am game. And not just the teachers, but upon asking my students I learned that about half of them were up with their families to watch the game as well

Game 4 - Korea vs. Uruguay - I rediscover just how silly and fun Koreans are

We headed to our pub for the game. We showed up a bit early but were quickly joined by many Koreans sporting tattoos and devil horns, whistles and light savers. Koreans really get into their sports. This doesn't sound much different from what you would see at an NFL game or something but it is the spirit that is different. There is a competitiveness no doubt, but the main thing that fills the air is just pure joy..silliness. And it doesn't take long before you are right in there engulfed in the positive vibes, singing and chanting along with the rest.

Korea..fighting!