Some Cultural Differences I've Noticed

Other things that differentiate Korea from the US is the way the teachers discipline the students. The teacher make the children do really silly things (like leaning their heads against wall for 10 minutes straight, holding a ruler in their hand with their arm out in the air, bending over on all fours while holding their body up in the air like in downward dog) It's really quite funny and amusing to be walking through the hallway and see 3-5 kids lined up holding rulers with their arms lifted up in the air, or seeing them all with their heads leaning against the wall. It's a different form of punishment/strategy they use to discipline the students. I've ever heard that some teacher snap/flick their fingers really hard on the students heads. It's kinda funny b/c once they know that they've done something wrong, they lowered their heads and walk over to the teacher so they can receive their smack. (Just like being in Hoboken elementary school right? The other thing that's very noticeable is how extremely hygenic the Korean teacher are when it comes to their teeth. They are constantly running around brushing their teeth everywhere; during Tea Time, after lunch, during breaks, etc. I even saw an old man on the street today with his toothbrush in hand. I'm telling you, they must have the healthiest teeth of any country out their. And finally, the other major difference I need to share has to do with buying beer at the mini market. They sell these BIG 1.6 Liter sized plastic bottles of beer relatively cheap that usually includes a free "snack" with it. The first time I received a little bags a peanuts with my beer. (ok, nothing weird there) But the second time I was "lucky" enough to find a little bag of dried fish!!! They are these small, tiny, silver fish with the heads and tails still on them!!! They remind me of what we used for bait a long time ago when we went fishing as kids in Mantauck, NY. They're kinda gross, but really aren't too bad if you close your eyes and pop them in your mouth. A lil salty, fishy flavored snack. Great to enjoy with a cold beer and stupid Korean gameshows. I think I will post a pic of these dried fish so you can see what I'm talking about on my FLICK site. Stay tuned. That's all for now. Until next time.