Thursday, January 8, 2009

Lunchtime in Seoul

I recently took the plunge into eating lunch with some Korean co-workers and I am absolutely loving it. It has many benefits, and few cons. Lunch at my Academy is at 12:35. I have 3 classes before that, and I get pretty hungry and look forward to it for a few reasons. First of all, the culture is great. Some of my American coworkers go out together and buy some food from a nearby restaurant that serves much Ramen Noodle. Ramen is very big over here, but I have had a lifetime of Ramen Noodle in my college days. I'd like to think I stepped up in the world...lol.
So, I came to Korea to eat authentic Korean food with beautiful Korean women. Period (the period is for you Pops).

So, I go downstairs to the auditorium/cafeteria and meet my really beautiful, outgoing, genuinely great coworker (name outstanding) for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is so friendly and won't stop talking. Pretty much my other half except she is beautiful, full head of hair, and a great body (I can dream can't I?). Of course, as with all things in my life there is a catch---She is engaged. Lucky f-ing Korean guy, let me tell you.

Anyway, so as soon as we arrive we get these trays that have multiple containers. I'ts basically a rectangular bowl with divisions in it. Koreans eat many side dishes for a meal versus the American "meat and one side" idea. So this is intended to grab a little of each. And remember, Koreans eat everything in proportion, so they eat as much meat as they do soup, rice (bap), veggies, and whatever. It's basically a cornacopia of side dishes. And remember, eating in Korea is like sex in western culture. They are obsessed with it constantly.

So, as today my American coworkers got Burger King or whatever, I sat with 2 really cool Korean girls and had the best authentic Korean food and great conversation comparing cultures. the food was sooo good. Rice is served with every meal and it has black beans in it and it's soo sticky that using my chopsticks to grab it is like playing my guitar. Second nature. There was Kimchi (fermented cabbage and the healthiest food on the planet), a slimy noodle mixed with garnish (Bry if you're reading this, you will be the ONLY American that appreciates slimy noodle for what it truly is/Maybe Jamie Deitz as well). The best, and for me my MAIN dish was the Moon-O (Octopus) marinated in hot sauce and sauteed!!! The cool thing is that since you're using chopsticks, you really get to take you're time and enjoy the small amounts you give yourself every time. There is always a spoon available, so if I'm in a rush, I turn into the U-nourmous American that I am and use the spoon....lol. But I like to impress my Korean coworkers, so that is rarely the case.

The con would be that after teaching raging and crazy Korean kids for a few hours, they are also in the cafeteria and constantly coming up to me and making it like they've never seen me before. Even though I just taught them for a few hours. They are very loud. As all kids are. I find it so funny how in Korea the students have to actually bring their finished plates in front of their teacher to see if they are done or not. If a Korean teacher thinks that they have not had their "healthy" fill, they must finish it. Pretty comparable to American lunch rooms....yeah...pass the cookies and greasy pizza....lol. What a Frickin' trip it is over here. Let me tell you.

Best part is that lunch is free for Teachers. Definitely beats those Slopp Sloppy Joes back home...lol

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Chris, glad to hear you are having a great time over there. Just put the kids to bed. They were watching your video on Christmas with the Sheah's. They love it!

Anonymous said...

Hey that was Renee. We are having problems with the computer. We are just testing.

Anonymous said...

Well obviously we are retarded, we are trying to figure out how to send you messages. This is me again. Really I have very happy to hear that you are happy over there. We miss you, but it is nice to be able to read about you all the time. Keep up with the recycling because you can not get kicked out of your digs! Sounds very strict over there. Well I'm sure your social life is not like that, unless you recycle your girlfriends (ha ha). Seriously keep up the good work and continue to work hard.

Anonymous said...

Chris. You should tell people how to post a message. Its easy from any computer(now that I know) You should not be sarcastic when you want people to contact you. Sarcasm really has no place in life. Again, could you please tell me about the healthy and tasty staple of Koreeere -I think its called Kimchi cabbage dippped in a vinegar type suace marinated for days even months..you can put it in barrows and store it underground...Need I go on ..What is with the slimy stuff that you and Bry and Paul identify with..Whatever..Last time I play cards with you freaks! Seriously Chris, enjoy this time and eat all the kimchi you like. When you get back to the states and have singular non paid stories we will have a serious game of frozen pooltop hockey!

Anonymous said...

Must be excited that you saw many comments.Just us so far .Computer is key! Who is this this chick that you are seeing? Does she see you the same way or half of you?Kidding like yolk.. you know..If you turn her perpendicular to you ..you look very long and flat! No i say flat!!Love you Topher D
Boy

Chris said...

Thanks for your comments Dan and Renee. Dan, I wasn't quite sure what your last one was saying though? Anyway, I hope you guys are doing well. Talk to you soon. I have laryngitus so I can't talk on the phone, but when I get better I'll call you guys. Peace.