December and Christmas: Part 2

Then there was the presidential election. A man named Lee Myong Bok was elected. Don't know what his platform is or what party, just that he in the rival political party of the current president- Roh Moo Hyun. Elections in Korea are definitely a cultural experience, however. Besides the usual banner and people passing out fliers, they have flatbed trucks that drive around that are kind of like floats in a parade. They have makeshift stages on the bed of the truck along with a giant TV screen. Standing in front of the screen will be either a person with a microphone screaming the glories of their candidate, or, if you're lucky, a line of dancers wearing sweatshirts with a photo of their candidate, tights, and leg warmers, getting down with cool dance moves to a blaring techno candidate theme song. Perhaps this appeals to the younger voters? Stacy and I decided we were voting for candidate #1 though, because he had the happiest dancers with the coolest moves. Watching dancers in Korea leaves something left to be desired, to say the least, even the professional ones on TV.


Interesting to watch also were the rival candidate cheerleaders in front of E-Mart. They were all in a line facing each and politely took turns shouting their slogans. Then they would all bow low together and it was the other side's turn to yell their slogans. Apparently the actual candidates were not as polite though. They slung so much mud it made our elections look like child's play. I was informed that every single one of these people, by the way, from the cheerleaders to the dancers to those who merely passed out fliers is paid for their services. Unfortunately, I never got a photo of any of these things.


We had a new teacher couple arrive the week before Christmas- Barnaby and Jessica. They hail from England and have a 10 month old daughter. Jessica only works part time so she can care for the baby. Since I was living alone in a 2-bedroom apartment my employer moved me out and into a tiny one bedroom apartment. I was really angry at the time because I asked my supervisor at the beginning of October- yes, two months before - if I was going to have to move and she said no. Then we found out at the beginning of November that they were hiring a couple- still no mention of anything. Then, two weeks before the couple is set to arrive- "Uh, David, we need you to move." My immediate reaction was "No! Sorry. I asked you weeks ago, why are you coming to me now?" But I thought better on it. My new apartment is very cramped and small, but I've managed to make it comfortable and it's easier to keep clean. I'm actually happier here than in the old place. I also don't have to share it with anyone-I would have gotten a roommate again in February if I had stayed at the old apartment. I'll be glad when I'm entirely settled in though. I just got internet service the other day and still don't have a phone and some other essentials that I need-three weeks and counting. Nonetheless, things always seem to work out better for me in the end. This has been no exception.

Next blog: Thailand! Stay tuned!