Koreans are blunt

So my little "hello, how are you?" friend at the gym was leaving at the same time as me yesterday, so we walked and chatted before separating to our respective residences. Now, all we've ever said to each other is as stated above, along with a friendly smile. The first question he asked as we descended the stairs was, "how old are you?" Then, he uses his arms to gesture a belly, then brings his arms in to make it a smaller belly, and says, "you slim"....hahaha. I know he wasn't trying to offend, by suggesting I was fat before. Just a little lost in translation. But another guy at the gym, when I first met him, asked if I was at the gym to lose weight. He has since said that I have. And it's not just the men, and it's not just the gym. Some of the female Korean teachers I work with won't hesitate to point out of someone looks like they are gaining weight (to the foreign staff too). Seriously. I guess it's not rude for them...!

Last night I went to Happidus again. More laughs, more darts (I beat the boys), more groovy tunes. Less sleep. Patrons have control of the music. Someone put on Journey's Don't Stop Believing, and we (me and a bunch of guys) had an intense sing-along/belt-at-the-top-of-your-lungs session. The crowd went pretty wild when I put on Buddy Holly's Rave On too. My taxi fair en route to the bar came to 2600 won (that's about $2.50). I gave the driver 3100 won and he looked so confused. Then I literally witnessed the lightbulb, as he fished out a 500 won coin for me. I've done that at the grocery store too and they get all confused. Apparently people don't do that here.

Random fact: my banker here knows McGill! I mentioned going to school in Montreal (he asked) and then asked if I went there. Some Canadians and Americans I meet don't know it, yet my Korean banker does! I found that amusing.

Another sunny, mild day. Was out and about with Karen, Romo, Trevor, and Patty for lunch and errands. And now I rest. I may just call it an early night...! haha Happy weekend!