So I lied. A few posts back I claimed that I had embarked on my final hike here in Korea. But I ended up hiking at the temple with the monks, and I got to the top of Wonhyo Peak with, Song, one of the enthusiastic hikers I had met a couple weeks ago. He was so excited to have found an American who he could guide along different courses and who would practice English with him. That being said, let me explain the above title to this post. Song speaks very little English, and the English he does speak is accompanied by a thick accent. So when he says things like, "Let's take a seat," it sounds exactly like, "Let's take a shit," and leaves me speechless with anticipation. I was unsure, obviously, as to how to handle such a request, other than to simply decline the invitation. Thankfully, he kept his pants on, sat down on a nearby rock, and pulled out a bottle of water while I attempted to refrain from busting a gut with laughter. I knew this was gonna be one for the blog, but for a minute I was thinking it was going to be a little more graphic.
When we started the hike, it was nice and on the sunny side, but about 15 minutes from the peak the sky began to rumble and within moments we were caught in a torrential downpour. I was about to climb to the top when I spotted the most perfect bolt of lighting touch down on the neighboring peak. Absolutely stunning, something I don't believe I've ever seen before, and quite frighting. We attempted to take cover until it let up, but I was in sweatshorts and a t-shirt which soaked right through. After watching the rain come down in blinding, cutting sheets, it eventually let up and we made it to the top. Knowing that I had been sick and concerned for my "health" Song took me to a hiking shop an bought me over $100 worth of dry, water resistant hiking gear. I told him that I was leaving in a week, and tried to explain that there aren't any mountain in the midwest. He didn't seem to care, telling me I was a great hiker and really seemed to enjoy it so he trusted it would all come in use sometime in the future. Well okay then. I better continue my new hobby at home. Then he bought me dinner and about 3 cups of coffee to warm me up.
Today one of my elementary students, Jason, brought me a bouquet of roses with a note that had him apologizing for the fact that I had to be his teacher. Definitely putting that one in the scrapbook. Then Monica brought me a mocha coffee with a note that said what a great teacher I was and she would never forget me. And my Mary, wrote me another note saying "I love you". Man, this is really bitter sweet.
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