Korea School Cancellation

Yeah, yeah...kids freak when school is cancelled. I remember being promised flurries, looking out my window and having miniature seizures. Willing the clouds to snow more than the weatherman promised and release me from my horrible life of show n' tell, snack time, and one hour recess. Wherein I could watch Maury and play Sega Genesis in my pajamas until dinner. Of course if that failed I would dare the feeble mind of our Superintendent to prematurely cancel school. In that case, less snow was favored, as it proved I had won a battle of the minds from my bedroom window. 

Well now I'm a grown up. A grown up teaching English in Korea. I never thought I would feel that same joy ever again. Although I plan to become an elementary school teacher when I return to the US, I never thought I would experience a school cancellation in Korea. The land where education comes before physical exercise, healthy sleeping habits, and normal social interactions. Especially since I teach at an after school, um....school, called a "hagwon." Most students come here after school in case any of the aforementioned perils should attack them on their walk home. The stage is thus set for education to overcome even common sense.

As word got out that schools across the country would be closed as Typhoon Bolaven swung up towards the west coast of the peninsula, I sat and stared out my window. I wasn't willing school teachers or storm clouds this time, but wondering if I could slide out the crack of my 5th story window. After speaking to our manager I learned we would remain open until further notice. I heard open and my idiotic hope was crushed.

What's this? What's this? 

My phone's blinking on the chair! 

What's this?

A message sent with care!

What's this?

I can't believe my eyes.

I must be dreaming, or perhaps there's been an err!

What's this!

School's canceled and it feels unbelievable. 

Our manager sent us a message telling us to rest and not to risk the treacherous 400 m. to work tomorrow. I immediately high fived my girlfriend with my foot and thought of all I would do with my new day off. Not only that, but the positive changes it would have on the rest of my week. A 5 day work week becomes a 3 day pleasure stroll. An impromptu opportunity to shack up inside, watch movies, and like my childhood...play video games. Little did I realize how my teachers were enjoying the very same thing as I was. 

Korea School Cancellation, check.

Gyeongju

This past weekend I had 5 days off and wanted to explore Korea more than I have. I have been to all of the major cities and a few beaches during the warmer months. Gyeongju is a city on the east coast about an hour north of Busan. It's self appointed nickname is the "museum without walls," and I guess I could buy that. The downtown boasts several interesting destinations within walking distance. All or most of the sites showcase the ancient Silla dynasty and their Buddhist upbringing.

We stayed in a hostel in the center of downtown, which was great for walking through Anpaji Pond, the Tumuli, and seeing the observation tower. I think Stephanie and I were more impressed with the lotus pond. I don't think I'd ever seen lotus plants that big or plentiful. After a day of walking we looked for a decent restaurant around the hostel but found only chain restaurants. We settled for a so-so bulgogi restaurant, overpaid, and left to look for a bar.

There are none in the main city center. I was stunned. Luckily a blog I found let us in on a university area nearby that had everything we were looking for. We found a great pizza place believe it or not and had some beers outside on a picnic table. The next night we would come back to partake in some of the best dalkgalbi we've had in Korea and a convenience store that sold Vietnamese beer. If you're in the neighborhood I have a great street to recommend.

Our last full day in Gyeongju we got up early and headed for Bulguksa, Korea's most famous temple. On the outskirts of the city and on a mountain slope sits the Buddhist temple grounds known for it's seamless existence in the mountain. Beautifully laid out, I wasn't so amazed at the buildings as much as Kyoto's but the temple grounds were very nice. Above Bulguksa was Seokguram grotto, housing a huge white granite buddha. Sadly I couldn't take pictures but it was beautiful.

Great place to visit, some nice sites, good food, and only an hour from Busan.

Gyeongju, check.