One of our coworkers, Robert, got married on the weekend. He's 36, from Alabama, and has been dating her for a while. Their marriage was a lot different from the other one I went to, this one was done more traditionally. This one took place in a small temple area. They both wore tradition bright coloured, ornate costumes. They were both carried down the aisle in those box-like things with long poles coming out of them that people hold onto. I'm not sure what it's called but you often see kings and important people carried in them in old movies. Also, there was a chicken at the front of the whole ceremony which is very traditional, although I didn't actually see it. I once again forgot my camera, but my friends took pics so I'll try and get them and post them soon. Robert will now have a different kind of visa than the rest of us and be able to legally teach private lessons to whoever he wants. He is also thinking about starting his own business English school because lots of people are always asking him to do things for them. He will probably make a small fortune quite easily.
Until today, we have had the same teachers since January. But, a few girls gave their 6-weeks notice in order to find better jobs, the first of which leaves today. Plus, other teachers 1-year contracts are also coming to an end, so new teachers will be arriving on a fairly regular basis..maybe one per month until we leave. We have a suspicion that they are going to have a hard time finding teachers since every other school offers such better contracts. We shall see who falls into the LIKE school trap. For instance, our friend asked us if we wanted a job in August that pays 2300$ month for 100 hours a month (we get 2000 for 120 hours). Our friend will get between 500 and 1000$ as the recruiter fee if he finds someone.
My new fish I think is blind. He won't eat anything I give him...I don't know how he is still alive. The old fish used to gobble down cockroaches like they were candy. We LOVE playing soccer with our soccer buddies every Friday. We had them all over to our place for a party last Friday since one of them is heading overseas to study. It was hysterical as usual. I've gone hiking a few times in the mountains around Daegu and took a few pics - see below.
My fish's grave in the rooftop "garden" area. I gave him a traditional mounded tomb.
Small buddha at Daegu's most famous temple on Mt. Palongsan.
Old drum at the temple that is roughly 4 or 5 feet in diameter.
Old building I found on the mountain. It seems to be built in a more western fashion, but it is obviously a bit old and decrepit so I'm curious about it's history.
A couple shots of trails on the mountains.
An old Buddha carve into the side of an exposed rock.
