I'm a model, if you know what I mean

June 6th is Memorial Day here, when schools are cancelled. Some lucky bastards people also got Friday off and had a nice 4 day weekend. I was not one of those. Still, having a mid-week day off was a great way to relax and get things done. Of course, my extreme procrastination prevents me from getting things done, but it was relaxing nonetheless.

Some friends and I went to Suseong Lake, a man-made body of water in a pretty nice area of town. Although there were many people there enjoying the day, it was still very peaceful. We brought some snacks and settled down for a make-shift picnic to catch up. After about an hour of chit-chatting, we were approached by 2 Korean men with nice looking cameras. I had seen them walking around the lake, taking photos, and slowly working their way in our direction. They asked if they could take our picture.

To which we responded by looking at each other nervously, but ended up saying "Uh... sure?"

So we grouped together and smiled for a photo. And another. And another. Then a few more from the second guy. Then one of our group got out her camera and asked them to get one for us (smart thinking!). We were so busy with taking photos that I didn't see the crowd starting to gather. Next thing I know, there are 3 or 4 more photographers (men and women) snapping away at us sitting there.

At one point, Imani said something along the lines of "I'm pretty sure this is the kinda thing my dad warned me about." Of course we all laughed nervously, but were definitely thinking the same thing. It was hard to say no when we were already posed together, and more importantly, everyone was so friendly.

Never have I felt so uncomfortable, awkward, and yet somehow obliged to them for taking our pictures. I said thank you when they left! Such a weird feeling!

When the crowd left us alone, we settled on the consensus that they were a photography group, taking pictures at the lake, and just couldn't miss the shot of a gaggle of waygooks in the wild.

So yeah. Who knows where those pictures will really end up. Keep a lookout.

Deodorant: Things Korea does differently #2

Before coming to Korea, I did quite a bit of research on what I should bring. On everyone's list was deodorant, so I brought plenty of my own considering that I sweat like it's my job. I figure if I ran out, I can just look really hard and find some Korean brand instead.

Once a week I have Korean lessons with my main co-teacher, Monica (or JungAh, I switch between her Korean and English names). We were chatting about my trip to Seoraksan, and how hot it was. I mentioned that I was glad I remembered my deodorant, or the bus ride would have been worse for everyone. When I got a blank look, I repeated myself, which I rarely have to do with Monica.

She has never heard of deodorant. Or anti-perspirant. I don't mean in a metaphorical or sarcastic sense either, like how Rick Astley has never heard of a dance move beyond the 2 step. She literally did not know what I was talking about. I had to explain in detail how it's a gel or powder or sometimes spray that you apply to your armpits to keep them from sweating and stinking. I think I could have been explaining how a bill becomes a law for the amount of recognition on her face.

How does this happen? Do Koreans really not sweat? It was 90 degrees last week and I felt like I was melting. When Mijin told me that I can expect much worse come July and August, I nearly cried. It's going to be a long summer of feeling disgusting and gross. Hooray.

안녕!

Anyeong!

Bye!