Blairo in Korea

My brother Blair just visited me in Korea. He was only one person, wasn't as much of a respected guest like my parents were, and didn't have blond hair and wasn't the same age as my students, so he was able to get more of a real experience.

We were approached by Koreans asking if we would do a survey at a popular tourist spot in Seoul (gyeongbokgung). Two taxis in a row wouldn't drive us to that popular tourist spot.

We stayed at a really nice love motel. The next morning the front desk called us at 12:05 to tell us check out was noon. If we wanted to stay the next night too, check in wouldn't be until 8pm. And then the next day is Saturday, so check in wouldn't be until 10pm. Luckily it was Korea and there were many other motels to choose from on the street.

Blair got to see some interesting foreigners and drink soju and dongdongju (rice wine). One German guy at the snot bar couldn't believe Blair's first name was really Blair, and let us know about it a lot.

Just going along for the ride with the host family. Not knowing who would show up for dinner or where it would be. He also sat cross legged in a restaurant each day he was here.

People still giving me forks after 10 months. My host father still asking the waitress to bring us forks even though I've told him we don't need one.

What the 92% of my classes that aren't high level 3rd grade are like. That the kids at school are wild, not great at English, but still really nice, good-natured, and funny.

He also got to experience: Assigned seats at movie theaters, scantily clad Korean girls advertising for some brand or product (sometimes with balloon arches or driving around on segways a la Job from Arrested Development), ajumas at a Korean market, the stereotypical Korean man and alcohol, couple tees; we both wore stone khakis and royal blue shirts to school, and many other sweet memories.