This week has really flown and I am so glad! Haven't gotten nearly enough reading done on "Harry", so will try to do my best to make a big dent in the new book tomorrow. In the meantime, this picture is of my "Ironing Lady" (front, right, sitting on the ground)and six of her neighborhood friends. Yes, Dear Readers, I am confessing today, that my one and only "splurge" in Jeonju has been that I have been having one of my favorite friends, who owns the neighborhood laundry, iron my few pieces of clothing each week. Too much to imagine, I know, given my love of the ironing skill, but it has been a luxury that I am giving myself this year. And, so much fun at that. Just like shopping at my tiny neighborhood store, I want to help this lady as much as I can.
This picture was taken as I walked home one night this week. Usually, my friend closes her business in the early evening, but this night, all seven of these ladies were outside for the cool evening air. Several in this picture have a beauty parlor and another little store just around the corner. Everyone was so happy and sweet to let me take their picture. I am hoping to get a print of this picture to everyone shown here.
I continue to settle into a routine. After my two adult classes in the morning, I pick up my lunch, of usually rice and vegetables, and walk home to relax until about 2:30. Classes begin again at 3 PM and then last until 8:50. I am always ready to go home and sleep, but end up watching one of my two 30 minute Korean "dramas" (or our soap operas) on which I have become "hooked". The night-time show is called "Dr. Heo Jun". It is considered a historical drama, as it set, I-don't-know-when...but a long time ago. I may have said before that it is shown on Arirang Television, one of the mostly English speaking channels out of Seoul. My drama is in Korean, but has English subtitles.
Have also had good news! It has been confirmed that the foreign teachers at our school will be paid for our vacation! Sounds funny, doesn't it? The school administration had decided to close the school for 3 days, but also decided that foreign teachers would have to take their personal vacation time in ordered to get paid. I was not part of the "battle" that raged after that, but it has been resolved for the positive for teachers! According to my contract, I have two weeks of vacation, but am not allowed to take the weeks at the same time.
Hope you all have a great weekend! Will be writing more over the weekend!! Thanks for all those emails! Keep 'em coming!!
