No-Go for Togo

South Korea has just won their first World Cup match against Togo 2:1. It was actually a very exciting game, and since none of my students showed up for their 9:20pm - 11:00pm class I was permitted to leave work early to join the masses in the local park, where hundreds of "Red Devils" had congregated to watch the game on a big screen in the open air. A drunk reveler took it upon himself to locate a single seat for me amidst the masses and furnish me with some blow-up batons so that I might cheer and support along with the rest of the crowd. IT was quite charming, although he did smell like he just walked out of a brewery. It really was the thought that counted. Everyone around me also took me under their wings, appreciating my Team Korea jersey and my obvious interest in the game. I was hugged, given popcorn and cotton candy, and slapped on the back numerous times: congratulating me for my interest. (All this came after I clarified that I'm not an American, of course. "Waygook"= Foreigner (neutral), "Meegook"= American (derogative).)

The game finished at midnight and I doubt there will be an end to the horn-honking and shouting for at least a few hours. Nevertheless I will attempt to sleep. This may prove to be a very exciting time to be in Korea. Let's all hope that Korea continues to perform well, shall we? Yes, we shall.