Divided

There are maybe 30 foreign teachers here as Seoul English Village, from America, Canada, Oz, New Zealand, and then there's us two Brits. In addition to us there are maybe 6 to 8 Korean teachers to whom English is a second language. They teach mostly the same classes as us, but are paid less. They are all women.

Yesterday, it emerged that one of them, let’s call her N - not that there's enough people reading my site for anything to get back to anyone it shouldn't, but can never be too careful - N was told by one of The Directors that she is forbidden to socialise with us foreigners after she was witnessed on CCTV entering the accommodation of more than one of the American guys (another reason we’re not impressed as we had naturally assumed they were for our security rather than to monitor our activities). For the record, it was entirely innocent, but I don't think it matters either way. She was told that as a Korean woman, she should be acting more responsible, which can only suggest that we ourselves are seen as somehow morally irresponsible in comparison, even though they are employing us to teach their children. Anyway, our N, a lovely girl, will no longer be scheduled classes in the art centre, as it is too close to the accommodation blocks, presumably because they're concerned that she will slip over for a quickie between classes.

Now all of this information is third or fourth hand, but here are a few of the other ugly snippets I’ve heard over the past couple of days:

• we are not supposed to talk to the Korean assistants who shepherd the kids around site between classes – no reason given

• The Korean teachers are no longer allowed three meals a day like us; they will now just get lunch, where I imagine, we'll soon have to eat at separate tables – no reason given

• Since the incident with N, apparently a few of the other Korean teachers have since been yelled at for talking to us too much.

Of course, this isn't going to have any effect on how we act around them, but it will be a shame if they do feel unable to socialise with us anymore, and it is not leaving us well disposed towards the administration this week.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is the 50th Anniversary of my Dad's 10th Birthday! Happy Birthday Pa! Sadly I'm slightly over 5000 miles away and will be for some time to come, otherwise I would of course be celebrating with y'all. I haven't even managed to get a present sorted yet. I tried twice to order things online, and twice the companies rang my parent's house (as the only landline I could give) to tell me the items were unavailable. They did at least have common sense enough to ask for my Mum as I had specified on order that they were to be gifts for my Dad. Don't worry Dad, I'll sort something soon as I can. Hope you have a good day and night. Love you.

Luxury

I have a clean, fluffy, pleasant smelling towel. I have fresh, white, crisp sheets to sleep on. I'm in heaven. If I'd only thought to wash my mouldy pillowcase too, life would be perfect.

Police Station

One of my classes this week is Police Station. As part of the class, I ask the kids to shout out the words for any crimes they know. My first two classes of the day weren't very forthcoming, they gave me 'murder', 'stealing', 'hit and run', maybe a couple of the others. My final class of the day got off with a slow start - they initially offered up 'killing' and 'stealing', but I was having none of this, and pushed them for more with the offer of excellent stamps if they gave me more suggestions. "Sell baby!" one boy came out with. Fair enough - I was surprised as I didn't realise this was issue in Korea, but, relieved to finally be getting some feedback, I wrote it on the board anyway. "Touching!", cried one of the girls. I really wanted to ask who was touching who in this scenario, but decided to pretend not to hear instead. The first boy then mimed injecting something into his forearm. Whether he was being poisoning or he was shooting up I wasn't able to clarify as the suggestions were coming thick and fast now. "Sell human!" "For what purpose!?" Maybe I shouldn't have asked but I didn't get much of an explanation anway. "Buy woman!" "Um...y'know what, shall we play a game now?"

Post Office

In Post Office class, the kids write and post a letter either to their family, or a favourite teacher. We all have a mailbox in the room, so every now and again we pop in to check whether anybody's written to us recently. Obviously, you can't go too often, as you don't want anyone to get the impression that you think it matters at all who gets the most. But is nice when you get some.

Dear Ryan Hello, My name is Sally I send for you because your name is same of my school English teacher. And you're body is much thinner than him. His is also went to Pungnap SEV [another English camp like ours]. My favorite class is music class. Because I like listening to music. And Douglas teacher is very nice and so good and kind. I hope you're happy. Sally P.S. Please give me a mail.

Dear mother Ryan, I'm happy here. I many new friends. Their names are Tonny and Sam. And my favorite class is cooking class. I hope you're happy. Love food Jimmy. P.S again Souel English Villege

It's Jimmy! Note that neither of these kids actually cite my class as being their favourite. This next one does though:

Dear Ryan, I'm happy heare. I have new friends. Their names are Jenny and Julie. And my favourite class is homestay. I hope you're happy. Love(?) Ryan(???!!!) P.S Aileen

Aileen chose to illustrate her envelope with this charming picture of Emma and I. I don't know what she is trying to insinuate: