On Saturday, I saw a completely new side of my coworkers. It all began as a simple rafting trip in the country, and turned into an experience in coworker bonding that could only happen outside of America.
For 24,000 won (approximately $24), we had an amazing ride down a Korean river. The water was far from rapid riddled, but the Koreans made it exciting by instigating raft wars with us whenever they passed. I think our raft lost the splashing wars, but the scenery and the laughter compensated for our lost victories. We emerged from the water sopping wet and in desperate need of showers. It so happened that a shower was included in our 24,000 won.
We proceeded to a public bath house or "spa", and the very public bathing area. There, my female coworkers and I bathed together. The spa had a variety of hot tubs, sitting showers, standing showers, cold water tubs, saunas, and a strange warm pool of green water that was supposed to do "something good for half of your body" (many things get lost in translation). Children and adults bathed together in total acceptance of cleanliness and nakedness (although us waygook {foreigners} did get more than our fair share of curious glances). Friends sat on the floor of the sauna drinking green tea and talking; women washed their daughters' hair.
While I doubt that the Kid's Club staff will adopt the Korean style of frequenting the bath houses together, I think it was a cultural experience we all appreciated- even in its awkwardness.
2 comments:
I'm not sure if I think the bath sounds relaxing or horrifing, but at least you enjoyed it.
It really sounds like you are making a place for yourself out there, good for you! Kinda makes you realize how wierd Americans are about nudity.
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