Carnage Christmas

The girls began our Christmas celebrations early with a little what we affectionately call “Carnage Christmas.” This was a ridiculous night out on the town that began with taking in the beautiful lights at “City Hall”. There is a small crazily overcrowded outdoor skating rink but around it are these magnificent Christmas lights and a large Christmas tree. We involved Roberta, Camille, Camille’s friend from New Zealand, Holly [teaching in Incheon], and Canadian Alison [also teaching in Incheon]. Together we continued the night at “Carne Station” which is an all you can eat/drink (alcohol) for 3 hours binge restaurant. It is always complete carnage (we did it for Camille’s Birthday as well). By the end of Carne, us 5 girls were signing Christmas Carols at our table and there were Koreans all around clapping to our terrible voices... OHHHH DEAR! Finally, we of course went clubbing in Hongdae (University clubbing area) but we left at a reasonable 3 a.m.--- they had to drag me and my sweaty bang off the dance floor!
Sometime in between this and actual Christmas I managed to go see the Nutcracker with my friend Jamar. It was unbelievable! I forgot how much I loved it as a child---- this was one of those truly “Christmasy things I have done in Korea.” The ballet company made a couple of changes but all of it was fantastic. Interestingly though, the men who accompanied the snow fairy/snow flake dance had on blonde wigs. The majority of them were all Korean but the apparent need to look white unnerved me. It is everywhere here in Korea... ads including our school one have caucasian kids/adults on them. Honestly what kind of message is that putting out???????!!!!!