Uijeongbu - Blogabond

How it began: "You will wear masks and interview children in English."

First of all, what?! Why must masks be worn, and why oh why are we interviewing children in English when they can't even speak it? Apparently these questions weren't in fact pertinent to the coordinators of the festival, because we never received any answers. But first, an explanation: Nick, Adam, and I had been asked through Nick's coteacher if we'd be willing to volunteer at the English festival in Uijeongbu this past weekend. We replied that we would indeed be able to help, not exactly knowing what we had enlisted ourselves to do..

The day itself was less than ideal, as it was overcast with a slight drizzle falling throughout the course of the afternoon. But this soon did not seem to matter, as I

Before the candy-bribing begins

realized that my hair would be in no immediate danger of getting wet because....I was to wear a character suit for the afternoon! Very soon after arriving, I was given the choice as to whether I would prefer to dress up as Pokemon or Dooly the baby dinosaur. The Pokemon outfit looked a tad on the edge of sanity, so I chose to be Dooly (Drooly as my nickname soon came to be).

The majority of the rest of the afternoon was spent traipsing around as Dooly the Dinosaur), asking all of the children if they wanted pieces of candy.

Just doing ourthing...

As much fun as it was being hugged and poked by everyone that somehow truly did believe that I was a big furry (?!) green dinosaur, I permitted myself to realize that I have looked better. See the pictures for yourselves, and judge accordingly!

Dooly and the students

Of course the students are smiling, they just received candy!

All of the lucky native speakers

In the end, I'm able to admit that my skills as a faux dinosaur are perhaps next to nill. Yet, the smiles and laughs that were a result of being willing to make fools of ourselves are that which will remain my favorite aspect of the day.

Dooly the Dinosaur

Seoul, South Korea

Heading South?