Death by....

Yesterday I came very close to death, not once but twice. Perhaps very close is an exaggeration but not by much. The first time I was crossing the street (NOT jay walking either) on my way to work. I looked both ways (it's a 6 lane road) before carefully making my way across. All of a sudden a motorcycle comes speeding out from behind a truck and has to slam on the brakes so he doesn't hit me. I yelled at him in English "It's a red light you moron!!!!!" He might not have had a clue as to what I was saying but I'm pretty sure I got the point across. He looked rather ashamed of himself. This incident strengthened my resolve to learn the colors in Korean. Unfortunately, I've only mastered yellow so far. 'Red' is a three syllable word in Korean. Tomorrow, I shall conquer red. Maybe. In any case, my kids are having fun trying to teach me during our lunch hour.

Death by motorcyclist event number two:
I was walking Home from work when a motorcycle zipped up behind me on the sidewalk and had to swerve last minute to avoid hitting me. Yes, a motorcyclist on the sidewalk doing highway speeds. I kid you not.

This morning my bus blew through a red light. At a 3 way intersection of 6 lane roads. Why, oh why did I decide to stare idly out of the window instead of reading my book? No good can come of me observing these things. Granted, this event wasn't a near death experience but it could have been. In my 5 months in Korea I have witnessed or experienced hundreds of traffic violations while riding in taxis, buses and private cars. I have never once witnessed a police officer give a ticket or harass someone for it. It's one thing to overlook parking laws, it's another thing when people are being needlessly reckless on the road. Earlier this year a coworker of mine had to go to the funeral of a young friend who was killed in a motorcycle accident. Sadly, this is quite common. Korea might be a developed country but despite the paved roads and traffic lights, the experience is strangely akin to driving around in India. That is to say, frightening and dangerous.

Positive side:
As much as I hate corporate, pseudo Christian/pagan holidays, I'm enjoying doing Valentine's Day projects with my kids. They love all of the arts and crafts and a holiday devoted to saying 'I love you' and chocolate. What could be better for 6 and 7 year old kids? Nothing. I am going to feed them chocolate late in the afternoon and then send them home to their parents hyper.

This might be slightly vindictive of me. Just a little.