Last night, we had a 회식 [hwehsik – Korean "business dinner"] at a samgyeopsal joint we frequent (Korean grilled pork, mostly "bacon" cuts but prepared differently). This was to wish a farewell to two departing coworkers, and a welcome to a new one.
I will particularly miss my coworker Kay. She has been probably the kindest "deskmate" I've had in my years teaching in Korea. She is good at conversation, and good at overcoming the inhibitions so many Koreans (even English teachers) have about communicating in English. She is happy to talk (or try to talk) about topics a lot of Koreans shy away from: politics, religion, the meaning of life.
She recently lost her sister, which I've blogged about, having gone to the funeral.
So she decided a life change was in order – which I am utterly sympathetic to. Therefore I am actually pleased she's going – for her.
But I will definitely miss her. And she is genuinely caring and interested in the kids – she has never been just a "time-keeping" teacher. She enjoys interacting with them.
She said something funny, the other day. But first, some background.
There's a kind of revolving door, at Karma. People leave. Move on. But then they end up back, working at Karma again. Curt (the owner) clearly inspires a certain loyalty.
I think, of my coworkers, every single one has left at some point, yet has come back to work again at Karma. Except Kay, of course. I would even count myself, in that – I worked for Curt back in the pre-Karma days, at LinguaForum. And I left, yet I returned.
So I joked to Kay about her coming back, later, at some point.
She got a very annoyed, but amused look on her face. "That can't happen. That really can't happen. It won't happen."
"Are you sure?" I asked.
There was along pause.
"This place is like a black hole."
We laughed.
[daily log: walking, 7km]