The Joys of Samchi (삼치)
Samchi is a fried mackerel that is offered at a tent/restaurant that is usually set up around night time not too far from where we live. Many restaurants close around 10 or 11pm so truck vendors and food tents are set up for those all night partiers that may be trying to sober up or are looking for something to eat after a long night of 노래방 (norebang - the Korean karaoke).
Last night after work (around 11pm) I went out with two of my friends to get some ice cream at a mall, but unfortunately almost everything had closed. After a few rounds of video games at the arcade, we headed back to our part of town, and since I hadn't eaten yet, it was suggested that we go to get samchi at the tent. When we got there, the place was empty, but eventually two Korean men entered the tent and sat down at a table next to us. We had just finished our samchi when they came over with a bottle of soju and some glasses asking if they could sit with us, so of course we said that was fine, and a few shots later, we had a couple of new friends!
Both are computer programmers in their 30s, and very nice guys. They told us about how the cherry blossoms were in bloom, taught us some new Korean words such as 맛있다 which sounds like mashita (delicious), and then they paid for everything! Not only the food and drinks we shared, but the food that my friends and I had eaten even before they arrived. I think we're all going to try to stay in touch. Their English was a bit rough to follow, but we're teachers! So hopefully we can help them get better. Plus, they'll be able to help us learn Korean.
In other news, I'm hoping to get a phone tomorrow! I don't have many people to call, but it's just nice to have one.
Last night after work (around 11pm) I went out with two of my friends to get some ice cream at a mall, but unfortunately almost everything had closed. After a few rounds of video games at the arcade, we headed back to our part of town, and since I hadn't eaten yet, it was suggested that we go to get samchi at the tent. When we got there, the place was empty, but eventually two Korean men entered the tent and sat down at a table next to us. We had just finished our samchi when they came over with a bottle of soju and some glasses asking if they could sit with us, so of course we said that was fine, and a few shots later, we had a couple of new friends!
Both are computer programmers in their 30s, and very nice guys. They told us about how the cherry blossoms were in bloom, taught us some new Korean words such as 맛있다 which sounds like mashita (delicious), and then they paid for everything! Not only the food and drinks we shared, but the food that my friends and I had eaten even before they arrived. I think we're all going to try to stay in touch. Their English was a bit rough to follow, but we're teachers! So hopefully we can help them get better. Plus, they'll be able to help us learn Korean.
In other news, I'm hoping to get a phone tomorrow! I don't have many people to call, but it's just nice to have one.