TP12

Today, April 11th, I met John at Sakura for lunch. He had asked me to come meet him for sushi and conversation practice, as well as answer his occasional grammar questions. At first, we exchanged pleasantries and talked a little about his research after submitting his guava paper for review, but then moved on to a variety of other subjects.

We talked about cultural differences between S. Korea and America, such as tipping etiquette and how much teachers get paid. John was impressed by my ability to hold chopsticks and inhale wasabi, and suggested that I would do well as an English teacher in Korea because I already liked the food they eat there. I asked John where else he had traveled to, outside of the obvious two countries, and he said Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others. I told him I had only been to Eastern Europe, but wanted to travel all over the world - at this he said he would like to join, and be my English student everywhere.

We talked of our plans for this summer as well. He wants to send his kids to summer camp here while they won't be in school, except for a few weeks in July when they are going to travel to see the West Coast and Grand Canyon. I told him I would help by looking for information about local education-focused, safe camps for his kids, and also that I had never seen the Grand Canyon and would love to join him and his family on their sightseeing adventure.

The sushi was fantastic, as was the miso soup and salad. After helping John discern the appropriate amount for a tip (with good service), I thanked him and we discussed our next meeting as we left Sakura. As always, I'm looking forward to seeing him again!