Saying Goodbye

A little girl with whom Dahin has struck up a friendship is leaving to live in the States for a year. It's the norm here; kids coming and going because their dads or moms get a one-year visiting prof post in some school elsewhere or the parents send their kids abroad so they can get some intensive English in for a while (English is quite the obsession here). The boys have a cute little friend who, as well, is leaving this week to live in the mid-West of the U.S. for a year. Sad to see him go as he was a regular over at our place for snack and playtime after school (he went to the same preschool as our boys). Dahin and her friend have spent a lot of time with each other and both girls are sad to be seperating. I took them out for lunch and a movie so that they could have some fun together before saying goodbye.

Above, riding the subway to the CoEx Mall; below, posing in front of the "UP" display (can't wait to see that one).

Looking very much like the ladies who lunch at the pasta place. Pasta or western-style lunches tend to be pricey. I made the mistake of asking Dahin's friend what she wanted for lunch (note to self: this is not a democracy). But, overall, the CoEx Mall eateries are expensive, no matter what kind of food you have. Korea-style was not much cheaper. 25,000 won ($25) for two plates of pasta (the girls split one) and one iced-tea (which the girls also split) is a bit much for lunch; I had thought to only spend about $15 or less. I was all into the idea of doing Burger King, but oh well...

Below, waiting for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" to begin. A huge bucket of popcorn and two large drinks cost 7,500 won (about $7)--a bit cheaper than the States. I had a coupon for 1,000 won off, so it was even cheaper; woo-hoo! Also, a matinee is 6,000 won (about $6); I had two free tickets, so only had to pay for one. Again, woo-hoo! Seats in movie theatres are assigned. I was asked to pick my seat on a chart when buying the tickets.

I think the girls had fun. The next day, Dahin's friend left on her journey to the U.S.