Pool Fun

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to visit the pool. The pool we like to go to is one right by the Han River with great views of downtown, Namsan Tower (the kids like to point it out each time we go), and the river and parks by the river.  We've been so desperate to cool down on weekends that we brave the massive crowds and fight for a parasol so the kids and I don't get burned to a crisp (Jack, apparently, believes he is sunburn resistent and does not apply sunscreen.  Hmmm...what's that peeling skin doing there on his back? ...mystery...).  Swimming caps are required; if you don't wear one the lifeguards make you get out of the pool until you put one on.  Goggles are not required, but good practice since I'm sure the water is not the cleanest.  The boys practice swimming--they mostly kick and splash in one place, but really put a lot of effort into it--and Dahin does handstands and plays games with her brothers. Oliver's new thing is taking a running start and jumping into the pool.  Ronan prefers to sit on the side of the pool, hold his nose, and then scoot in for his 'jump.'  Ronan's favorite game is chase, and it is so cute to see how excited he gets.  Dahin is doing really well with her swimming and practices going further away and swimming to me under the water. One of the things about pool culture here:  Men--mostly those with flabby, imperfect bodies--like to parade around in tiny speedos.  If that kind of thing makes your eyes burn, then maybe pool time here is not for you.  That, or you can develop a blind spot as a survival tactic (works for me). 

Oliver, especially, likes to climb up onto Apa when Apa is riding the float.  Ronan only likes to temporarily, then he kicks Apa off so he can have the float to himself.  ; - )

Food is another highlight of the pool.  If we do lunch there, the kids get to eat ramen, then follow that up with things like nacho and potato chips.  We also buy boiled and salted potatoes, corn dogs, and ice cream.  Needless to say, pool time is not healthy time.  Although, I've tried to do better and packed watermelon and other kinds of fruit like cherry tomatoes, plums, and nectarines.  The kids love the fruit, but the chips seem almost mandatory. Once we get through the healthy stuff, it's 'bad snack' time.  I must admit that I really like eating chips at the pool, too.  It's the only time we really do junk food head-on. 

Break time at the pool is mandatory.  Every hour is divided into 45 minutes of swim time and 15 minutes of break time. During the required resting moments, the kids tend to snack, hit the bathroom, and sit by the pool and wait for the announcement that it's time for another 45-minute swim.