As I was diligently putting together a surprise test for my after-school-class, contemplating the creation of another blog, (too much complaining about the lack of blogging – would you rather be inundated with posts?) what sounded to be a type of fire alarm goes off in the school; echoing off every wall, vibrating every crack in the plaster, ringing in the ears of everyone within a three block radius. (Howda ya like that Steph?)
Actually I was half way to the restroom when the shrill, pre-recorded blaring started. “To brave being locked in a stall as the firemen barge in, kicking down the door, or not to? That is the question. Just how bad do ya have to go son?”
Western instinct kicked in, so I calmly waked back to retrieve the bare-essentials, thinking I might spend some time across the block, as in any good fire-drill/scare. Kids were screaming as they ran in and out of classrooms, some hastily packing their school supplies into little backpacks, some just screaming because it was the fun thing to do. The teachers were all standing around, hands in pockets - looking puzzled as if they had never heard a fire-alarm before.
This went on for some minutes, compelling me to ask one of the few “English speaking” teachers if this was indeed a fire-alarm.
“Yes, we not know what we do…” her voice trailing off as she gazed down the hall at other teaches who were also looking clueless.
Well if they are all unconcerned I am going to the bathroom, dang-it.
It stopped just as suddenly as it started – classes commenced, no one had left the building, no firemen made an appearance, no one said anything further.
Now, I understand that Korea (and almost any other country in the word for that matter) is not as litigious as American. This is why they don’t bother to mark construction sights, they leave objects protruding from the ground in public places, some “aesthetically pleasing” structures are more of a hazard than pleasing.
But a fire-alarm in an elementary school! The contrast between today’s experience and my highschool fire-drills is staggering. “Don’t worry kids. We’ll be fine – keep studying till you can feel the heat on your face. We’re not leaving till the flames are licking the classroom door!”
Today’s lesson: study > safety
Actually I was half way to the restroom when the shrill, pre-recorded blaring started. “To brave being locked in a stall as the firemen barge in, kicking down the door, or not to? That is the question. Just how bad do ya have to go son?”
Western instinct kicked in, so I calmly waked back to retrieve the bare-essentials, thinking I might spend some time across the block, as in any good fire-drill/scare. Kids were screaming as they ran in and out of classrooms, some hastily packing their school supplies into little backpacks, some just screaming because it was the fun thing to do. The teachers were all standing around, hands in pockets - looking puzzled as if they had never heard a fire-alarm before.
This went on for some minutes, compelling me to ask one of the few “English speaking” teachers if this was indeed a fire-alarm.
“Yes, we not know what we do…” her voice trailing off as she gazed down the hall at other teaches who were also looking clueless.
Well if they are all unconcerned I am going to the bathroom, dang-it.
It stopped just as suddenly as it started – classes commenced, no one had left the building, no firemen made an appearance, no one said anything further.
Now, I understand that Korea (and almost any other country in the word for that matter) is not as litigious as American. This is why they don’t bother to mark construction sights, they leave objects protruding from the ground in public places, some “aesthetically pleasing” structures are more of a hazard than pleasing.
But a fire-alarm in an elementary school! The contrast between today’s experience and my highschool fire-drills is staggering. “Don’t worry kids. We’ll be fine – keep studying till you can feel the heat on your face. We’re not leaving till the flames are licking the classroom door!”
Today’s lesson: study > safety
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