Mulloskeys Adventures Abroad

No, it’s not a day celebrating us foreigners … here in Korea Valentine’s Day belongs to the men. Women buy their crushes, significant others, lovers etc. chocolates etc. Pretty much the same as home without all the disappointed females and much more unapologetic consumerism and less Hallmark sentiment. Well, on white day it’s our turn. White day, exactly one month after V-Day, is a celebration of feminine wiles and love. Today, the boys give back. I received more chocolates, candies and trinkets from members of the male gender (albeit most under the age of 9) today than ever before. It’s nice to be appreciated or at least have kids suck up to you for good grades with something good like chocolate and not just puppy dog eyes and a severely runny nose. My middle school students asked what Sean had done for me today. Hmmmm I thought. Well he’s off the hook for Valentine’s Day (not my fave holiday anyway) here because it’s all about the men. Now, on White Day he can plead ignorance (what baby, we’re in Korea… how am I supposed to know today is special). Now those of you who know me realize I’m kidding and that I could really care less. That said, let’s see if he remembers my birthday next week and then I’ll let you know if my chocolate gift quota for the year has been reached.

At the very least, it’s nice to be exposed to people who separate their spiritual/religious traditions from the riotous gift giving frenzies that we call holidays.