Do You like Oranges?

It sounds like an innocent question.  But actually it turned into a uniquely Korean situation.

Lately I’ve taken up swimming in the mornings.  It’s a really nice way to start my day.  I show up at the pool next to my school at 7 AM and usually I get the lap lane all to myself.   After 25 laps I’m off to work, a little tired but very content.   Last Monday however was different.

There were some other people in ‘my lane’.  No problem, I can share.  I’ve only got two laps left when one of my students comes to the pool.  After a smile and nod I’m back to my swimming.  I reach the end of the lane and turn around to see my student directly behind me.

“Teacher, do you like Oranges”
“Yes I do.”
“Do you like Dinosaurs?”
“Yes I do.  Do you like swimming?”
“I do!”
“I’m sorry but I have to finish swimming.”

I’ve come to rue the “Do you like oranges” lesson in the school textbook.
Next thing I know the student is swimming along side of me.  When we get to the other end of the pool he introduces me his parents and asks me.

“Teacher, do you like swimming?”

I tell him I do and finish my last lap with my newfound companion.  I say good-bye and head for the locker room.  I’m washing my hair in the shower when someone touches my hip. It’s my student again.  I’m pretty sure in back in Canada teachers and students don’t carry on conversations in their birthday suits  in the shower.

A note on shower room etiquette:
DON’T TOUCH NAKED MEN IN A PUBLIC SHOWER!!!!

“Teacher, do you like dogs?”
“Yes, I do.  Do you like dogs?”
“Yes, I do. How many dogs?”
“I have one dog.”

The questions continue and I cut my shower a little short.  My student follows me out, and the questions continue. Do I like cats? Do I like Dolphins? How many cats?     As I get dressed in the locker room the questions keep on coming.  Luckily his father comes and saves me.  I’m out quickly and on my bike and on my way back to school before he can start another round of questions.   As I said, a uniquely Korean situation.