a swim

Mercifully, we were let out of class early yesterday, just as temperatures were hitting close to 100, I'm guessing.  I have been dreaming about swimming for a long time because I walk by our neighborhood pool on the way to and from school every day.  I grabbed my bathing suit before I left for the day, thinking that I'd stop on my way home.

Another PCV said that she swam at the college pool, so I went there instead, and caused a minor scene because I am American? because I wore a 2-piece suit? because I know how to swim? because I decided it was better to swim with a shirt on?

me, of course

them

I didn't last long, but it sure felt great.  It was difficult to swim around all of the kids and floats, so I just breaststroked back and forth in a small, corner area.  Some kids would yell, "Hello!" I'd answer in Chinese, and I'd smile, and maybe hand quirt water at them.  It's weird to be the focus of attention.  My empathy for what it's like to be a minority is growing each day.

the SNU pool, women model bathing suits (in background)

Suits for sale at the pool. (Oops, I took a video, sorry)