I Have An Appointment

There are certain phrases Koreans use that make sense but are a little off. An example would be the popular "take a rest". This phrase runs rampant among Koreans and is used to say relax or rest. It's peculiar but easy to comprehend. If I am not teaching, my coteachers often tell me to take a rest. If I am feeling ill my coteacher will tell me to stay home and take a rest. Now if one of my friends is sick, I just tell them to take a rest with my best Korean English accent.

The first couple of months here I was really impressed with the amount of appointments of my coteachers. I envisioned them going to special meetings, clubs or medical visits. If we tried to make plans to hang out on the weekend sometimes they would already have an appointment scheduled. I remember thinking, wow, they are so important and such hard workers. Or, wow, they have really bad immune systems. It wasn't until my main coteacher explained that he had an appointment with his friend at a hof(beer hall) that I realized my misconception. Having an appointment encompasses any plans. Going to a meeting? Appointment. Going to the hospital? Appointment. Going shopping with your friend? Appointment. Meeting someone for dinner? Appointment. BRILLIANT!

I would write more but I must go. I have an appointment.