On holidays in Korea: Black day strikes again!

Today is April 14th, also known as "black day" in Korea. This is the day where all those unable to participate in Valentine's day (Feb.14th) and white day (March 14th) meet up with their similarly solo friends and celebrate (?) being uncoupled. People usually celebrate "black day" by eating a Chinese-Korean dish named Jjajamyeon. 

Before we got into it.

Why eat Jjajamyeon? There are tons of theories floating around but the most popular one I've heard is that the gooey, blackish brown paste that covers the noodles is known for getting stuck on your teeth. This unappealing side effect makes Jjajamyeon the perfect anti-date food. It's like saying "hey I'm not getting kissed anyways so I might as well eat these garlic sticks!". Mmm, garlic sticks.

Mmm...MSG!

For the blog, not because of crushing loneliness, I decided to go to my local Chinese restaurant with my beloved co-teacher. She's married, but took one for the team in the name of solidarity. The food was delicious, although very oily, as Jjajamyeon is want to be. 

Ah Bang Gung...My local Chinese joint

After saying goodbye, I ran into some of my 6th grade girls walking down the road. 

"Have ya'll eaten?" I asked, my lazy southern drawl coming forth.

"No, teacher!" they replied, innocently enough.

"I just at Jjajamyeon!" I said with a smile.

"Oh." that didn't sound good.

"Oh?"

"Teacher is solo?" why are they being so hesitant?!

"Yes...?"

The look of pity that flashed across their faces made me feel like I was some sort of lost puppy drenched in rain.

"Imani Teacher...FIGHTING!!!" which, in a sense, means "Good luck finding a man. We're rooting for you!"

'

Not knowing how to respond, I walked away with a silent agreement that the next time I celebrate "black day", I'll keep it a secret. 

For all the "solos" out there today, keep your head up, order a big bowl of 'myeon and relish the fact that you don't have to share with anyone.

xoxo,

Imani