drinking

Two posts in as many days. I'm prolific to the point of absurdity.

My bosses took my coworkers and me out to dinner after work tonight. My bosses consist of a husband and wife. The wife is also a teacher and can speak English alright, the husband can't speak a lick of it. My coworkers consist of two twenty-something girls. One is also a teacher and can speak English alright, the other is a secretary and can't speak a lick of it.

As a result, the overwhelming majority of the conversation is in Korean, while I bide my time eating and staring off into nothingness. Occasionally they ask me a question, such as, "What's your favorite meat?" or, "Do you cook food at your home?" It's not all bad though, because I get a free meal of all the meat and soju I can handle.

Only the husband-boss and I drank soju, as the ladies sipped at some beer. Whilst drinking with Koreans, especially with one that's your boss, there are certain rules you have to follow. I kinda enjoy getting to show off my knowledge of these rules, which the Koreans always seem to find impressive.

First, my boss should never have to fill his own glass with soju. Being younger than him, and his employee, it's my responsibility to pour the soju for him, and to make sure his glass is never empty.

Second, when pouring I must be certain to do so with my right hand, while touching my right wrist with my left hand. This is a sign of respect that dates back to when Koreans wore robes with long sleeves, so they had to push back their right sleeve with their left hand so that the sleeve didn't dip into whatever they were pouring into.

Third, likewise I can never pour my own glass of soju. After pouring his first, I hand the bottle to him, so that he can pour for me. Whilst receiving soju I must hold the glass with two hands.

Fourth, when opening up a new bottle of soju, I must shake it first. This is due to the belief that the alcohol in a stagnant bottle of soju will sink to the bottom, so shaking it redistributes it. I don't see how that can be possible, but I shake it nonetheless.

Last, while drinking I must turn my head slightly away from my boss. Drinking while facing directly toward him would be considered disrespectful. I'm not sure why.

So, that's what I did.