Seoul Searching: Adventures in Korea: Week 6

My oh my, how the weeks are passing by quickly! Per usual, I will share some highlights of the past week:
Last Wednesday was my first test in Korean. Did it go well? Debatable. The teacher would say some random word in Korean 3 times, and we had to write what we heard in Korean (a test of dictation). 3 times may seem like a lot, but when the words are multiple syllables and the teacher is going way too fast (to the point where students are begging her to slow down), it was rather difficult. I suppose it makes me feel a bit better that none of the class felt it went well. Results will be revealed soon!
On Thursday, the school threw an event for the international students in which we practiced calligraphy in Korean. I thought it would be casual, but I was surprised when there were at least a dozen photographers and videographers sticking cameras in my face as I tried to work. "Act natural," they said. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am anything but natural in front of a camera. Nevertheless, my Korean buddy told me I made the Korean news! Apparently they promoted this in honor of national "Hanguel" day, celebrating the creation of the language (I'm starting to get overwhelmed by the amount of national holidays here).
Mariem had heard that we can rent free bikes throughout Seoul. On Saturday, we hunted down one of the facilities and biked miles and miles down the Han River. It was a perfect day-- sunny, a light wind, 60 degree weather. Though it was in the city, it felt more secluded and nature-like. I was reminded of home with the bike trails, foliage, and blue herons bathing in the calm River. I don't know what it is about moving water, but it's very therapeutic.
Right after our bike ride, we went to an international fireworks festival on the river. I heard from a semi-reliable source that there were 5 million people in attendance. It sure felt like it-- the park was PACKED, I could hardly move. We also had a drastic temperature drop (thank GOODNESS, I was running out of sweat to sweat) so it was a perfect chilly night (according to my MN standards). The fireworks were impressive and lasted an hour and a half. Afterwards there was a DJ that spun some great tunes to dance to and flashed some funky lights.
All in all, a good week! Chilling out and enjoying my time here in the meantime. Midterms are next week, so maybe I'll be reading a bit more. Miss you all, have a great week.