Children's Day

Today is Children's Day in South Korea. It's a national holiday observed for parents and other family members to celebrate their children by lavishing them with candy and toys. If this took place in America or somewhere like Canada, I think I'd disagree with it, but kids in Korea are worked pretty hard at school and various other extra curricular activities, so they kind of deserve this day. Public schools and most businesses are closed, (except the toy store :), and even some English academies, but not Aaron's school. It would have been nice for him to take the day off, but even nicer for the poor kids who don't have to go to public school, but have to leave their water guns behind in the park and go to English school. What's even worse is that Aaron is administering a test to them today called the "Level Up" test. This determines whether or not they can go on to the next level of English courses. So no big blow up jumpy castle for them, just a big test :(
We went out earlier to see if we could catch a glimpse of children out enjoying their "day" and sure enough, we were passed up on the sidewalk by several kiddos skipping along or roller blading along with balloons, ice creams, and their parents trailing behind. In the park is where we saw the blow up jumpy things, as well as families having picnics and playing soccer.
Aaron and I decided to join in the festivities by eating some cotton candy, and browsing the toy store.
It was an exciting day in Korea!