An Event

Today I (Ryan) had an enjoyable and unique experience.  I attended the Daedeok Techno Valley dedication ceremony as a "VIP."  It was quite an event.  The Daedeok Techno Valley is a new economic development area in the great city of Daejeon.  It is projected to be a major R & D center for all of Northeast Asia.  Our new school building site is located in this Daedeok Techno Valley portion of the city.  In fact, our school (TCIS) will be having a ground breaking ceremony at the new school site in two weeks, on November 19.

Because of the prominence of Taejon Christian International School in the city of Daejeon and because our school is relocating out to the Daedeok Techno Valley portion of the city our Headmaster was invited to attend the event as a VIP.  However, our Headmaster is currently out of country so I, as the Assistant Headmaster at the school, had the privilege to represent our school at this event.

As far as I could tell I was the only Westerner in the crowd.  There were many city dignitaries at the event.  I even got to shake the hand of the Mayor of the City of Daejeon.  There was a lot of talking at the event and there were many instructions given to the VIPs regarding what we were to do, where we were to sit and what we could expect in the program.  The problem is...I don't speak Korean and the TCIS Business Administrator, who I went to the event with and who is Korean, couldn't go with me into the VIP section because...well...he wasn't a VIP.

I was nervous that I was going to be the VIP that did the wrong thing.  I tried to follow along and blend into the crowd... but that didn't work.  We finally made our entrance to the front of the stage with much pomp and circumstance and thankfully I spotted a seat that was tagged with English and it said my name!

I was just beginning to settle in and breathe again when the announcer began to say things and then one of the VIPs that I was with would stand up and take a bow.  I began to get nervous and I began listening very carefully to the announcer.  Thankfully I discerned the words, "Kookjay hakio Lion Lobertsa" and I stood up and took a bow and everyone clapped.  Whew!

Later in the program they wheeled a long table onto the stage that had about twenty large red "Family Feud" like buttons on it.  They looked like large panic buttons and as the other VIPs began standing and walking to the stage I started to panic.  I stood up and followed the crowd and thankfully I spotted my name next to one of the big red panic buttons.  All of us VIPs lined up at the table and a young Korean woman very nicely handed each of us a pair of white gloves.

We all put on our gloves and suddenly the announcer began a countdown in English!  3...2...1... and all of the VIPs pushed their red buttons.  (I pushed mine a little late because I was unsure and was watching the guy next to me.)  The air was filled with colored smoke, booms, blasts and lot of confetti.  It was quite a sight and if it all was a mistake-- it wasn't my fault (because they all pushed their buttons first).

Seriously though, the Daedeok Techno Valley dedication ceremony was a very impressive event that I was privileged to take part in.  I came away from that event feeling very thankful to be in South Korea.

(P.s. I tried to play the VIP card at home and Dina and the girls wouldn't buy it.)

Comments

[Mom & Dad Roberts]

Oh goodness, Lion........I am laughing so hard I almost have tears! Tried to call your dad at work to see if he had read your Blog yet but no answer at his desk. I am alone with my laughter.....and having a great time!! In the midst of laughter I want you to know that I am so proud of you! You are truly a VIP in our hearts (and I know Dina and the girls were just playing the "Pulling Your Leg" card. You are their VIP, too) and we love you, Mom

[Dana]

your mom and I are on the same wave length Lion....Congrats mr. dignitary, but do know that you have a new nickname. :)