Hello Korea, Meet Spain

Every one knows that there are differences between countries that go far beyond the languages we speak. And when someone considers the differences between countries, language is a fairly easy one to overcome (although a tedious process at times). It's the other concepts that we have difficulty with, probably because sometimes we don't know what to ask about and have no idea what a realistic expectation can be for the self and others. There is the concept of time, sarcasm, titles, family roles, taking turns, social ques, and so much more...

I know these things and so does Don. We both moved overseas and have gone through the pain of missed social ques, being obviously late (or early), not knowing where to sit (or how to sit in some cases), what to call different people, how much food to eat (or not to eat) and why, and the list goes on.

There are distinct difference between the kids in our household and thankfully America and Fiji have a strong alliance and are ready to face the challenges Korea and Spain bring to what is now the United Nations. For instance, let's just look at the views held by these countries on the world of academia and then you will understand implications on international politics:

I will start by saying: Korea, Meet Spain.

ES1 (Korea) informed America (me) that tutoring was no longer needed. The non-verbal communication suggested that the tutor was not qualified to lead Korea because the tutor was a fellow student. America thought that Korea ought to give it more than one day before making such a drastic decision but the message was probably lost in the translation (our translators at the UN are, sadly, not the greatest). Korea however, is a nation on it's own (freed by America back in the 50's), and is able to decide what is best for itself. America chose not to fight that battle because Korea's grades did not reflect a huge need for the tutor, but decided to keep an eye on the battle field anyway (typical America).

ES2 (Spain) only shrugged off notion of Pre-calc and it was clear to America this was not a favorite topic to discuss. Later America found out that maybe this topic needs to be tabled at some point. Spain has, however, managed to dodge all the academic bullets and is immune to the infamous GPA. America is therefore, caught in a catch-22 and wonders just how to handle the situation. Fiji (Don) will probably be consulted and they may just engage their alliance and confront Spain regarding Pre-Calc.

In the grand scheme of things, Korea probably thinks that Spain has lost all the marbles so long ago that it is surprising Spain is still breathing. Yesterday Spain told me that Korea needs to adjust the expectation, close the school books, and watch a movie. America understands Spain and sometimes wishes Korea would watch that movie with the rest of the world but America also wishes that studying would have been a bigger part of (American) society than it was prior to grad school. Fiji, however, has no conflict with anyone and seems to be totally oblivious to the issue and tension between Korea and Spain and is just floating by to a separate tune lost somewhere in the ocean (and if you've ever spent time in Fiji outside of a resort, this is exactly what the country of Fiji is like).

America tediously tries to smooth over relations between Spain and Korea. America works to explain to each the differences in priorities, expectation, culture, and the like, while maintaining the dignity, differences, and beauty in each. America, of course, wants to please everyone at the dinner table, make sure there is perfect harmony between all countries, and sustain the overall economy for the benefit of itself (after all, the house is located in America, America is located almost in the middle of the two, and America has interests to protect). America is also finding out that this is an extremely difficult thing to do when Spain is running five minutes late for school, Korea is sitting in the car waiting (long enough to get out of the car, walk back into the house to see what is holding the nation hostage), and America bandaging up the wounded (Spain sprained the ankle last week and America is attempting to rebuild or at least mend the injury).

Korea, on the way to school, learned relaxation techniques after Spain inquired about the difficulty level America had in dealing with the America-Spain relationship (never mind the Korea-America-Spain relationship or the Spain-Korea relationship).

With exactly one minute left before the warning bell rang, the United Nations-mobile pulled into school. Spain was debating with itself whether or not it ought to wake up earlier in the morning. This issue has been on the table at the UN for two weeks and has been openly discussed with all four member-nations present over the weekend as well as being discussed here and there with the three member nations that are directly involved. Meanwhile, Korea about had a natural disaster. But of course, America prevented it.

America has been advised by it's Peace Corp that it should contact the WHO (World Health Organization) and consider implementing "World Cultural Awareness" nights that involve more than just national dishes presented by member nations to the dinner table. America also fears that Korea may have a nuclear meltdown if that happens, so the UN may just stick to dinners presented by member nations on a more frequent basis and the member nations will just have to deal.

At 7:53am the United Nations-mobile had taken the 12-minute journey to school and back and America had nearly exhausted all of the energy it had stored up for the day: it had fed the hungry, found the lost, gotten everyone ready for their own tasks, and managed to look fabulous while doing it (okay, so all but that last statement relates to real international politics). Anyway, all America is thankful for today is that the Middle East is NOT involved with this one!