I know exactly what that means.
Today started out like any other day. Well, a few exceptions: I bought an alarm clock yesterday, which is a good thing because I forgot to charge my mp3 player, so I had a different sound wake me up; I snoozed a bit longer than usual, and I actually wasn't drenched in sweat once I got to work. But other than that, it was like any other day.
For lunch I enjoyed a tantalizing bowl of 비빔밥 (bibimbap, or mixed rice). I have been LOVING the food here. Korean food is awesome; it's such a delectable mixture of spices and flavors and well-being all rolled into one. And, for me, usually rolled into under five G won.
Today, 수정 gave me a ride home. She was headed to Seohyun station to pick up her mother, so she offered, and I accepted. She also showed me a bus stop closer to my flat than the one I had been using, which is wonderful, because that means that I'll sweat out exactly one pint of fluid less than usual. yay.
It was nice sitting at home at 4 p.m., and knowing that work doesn't start until 8:30 a.m. That's a wonderful feeling. It's also kind of a boring feeling, so I turned on the tv to watch some Korean kids' shows, which I think is the dorkiest way of learning Korean possible (no, kids shows are cool when you're little. Watch them when you're older, though, and you think, "What was wrong with me?"). But everything was ok until a commercial came up for chocolate-covered chex mix.
Craving. I'm not talking about a little, "mmm...that sounds good" craving. I'm talkin, "pregnant woman on a rampage" craving. I tried to fight it, but resistance was futile. I got up, put on my shoes, and booked it for Lotte Mart. Once there, the thought of peanut butter & jelly crossed my mind. Mistake. I knew that if I didn't buy peanut butter, jelly, and cereal, I would probably sock the next person who muttered "well-being" within the range of my hearing.
I ended up spending more than $15 on peanut butter, jelly, sandwich bread and milk. Not even a gallon of milk. That's the worst thing about Korea so far. Everything, especially Western food and meat, two of the things I'm most used to, is so EXPENSIVE.
But I got home and feasted, FEASTED, F-E-A-S-T-E-D on a pbj sandwich and chocolate frosted flakes. It was one of the best feelings in the world, eating that. In fact, I'm going to go back home and have some pbj apricots. That sounds really tasty.
23 July 2007
18 July 2007
Message to Kansans: count your blessings
7:42 p.m., 18 july 2007
So, today was the year-end faculty luncheon. Classes were held in the morning, and all the teachers headed out that afternoon for our meal. Around 11 a.m., rumors on where we were eating began to circulate: a beef restaurant. I haven't gotten any beef so far (besides a burger), so I didn't know the significance, but I witnessed the excitement emanating from my fellow teachers.
Myong-Soo drove us to the restaurant, where 40 teachers crammed into the banquet hall. The ones that couldn't fit in the elbow-to-elbow room went into another room (we went into this room after we ate & it was much nicer; there was a hole in the floor so one could eat with one's legs hanging down instead of cross-legged knee-to-knee with one's neighbor). Young-ji had warned me that the restaurant is one where people sit on the floor, so I knew that I would be removing my shoes; therefore I brought socks. Unfortunately, the weight/room restriction for my luggage hadn't allowed me to bring a wide selection of shoes, and I felt uber-lame wearing socks with flip-flops. Being me, instead of letting people view it in private and think that I had the fashion sense of an adolescent gorilla, I boldly pointed them out & let my coworkers laugh at me.
En route Young-ji & Suk-nam invited me for a picnic in Suwon, which I gladly accepted. Then we started discussing a potential bike ride, which Young-ji immediately turned down. I soon found out why. Apparently Suk-nam has a habit of riding to places like Jamshil, which is about an hour away. I know that if I ever hit up steriods and can actually make it there, I won't make it back. Young-ji had gone with Suk-nam once, and that had been it. Suk-nam also likes to hike, so aside from the fact that she gets up at 6 am to do it, we might go for a hike someday.
Back to the food. mmm mmm mmm mmmm... We actually didn't even eat any rice. But we pretty much consumed every other Korean dish known to mankind. There was kong, anchovies, pyogot bossut, buetchingae, mul nangmyun, and a whole lotta dishes that I don't know the names of but enjoyed. And the beef... they brought out three types of raw beef and we fried them on the woks inset into the table. I found out why everybody had been so excited about beef: two pieces is going to do about $20 damage. At that rate, I think the moment I get back to the States I'm going to hunker down to a juicy steak, with meatballs and bulgogi on the side.
At lunch they also brought out Hite, but I knew better and stuck with the sidah (clear soda).
After lunch Young-ji & I went to Shinhan bank to open up an account. Shinhan is the place to go, as it is one of the few banks that gives bankcards to foreigners. Get this: my bankcard is a Manchester United card. Park Ji-Sung is the miracle man in Korea.
I'm going to jet. Gotta go pick up a hair dryer.
So, today was the year-end faculty luncheon. Classes were held in the morning, and all the teachers headed out that afternoon for our meal. Around 11 a.m., rumors on where we were eating began to circulate: a beef restaurant. I haven't gotten any beef so far (besides a burger), so I didn't know the significance, but I witnessed the excitement emanating from my fellow teachers.
Myong-Soo drove us to the restaurant, where 40 teachers crammed into the banquet hall. The ones that couldn't fit in the elbow-to-elbow room went into another room (we went into this room after we ate & it was much nicer; there was a hole in the floor so one could eat with one's legs hanging down instead of cross-legged knee-to-knee with one's neighbor). Young-ji had warned me that the restaurant is one where people sit on the floor, so I knew that I would be removing my shoes; therefore I brought socks. Unfortunately, the weight/room restriction for my luggage hadn't allowed me to bring a wide selection of shoes, and I felt uber-lame wearing socks with flip-flops. Being me, instead of letting people view it in private and think that I had the fashion sense of an adolescent gorilla, I boldly pointed them out & let my coworkers laugh at me.
En route Young-ji & Suk-nam invited me for a picnic in Suwon, which I gladly accepted. Then we started discussing a potential bike ride, which Young-ji immediately turned down. I soon found out why. Apparently Suk-nam has a habit of riding to places like Jamshil, which is about an hour away. I know that if I ever hit up steriods and can actually make it there, I won't make it back. Young-ji had gone with Suk-nam once, and that had been it. Suk-nam also likes to hike, so aside from the fact that she gets up at 6 am to do it, we might go for a hike someday.
Back to the food. mmm mmm mmm mmmm... We actually didn't even eat any rice. But we pretty much consumed every other Korean dish known to mankind. There was kong, anchovies, pyogot bossut, buetchingae, mul nangmyun, and a whole lotta dishes that I don't know the names of but enjoyed. And the beef... they brought out three types of raw beef and we fried them on the woks inset into the table. I found out why everybody had been so excited about beef: two pieces is going to do about $20 damage. At that rate, I think the moment I get back to the States I'm going to hunker down to a juicy steak, with meatballs and bulgogi on the side.
At lunch they also brought out Hite, but I knew better and stuck with the sidah (clear soda).
After lunch Young-ji & I went to Shinhan bank to open up an account. Shinhan is the place to go, as it is one of the few banks that gives bankcards to foreigners. Get this: my bankcard is a Manchester United card. Park Ji-Sung is the miracle man in Korea.
I'm going to jet. Gotta go pick up a hair dryer.
17 July 2007
9:40 p.m. 16 July 2007
Ok - confession. (That's a bad way to start, huh?) Well last night I was picking up water and coffee for today & I spotted a "Hite Stout." Now I'm a sucker for Guinness, but since it's uber-expensive, I've maintained by willpower (if not my composure) & refrained from purchasing. Last night, though, I decided to experiment, & I got the Hite Stout. haha, I'm giggling as I write this. Instead of a stout, it was like Bud Light mixed with a Pilsner. *shudder* Black & tans are stouter than that "stout."
Which introduces my next observation. Ready?
4) Koreans like to drink, but they don't. Seriously, if you can drink Hite, you've seriously got to seek treatment because you're addicted. I just used the word "seriously" twice in the same sentence. dang. But at the same time, Koreans don't drink. After two school lunches, I've realized that Koreans don't drink with their meals. I can down a few 8-oz. glasses of water with my meal, but the fact that cups at restaurants are smaller than sippy-cups indicates some traumatic dehydration. Today I dined with the head of the language department (oh, fish for lunch! yes!) & when I got up to fill my thimble of water, I got some for her, too (definitely going for points here, haha). I brought it back & handed it to her & her face just read "이고머야?" or in common American Jack-Blackian vernacular, "What the hey, bro?" But she was gracious & took a sip at the end of her meal. Kind of reminds me of cats -- they eat & drink at seperate times. But when I think about it my mom never drinks -- we always had to remind her to finish her water.
Today in class I saw a girl that looks so much like Kari (my cousin) when she was younger. It was a bit odd, but cool.
Trends in school:
Which introduces my next observation. Ready?
4) Koreans like to drink, but they don't. Seriously, if you can drink Hite, you've seriously got to seek treatment because you're addicted. I just used the word "seriously" twice in the same sentence. dang. But at the same time, Koreans don't drink. After two school lunches, I've realized that Koreans don't drink with their meals. I can down a few 8-oz. glasses of water with my meal, but the fact that cups at restaurants are smaller than sippy-cups indicates some traumatic dehydration. Today I dined with the head of the language department (oh, fish for lunch! yes!) & when I got up to fill my thimble of water, I got some for her, too (definitely going for points here, haha). I brought it back & handed it to her & her face just read "이고머야?" or in common American Jack-Blackian vernacular, "What the hey, bro?" But she was gracious & took a sip at the end of her meal. Kind of reminds me of cats -- they eat & drink at seperate times. But when I think about it my mom never drinks -- we always had to remind her to finish her water.
Today in class I saw a girl that looks so much like Kari (my cousin) when she was younger. It was a bit odd, but cool.
Trends in school:
- like any other school, boys are ornery
- in class girls will give me really shy smiles but in the halls or the office they'll come up to me and say in English "hi" and giggle & scurry away. They'll always come in pairs or 3's and huddle up together when they run away as if it's going to absolve their embarrassment. It's cute & funny.
There's one boy in one of the classes -- I can't remember his name, but he's #37. After the introduction I fielded questions, & one of the kiddos had written, "Do you like #37?" I asked Suknam, my co teacher, who #37 was, & she pointed him out & said he's one of the naughty boys. I read the question out loud & he had a surprised look on his face. Either somebody had written the question without his knowledge or he had written the question but hadn't expected me to read it. Play ball! I said, "Yes, I like #37" & he did the cutest thing: he covered his face with his hands like a little girl and shook his head. Later in the library we made eye contact & I smiled at him & he did it again. Cracked me up.
After a few classes, the students' questions were pretty predictable: do you have a boyfriend? are you married? what is your ideal type? (I avoided the last question for the most part but once I answered, "hot" & the girls started giggling.) what is your blood type? (huh? I still don't understand why they'd care or how they ever came up with that question.) And a lot of favorites: actors, singers, colors, movies, books, food, etc. My favorites were "Do you like ...?" or "Do you think ... is handsome?" & I'd have to answer yes no matter what I really thought.
Tonight I caught the subway for the first time. The problem wasn't riding the subway so much as getting on. I had to search around for a ticket machine & when I found it it wouldn't take 5000W. So I had to get 1000W bills & it wouldn't take those either. So I had to use change. Then, on the train platform, I realized I had lost my umbrella. Great. Monsoon season, & no umbrella. Who's up for runny make-up?
I met Becky & Trey & Markos at Jamshil station. I didn't expect them to still be waiting since I was an hour late, but they were. I must have walked right by them looking for a payphone which, in a land of homogeneity, is really difficult to do: one white man, an Indian-Korean and a Latino-Korean (or maybe Becky's Italian, lol). We got some TGI Fridays (my first burger in Korea!) and had some cake to celebrate Mark's birthday.
That's about it. Tomorrow I may head to Yatap -- I think I remember Jonathan mentioning something there -- hopefully shopping.
Oh, more observations:
5) Hand-holding: my mom had mentioned this, so it wasn't too weird to see two girls (or even women) holding hands, but I'll admit it was a bit of a shock to see two boys holding hands, in a middle school of all places.
6) Bathrooms: I don't even know where to begin. First, I noticed that instead of toilets, there are urinal type deals in the floor. I asked Young-ji how to use that sort of toilet & she did the easy thing -- she took me to the ground floor bathroom where there was a normal, Western, sit-down toilet. But I would like to learn how to use the floor-urinals in case of emergency. There is no toilet paper in the stalls. Apparently people provide their own. Instead of anti-bacterial liquid/foam soap, there is bar soap. Hopefully antibacterial?
The bathroom topic reminded me. Today I officially became a part of the team at Seohyun Middle School. After lunch, I joined my fellow teachers in the bathroom for the daily "Post-dinner toothbrushing ritual." Makes sense, because Korean food is smelly, but I'm having trouble reconciling my germophobia to brushing teeth in a public bathroom that has all manner of "poop germs" infiltrating my toothpaste. (Yeah, I'm the person who icks out at the idea of bringing a drink into the bathroom.) Check that -- a public bathroom which may or may not have antibacterial soap.
[p.s. I'm sitting in the PC bang right now typing away, and it's so funny. Out of all the words the Korean guys are saying, I can pick up "아이스" and "새키야" and "평신" and "beep beep beep" (I think they're playing shooting games and the "beep beep beep" is the sound they make when shooting. haha)]
15 July 2007
Korea: days 1-5
I'm sitting in a smoky PC bang right now, trying to navigate my way through a website that is written in Korean. I'm actually pretty surprised that it's written in Korean; I suppose in all of my sheltered American naivete, I expected it to be in English. dang
Well, the night before I left Al gave me a journal to document my time in, so I'm just going to copy it word for word. That way everybody can see what's going through my head when it happens. So read and enjoy.
When Al gave this to me she told me that she would read it when I return. So I suppose I'll just get started.
I'm currently on a Boeing 777 from Dallas to Tokyo. It looks like we've been on the plane for about 5 hours right now -- it's 5:05 -- and we're soaring over the Bering Sea.
This is a bit awkward. I'm so accustomed to typing that writing is kind of difficult.
I've got the window seat, & it's quite pleasant. Right now all I can see are clouds, but the view over the States was beautiful. We were flying over Idaho, I think, and (I'm opening a watermelon jolly rancher - yummy!) it was amazing to look over foothills and mountains that look like insignificant bumps and knowing that the blue puddles among them are really lakes. The most interesting sight, though, was when we went over some fields -- this is not related to the fact that we've been in Kansas for the past 10 years! But from above it looked like abstract art, a pastel work: tawny yellow, browns, burnt orange, and greens, all arrayed in a pattern of circles inset into squares. Some of the circles even looked black. [here I have a really nice picture; step aside, picasso!]
There are two seats in our partial row and my row partner is a bit...what should I say...shortsighted. I was watching Disturbia (it's a good movie!) & wasn't too bothered because the movie had already climaxed, but he laid his elbow right on top of my screen remote & blasted the volume. (We're currently at 34,000 feet & -59F -- chilly! I just lifted my blind and there is an ice crystal formed on the INSIDE of the outer window. I hope that's not a bad thing...) But other than that he's had his arm on my side of the rail. I feel so juvenile, like when Austin & I used to draw the line down the middle of the back seat during road trips. But it's already cramped enough without having to lean away from the armrest just so you don't have arm hairs brushing up against you. Gross. I'll just describe him & then that'll be the end of it. He's about maybe middle-aged, with gray hair & is either Middle Eastern or Central Asian. Other than the elbow over the armrest he seems like a nice guy. Like I said, just a bit short-sighted.
I got two hours of sleep last night & slept a bit on the way to Dallas, but I just can't go to sleep now. dang.
Still just clouds. I wish it was clear -- then I could see some crabbing vessels from Deadliest Catch. haha
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes on in 10 minutes, so it looks like that's what I'll spend my next two hours doing. "Are we done yet?" is on channel 1, but I don't know what that's about.
I brough my LSAT prep book on board but haven't gotten past a few paragraphs. I'm going to take the test again. Yeah. I know. But I can't help myself. All I need is a 170 & I'll be satisfied. But if I don't get that on this go-around, I'll just embrace mediocrity & revel in it. heehee
7:20 p.m. CT; same day
We just had supper. It's only 7 o'clock but the cabin is dimly lit and I'm so tired that it feels like nighttime until I open the blind & realize that it's broad daylight outside (we're just west of Alaska & it's 4 o'clock local time. We're approaching the international date line, where it suddenly changes from today to tomorrow). But hanging out with Jon and Athena so much lately, I ordered a coffee because that's our nightly ritual. That little action itself reminded me of them and I wish I was able to talk to them right now as I would drink my coffee on the plane, and they'd drink at Dunn's or Starbucks or maybe Aida's. Today I took my coffee black as usual, but I taste a hint of nostalgia...God, I'm getting so poetic -- what's wrong with me?
The clouds beneath us are so flat on top I can't help but wonder whether we're floating above a large ice pack. I think we're about 1/2way thru the flight. :)
1 a.m. CT; same day
First impressions of Japan - Narito Airport, Tokyo
Probably the best part of the trip was when we took a sharp bank ot the port (my side) & simultaneously began a steep descent. (I'm writing this & reflecting on the irony that after a 13-hour flight, I'm sitting down writing in a journal). We had been between two strata of clouds & the waves had been miniscule, but when we began the descent it looked like we'd land right into the ocean. (I just heard two ajummas speaking Korean & you can't imagine what a relief it is -- I'm almost home!) Yet, despite thefact that we were considerably closer to sea level than before, we were still above some clouds!
I was momentarily distracted by the flight tracker on the screen but turned back to the window just in time to see the waves lapping onto the shore. That was a beautiful moment -- it's just like you'd imagine waves rolling onto Japan. In a split second we flew into a wall of clouds -- thick, so thick I couldn't see the wingtip at times, but occassionally I could see through clouds, and this is one of the greenest countries in the world -- like on par with Ireland. But maybe it's just because it's monsoon season; I don't know.
At this point I'm sitting in gate 83, which I really hope is the right gate, especially after hearing people speak Korean. I've gotten about 3 hours of sleep in two days, I haven't showered in nearly 24 hours, I've eaten 3 meals in the last 20 hours, I've watched 3 movies, read 10 pages of a book, consumed two jolly ranchers & wiped my glasses once. Now I'm going to the bathroom to freshen up -- I'd put a pile of crap to shame.
This has got to be the hottest airport in human history. I'm sure it's at least 80F. I feel like the sweaty American. gross. But it looks like nobody else has this problem... :( I've put in my contacts & feel like they've melded into my eyeballs. I think I just made up that word -- like melted & welded. or maybe it's an established word I'm trying to take credit for. hmmm...
I've come to the conclusion that Japanese and Koreans are pretty much the same. I think I'd get disowned by the ROK and DPRK, but sitting here in Tokyo (I don't want to wait at the gate so I'm sitting on my luggage next to a column in the terminal) I'm finding it difficult to distinguish between them. I think the only difference is that our food is better and their government is [crappier]. haha I've found my way back into the good graces of the whole Korean population.
And there are people wearing suits! It's way too hot for suits!!
And I keep seeing women running around in skinny jeans. The thing about skinny jeans -- the ultimate Catch-22 -- is that you have to be skinny to wear them. If you have more than 3 cubic inches of fat on your thighs you immediately transform skinny jeans into fat jeans. I tried getting some before I came out here but couldn't bring myself to do it because no matter how decent my calves looked, my thighs looked like a hippo in a leotard. And that can never be rationalized into being attractive. My grandmother gave my mom very practical advice when she was a girl: don't gamble and don't get in debt over your head. My mom passed that wisdom onto me, & she added even more important advice: never wear things that are too small because they make you look bigger. Thus: no skinny jeans unless I go under the knife. haha
They're going to start boarding soon. Yay! Hopefully they believe in air conditioning the plane. Actually it's not so hot anymore. Perhaps it was hot before because I was sitting right next to a group of Korean boys who were using their notebooks (most likely playing Starcraft).
Good news. In 5-6 hours what was possible the longest day of my life will be drawing to a close. But before that I'll be returning to this to record my return to Korea after 23 years.
There's a man standing next to me with a Louis Vuitton bag. Only in Asia...
In line to board I was behind a pretty cute guy. He had on Armani cologne. Here's how we know we're in NE Asia: amidst this hotness & great scent I caught a faint whiff of fish. Yes, he was carrying a box of frozen dried fish. How does this go through customs?
When I got on two girls that are sitting next to me spoke to me in English. It's kind of funny that they knew off the bat that's I'm American and their English was so good I thought they were Californians. But they're Korean citizens.
Seohyun-gu, Bundang-dong, Seongnam-shi, Gyeonggi-do, ROK
How's that for a location? Good thing I didn't include my building address.
Ok, so I've skipped a few days, but I'll try to include everything in between. Obviously I was too tired to write when I arrived in Korea, so here's the update.
When we disembarked -- no, let's go back. It had been cloudy in Japan, but the skies were clear over Korea. It was beautiful seeing the western islands -- my first view of Korea that I can remember. I had slept a bit on the plane & I'm so glad that I woke up in time to see Korea from the air.
Now -- when we disembarked, I was a bit worried about customs, immigration, & my taxi ride to Seongnam-shi. But it all went smoothly. I got a cart ( they cost 3000 W I think but I didn't pay because 1) it was in Korean so I wasn't sure it even cost anything 2) I hadn't exchanged any $ yet & 3) I didn't know where to pay. Actually, before this I went thru immigration, & saw the guy stamp my passport. Yay! It's been 12 years (1/2 my life!) since I've taken an international flight, & that was when I was a kid, so I really didn't know what to expect. But it turned out all right.
I met the driver after going through customs. He had a sign. Awesome. I can finally say that I was the person for whom the guy with the sign was waiting. He loaded my stuff in the cab (this thing was great - the fare maching had GPS). It was an hour long drive. I stayed awake long enough to watch Seoul roll by...and roll...and roll, but I fell asleep soon after. And the Han River (known as the "Han-gong River" to the same people who say "ATM machine") is mighty indeed. Puts the Potomac from Lincoln Memorial to Arlingon (at least a 20 minute stroll) to shame.
One more thing about the taxi drive. On the way we were either stopped in a random roadblock or the driver was speeding. I don't know what the driver said to the cop, but I kept hearing 외국인 (waygoogin or foreigner) & I think he convinced the cop to let him go or the foreigner would get a bad impression of Korea.
Young-ji met us at the apartment (actually, an officetel). Talking with her on the phone, she sounded like my 자근이모, but not so much in person. She's an English teacher (I'm known as a "Native English teacher"), about 29, about mom's height, and really nice.
My flat is on the 17th floor. OK, first, the building. 24 floors, and the second one is banks, a Bennigans, a Happy Time bar, and other businesses. Above and below are te apartments, which are either occupied by tenants as homes or businesses. My neighbor on the right is a spa; my neighbor on the left is a skin care business.
Back to my flat. I love this. To enter, I can either use a key or punch in my code. When I have visitors I can see their pretty smiling faces on the screen & either let them in, or press what I call the "panic button," which I imagine will summon the police, swat team, the KCIA & the Ghostbusters.
The place was a dump. There were yellow sticky greasy splatters all over the kitchen & enough hair in the shower drain to evoke jealousy from the creepy ladies in the Grudge, Dark Water, Pone, or any other Asian movie that has a scary hair scene. So here's the situation: I've been here since Thursday night at 11:30 (two days & 1/2 hour) & in those two days, I've worked 8.5 hours, slept 16 hours, grocery shopped for 2.5 hours, used the internet for 2 hours, walked around for 3 hours, ate/supped for 2-3 hours & cleaned for 9 hours.
Thursday night I showered so I wouldn't have to Friday morning. I set my alarm for 7 a.m., as Young-ji was picking me up at 8 to go with me to school. I ended up getting into bed around midnight. Then, I woke up at 6. Mathematically speaking, that's Impossible. Jet lag + sleep deprivation DNE waking up at 6. But I couldn't sleep so I just decided to get up. I got ready quickly and decided to take a short stroll. Yay for the mini-mart!
Young-ji & I took the bus to school. The first few periods I didn't have class so I put together my "introductory speech" and met some of the other staff. The teachers are really nice. Including Young-ji, there are seven English teachers, all women. I was surprised when I saw them -- I think 5/7 are under 35.
Classes were rough. Monday is the last day of class & students know that their grades have already been submitted, so they were pretty rowdy.
I wasn't sure how teachers do lunch -- I assumed they might go out & eat. Much better: the school provides lunch. Friday was seaweed soup. rice, kimchi, some greens that were really tasty, & fried squid. My first meal in Korea was awesome.
Tally for day 1 - Gifts from coworkers
3 Twix
I like my coworkers. :)
Oh, and there's this really hot teacher. I think he may be a P.E. teacher. Although the Home Economics teachers are male...even better - they can take care of themselves.
After school Young-ji & I went to a bookstore to find some material for summer camp. Then on to Samsung Plaza food court for my 비빔넹면 (bibimnangmyun). So far, my culinary experience in Korea has been excellent.
Last night I tackled the bathroom sink, toilet, and creepy-Asian-lady-hair shower.
This morning was early again -- 7 am. Another stroll, then back to cleaning. I vacuumed, & scrubbed the floor. Rearrange the furniture, wipe the tables & couch and then...the kitchen. Scrub, scrub, scrub & uh-oh, the faucet doesn't work. So back and forth between the bathroom & the kitchen to rinse out the towel.
I met Young-ji for lunch to discuss summer camp (the other teachers have class Saturday mornings, but I'm HOME FREE!) We went to "Pasta & Pizza" where I had a better white sauce pasta than any place I've been to in the States.
Oh wait, backtrack: on my walk today I discovered (drum roll) a Dunkin' Donuts. Get this: in the United States I have to drive/fly for hours to eat Dunkin' Donuts; in Korea I walk two blocks & Voila! So...Bismarcks are yummy.
Today was my western day. In addition to Dunkin' Donuts & pasta, after lunch we stopped by a coffee shop where I had mocha iced coffee. (When Koreans go out it's a multiple stop affair. The gives people the opportunity to split costs & leave at opportune moments instead of in the middle of an outing. People rarely sit around a restaurant talking -- they go grab coffee or juice or drinks for that.)
Back to cleaning the kitchen. It's almost finished. I just have to clean the rice cooker & microwave, clear the counter, & clean the outside of the washing maching. Other than that, clean the bathroom and FINIS.
Tonight I headed down to "Times Square" & visited my first PC bang. I didn't know what to do so after a short conversation the lady took me to the computer. Conversation:
Me: 미국사람입니다 (I'm an American)
When I left the PC bang there was a large crowd gathered in the middle of the square. I walked towards it to see what was going on & two guys were boxing. Like with gloves. One guy was really good & the other guy sucked. It was kinda fun to watch.
Back in the apartment -- I left the light off. I feel really safe here. The neighborhood is fast and urban, but very bougie & safe. And the idea that I'm living in a quiet apartment surrounded by people is reassuring (although it's quiet, I can occassionally hear something, so I know people could hear me screaming).
There's an apartment building across the courtyard & it's kind of fun to people-watch. One lady hula-hooped non-stop for maybe 4 minutes. That takes talent. But at the same time, it's disconcerting that I'm watching people across a courtyard. I feel comfortable changing or dressing with the window open because I know that nobody's watching. The hula-hoop lady probably thinks the same thing. haha
Off to bed soon, but before that, some observations:
1) I won't be too miserable food-wise. When I get sick of Korean food, I can have Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese or Italian. Or Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, McDonalds, Subway, Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Krispy Kreme, KFC, or more Dunkin' Donuts.
2) Koreans have a love affair with food & drink but it doesn't show. Restaurants open early & close late, there's a fried food stand on every corner, and Koreans consume more soju than rice, but they're for the most part skinny. I wouldn't consider myself overly heavy, but compared to the women -- and men! -- I'm definitely on the large side. :(
3) Korean women have remarkable ankles. I have traipsed across some of the roughest sidewalks known to humankind -- uneven, & steep when approaching a street -- one day in heels, and though I see women in heels all the time (heels go with everything: suits, shorts, warm-ups) I have yet to see one with an ankle brace. Mad skillz
Well, the night before I left Al gave me a journal to document my time in, so I'm just going to copy it word for word. That way everybody can see what's going through my head when it happens. So read and enjoy.
5 p.m. CT; 11 July 2007
When Al gave this to me she told me that she would read it when I return. So I suppose I'll just get started.
I'm currently on a Boeing 777 from Dallas to Tokyo. It looks like we've been on the plane for about 5 hours right now -- it's 5:05 -- and we're soaring over the Bering Sea.
This is a bit awkward. I'm so accustomed to typing that writing is kind of difficult.
I've got the window seat, & it's quite pleasant. Right now all I can see are clouds, but the view over the States was beautiful. We were flying over Idaho, I think, and (I'm opening a watermelon jolly rancher - yummy!) it was amazing to look over foothills and mountains that look like insignificant bumps and knowing that the blue puddles among them are really lakes. The most interesting sight, though, was when we went over some fields -- this is not related to the fact that we've been in Kansas for the past 10 years! But from above it looked like abstract art, a pastel work: tawny yellow, browns, burnt orange, and greens, all arrayed in a pattern of circles inset into squares. Some of the circles even looked black. [here I have a really nice picture; step aside, picasso!]
There are two seats in our partial row and my row partner is a bit...what should I say...shortsighted. I was watching Disturbia (it's a good movie!) & wasn't too bothered because the movie had already climaxed, but he laid his elbow right on top of my screen remote & blasted the volume. (We're currently at 34,000 feet & -59F -- chilly! I just lifted my blind and there is an ice crystal formed on the INSIDE of the outer window. I hope that's not a bad thing...) But other than that he's had his arm on my side of the rail. I feel so juvenile, like when Austin & I used to draw the line down the middle of the back seat during road trips. But it's already cramped enough without having to lean away from the armrest just so you don't have arm hairs brushing up against you. Gross. I'll just describe him & then that'll be the end of it. He's about maybe middle-aged, with gray hair & is either Middle Eastern or Central Asian. Other than the elbow over the armrest he seems like a nice guy. Like I said, just a bit short-sighted.
I got two hours of sleep last night & slept a bit on the way to Dallas, but I just can't go to sleep now. dang.
Still just clouds. I wish it was clear -- then I could see some crabbing vessels from Deadliest Catch. haha
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes on in 10 minutes, so it looks like that's what I'll spend my next two hours doing. "Are we done yet?" is on channel 1, but I don't know what that's about.
I brough my LSAT prep book on board but haven't gotten past a few paragraphs. I'm going to take the test again. Yeah. I know. But I can't help myself. All I need is a 170 & I'll be satisfied. But if I don't get that on this go-around, I'll just embrace mediocrity & revel in it. heehee
7:20 p.m. CT; same day
We just had supper. It's only 7 o'clock but the cabin is dimly lit and I'm so tired that it feels like nighttime until I open the blind & realize that it's broad daylight outside (we're just west of Alaska & it's 4 o'clock local time. We're approaching the international date line, where it suddenly changes from today to tomorrow). But hanging out with Jon and Athena so much lately, I ordered a coffee because that's our nightly ritual. That little action itself reminded me of them and I wish I was able to talk to them right now as I would drink my coffee on the plane, and they'd drink at Dunn's or Starbucks or maybe Aida's. Today I took my coffee black as usual, but I taste a hint of nostalgia...God, I'm getting so poetic -- what's wrong with me?
The clouds beneath us are so flat on top I can't help but wonder whether we're floating above a large ice pack. I think we're about 1/2way thru the flight. :)
1 a.m. CT; same day
First impressions of Japan - Narito Airport, Tokyo
Probably the best part of the trip was when we took a sharp bank ot the port (my side) & simultaneously began a steep descent. (I'm writing this & reflecting on the irony that after a 13-hour flight, I'm sitting down writing in a journal). We had been between two strata of clouds & the waves had been miniscule, but when we began the descent it looked like we'd land right into the ocean. (I just heard two ajummas speaking Korean & you can't imagine what a relief it is -- I'm almost home!) Yet, despite thefact that we were considerably closer to sea level than before, we were still above some clouds!
I was momentarily distracted by the flight tracker on the screen but turned back to the window just in time to see the waves lapping onto the shore. That was a beautiful moment -- it's just like you'd imagine waves rolling onto Japan. In a split second we flew into a wall of clouds -- thick, so thick I couldn't see the wingtip at times, but occassionally I could see through clouds, and this is one of the greenest countries in the world -- like on par with Ireland. But maybe it's just because it's monsoon season; I don't know.
At this point I'm sitting in gate 83, which I really hope is the right gate, especially after hearing people speak Korean. I've gotten about 3 hours of sleep in two days, I haven't showered in nearly 24 hours, I've eaten 3 meals in the last 20 hours, I've watched 3 movies, read 10 pages of a book, consumed two jolly ranchers & wiped my glasses once. Now I'm going to the bathroom to freshen up -- I'd put a pile of crap to shame.
This has got to be the hottest airport in human history. I'm sure it's at least 80F. I feel like the sweaty American. gross. But it looks like nobody else has this problem... :( I've put in my contacts & feel like they've melded into my eyeballs. I think I just made up that word -- like melted & welded. or maybe it's an established word I'm trying to take credit for. hmmm...
I've come to the conclusion that Japanese and Koreans are pretty much the same. I think I'd get disowned by the ROK and DPRK, but sitting here in Tokyo (I don't want to wait at the gate so I'm sitting on my luggage next to a column in the terminal) I'm finding it difficult to distinguish between them. I think the only difference is that our food is better and their government is [crappier]. haha I've found my way back into the good graces of the whole Korean population.
And there are people wearing suits! It's way too hot for suits!!
And I keep seeing women running around in skinny jeans. The thing about skinny jeans -- the ultimate Catch-22 -- is that you have to be skinny to wear them. If you have more than 3 cubic inches of fat on your thighs you immediately transform skinny jeans into fat jeans. I tried getting some before I came out here but couldn't bring myself to do it because no matter how decent my calves looked, my thighs looked like a hippo in a leotard. And that can never be rationalized into being attractive. My grandmother gave my mom very practical advice when she was a girl: don't gamble and don't get in debt over your head. My mom passed that wisdom onto me, & she added even more important advice: never wear things that are too small because they make you look bigger. Thus: no skinny jeans unless I go under the knife. haha
They're going to start boarding soon. Yay! Hopefully they believe in air conditioning the plane. Actually it's not so hot anymore. Perhaps it was hot before because I was sitting right next to a group of Korean boys who were using their notebooks (most likely playing Starcraft).
Good news. In 5-6 hours what was possible the longest day of my life will be drawing to a close. But before that I'll be returning to this to record my return to Korea after 23 years.
There's a man standing next to me with a Louis Vuitton bag. Only in Asia...
In line to board I was behind a pretty cute guy. He had on Armani cologne. Here's how we know we're in NE Asia: amidst this hotness & great scent I caught a faint whiff of fish. Yes, he was carrying a box of frozen dried fish. How does this go through customs?
When I got on two girls that are sitting next to me spoke to me in English. It's kind of funny that they knew off the bat that's I'm American and their English was so good I thought they were Californians. But they're Korean citizens.
Seohyun-gu, Bundang-dong, Seongnam-shi, Gyeonggi-do, ROK
Midnight; 14 July 2007
How's that for a location? Good thing I didn't include my building address.
Ok, so I've skipped a few days, but I'll try to include everything in between. Obviously I was too tired to write when I arrived in Korea, so here's the update.
When we disembarked -- no, let's go back. It had been cloudy in Japan, but the skies were clear over Korea. It was beautiful seeing the western islands -- my first view of Korea that I can remember. I had slept a bit on the plane & I'm so glad that I woke up in time to see Korea from the air.
Now -- when we disembarked, I was a bit worried about customs, immigration, & my taxi ride to Seongnam-shi. But it all went smoothly. I got a cart ( they cost 3000 W I think but I didn't pay because 1) it was in Korean so I wasn't sure it even cost anything 2) I hadn't exchanged any $ yet & 3) I didn't know where to pay. Actually, before this I went thru immigration, & saw the guy stamp my passport. Yay! It's been 12 years (1/2 my life!) since I've taken an international flight, & that was when I was a kid, so I really didn't know what to expect. But it turned out all right.
I met the driver after going through customs. He had a sign. Awesome. I can finally say that I was the person for whom the guy with the sign was waiting. He loaded my stuff in the cab (this thing was great - the fare maching had GPS). It was an hour long drive. I stayed awake long enough to watch Seoul roll by...and roll...and roll, but I fell asleep soon after. And the Han River (known as the "Han-gong River" to the same people who say "ATM machine") is mighty indeed. Puts the Potomac from Lincoln Memorial to Arlingon (at least a 20 minute stroll) to shame.
One more thing about the taxi drive. On the way we were either stopped in a random roadblock or the driver was speeding. I don't know what the driver said to the cop, but I kept hearing 외국인 (waygoogin or foreigner) & I think he convinced the cop to let him go or the foreigner would get a bad impression of Korea.
Young-ji met us at the apartment (actually, an officetel). Talking with her on the phone, she sounded like my 자근이모, but not so much in person. She's an English teacher (I'm known as a "Native English teacher"), about 29, about mom's height, and really nice.
My flat is on the 17th floor. OK, first, the building. 24 floors, and the second one is banks, a Bennigans, a Happy Time bar, and other businesses. Above and below are te apartments, which are either occupied by tenants as homes or businesses. My neighbor on the right is a spa; my neighbor on the left is a skin care business.
Back to my flat. I love this. To enter, I can either use a key or punch in my code. When I have visitors I can see their pretty smiling faces on the screen & either let them in, or press what I call the "panic button," which I imagine will summon the police, swat team, the KCIA & the Ghostbusters.
The place was a dump. There were yellow sticky greasy splatters all over the kitchen & enough hair in the shower drain to evoke jealousy from the creepy ladies in the Grudge, Dark Water, Pone, or any other Asian movie that has a scary hair scene. So here's the situation: I've been here since Thursday night at 11:30 (two days & 1/2 hour) & in those two days, I've worked 8.5 hours, slept 16 hours, grocery shopped for 2.5 hours, used the internet for 2 hours, walked around for 3 hours, ate/supped for 2-3 hours & cleaned for 9 hours.
Thursday night I showered so I wouldn't have to Friday morning. I set my alarm for 7 a.m., as Young-ji was picking me up at 8 to go with me to school. I ended up getting into bed around midnight. Then, I woke up at 6. Mathematically speaking, that's Impossible. Jet lag + sleep deprivation DNE waking up at 6. But I couldn't sleep so I just decided to get up. I got ready quickly and decided to take a short stroll. Yay for the mini-mart!
Young-ji & I took the bus to school. The first few periods I didn't have class so I put together my "introductory speech" and met some of the other staff. The teachers are really nice. Including Young-ji, there are seven English teachers, all women. I was surprised when I saw them -- I think 5/7 are under 35.
Classes were rough. Monday is the last day of class & students know that their grades have already been submitted, so they were pretty rowdy.
I wasn't sure how teachers do lunch -- I assumed they might go out & eat. Much better: the school provides lunch. Friday was seaweed soup. rice, kimchi, some greens that were really tasty, & fried squid. My first meal in Korea was awesome.
Tally for day 1 - Gifts from coworkers
3 Twix
2 Milky Ways
1 yogurt drink
1 Welch's grape juice
1 orange juice
1 chocopie
1 ttuk
I like my coworkers. :)
Oh, and there's this really hot teacher. I think he may be a P.E. teacher. Although the Home Economics teachers are male...even better - they can take care of themselves.
After school Young-ji & I went to a bookstore to find some material for summer camp. Then on to Samsung Plaza food court for my 비빔넹면 (bibimnangmyun). So far, my culinary experience in Korea has been excellent.
Last night I tackled the bathroom sink, toilet, and creepy-Asian-lady-hair shower.
This morning was early again -- 7 am. Another stroll, then back to cleaning. I vacuumed, & scrubbed the floor. Rearrange the furniture, wipe the tables & couch and then...the kitchen. Scrub, scrub, scrub & uh-oh, the faucet doesn't work. So back and forth between the bathroom & the kitchen to rinse out the towel.
I met Young-ji for lunch to discuss summer camp (the other teachers have class Saturday mornings, but I'm HOME FREE!) We went to "Pasta & Pizza" where I had a better white sauce pasta than any place I've been to in the States.
Oh wait, backtrack: on my walk today I discovered (drum roll) a Dunkin' Donuts. Get this: in the United States I have to drive/fly for hours to eat Dunkin' Donuts; in Korea I walk two blocks & Voila! So...Bismarcks are yummy.
Today was my western day. In addition to Dunkin' Donuts & pasta, after lunch we stopped by a coffee shop where I had mocha iced coffee. (When Koreans go out it's a multiple stop affair. The gives people the opportunity to split costs & leave at opportune moments instead of in the middle of an outing. People rarely sit around a restaurant talking -- they go grab coffee or juice or drinks for that.)
Back to cleaning the kitchen. It's almost finished. I just have to clean the rice cooker & microwave, clear the counter, & clean the outside of the washing maching. Other than that, clean the bathroom and FINIS.
Tonight I headed down to "Times Square" & visited my first PC bang. I didn't know what to do so after a short conversation the lady took me to the computer. Conversation:
Me: 미국사람입니다 (I'm an American)
Owner: 인떠내뜨? (Internet?)
Me: 네 (Yes)
When I left the PC bang there was a large crowd gathered in the middle of the square. I walked towards it to see what was going on & two guys were boxing. Like with gloves. One guy was really good & the other guy sucked. It was kinda fun to watch.
Back in the apartment -- I left the light off. I feel really safe here. The neighborhood is fast and urban, but very bougie & safe. And the idea that I'm living in a quiet apartment surrounded by people is reassuring (although it's quiet, I can occassionally hear something, so I know people could hear me screaming).
There's an apartment building across the courtyard & it's kind of fun to people-watch. One lady hula-hooped non-stop for maybe 4 minutes. That takes talent. But at the same time, it's disconcerting that I'm watching people across a courtyard. I feel comfortable changing or dressing with the window open because I know that nobody's watching. The hula-hoop lady probably thinks the same thing. haha
Off to bed soon, but before that, some observations:
1) I won't be too miserable food-wise. When I get sick of Korean food, I can have Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese or Italian. Or Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, McDonalds, Subway, Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Krispy Kreme, KFC, or more Dunkin' Donuts.
2) Koreans have a love affair with food & drink but it doesn't show. Restaurants open early & close late, there's a fried food stand on every corner, and Koreans consume more soju than rice, but they're for the most part skinny. I wouldn't consider myself overly heavy, but compared to the women -- and men! -- I'm definitely on the large side. :(
3) Korean women have remarkable ankles. I have traipsed across some of the roughest sidewalks known to humankind -- uneven, & steep when approaching a street -- one day in heels, and though I see women in heels all the time (heels go with everything: suits, shorts, warm-ups) I have yet to see one with an ankle brace. Mad skillz
11 July 2007
My year begins
It's 1:36 a.m. Central Time and in a few minutes (hopefully) I'll go to bed and in a few hours (hopefully!!!) I'll wake up and board a plane that will take me to my new home halfway around the globe. But I feel I must write this while everything is fresh in my memory. Today (or yesterday, I suppose) was an eventful day encompassing an amalgam of emotions and I believe either is the prelude to or is one of the most pivotal days of my life.
I spent the morning packing, unpacking, and repacking. *It just struck me that I have to discontinue my membership to the Y. dang, I knew I forgot something!* On the positive side, I got a full arm workout: I must have lifted those 50 lb. bags at least ten times each just to make sure that they weren't overweight. Hopefully that did some damage to my upper-arm flab. My worst nightmare right now is that I won't be able to fit my carry-on in the overhead compartment & will have to pay a load of money to check a third bag. Great, now I really will dream about that. grrr...
When I finished packing, I showered and headed to the bank to wrap up some business. Then I stopped by work to say good-bye to everybody. While I was there I saw Ra-mama through the window and decided to enjoy my last scaring in the States. I hid behind the counter and jumped out at her as she rounded the corner. Had I predicted her response, I probably would have opted for another course of action. She jumped a bit, shrieked, and slapped me in the face. One fluid motion. All instinctively. Some people just freeze when they're scared, some scream, some cry. Not Ra-mama. She don't take no crap. Her brain tells her to slap, then it processes what the eyes input to recognize who or what scared her. When her brain processed who I was, her jaw dropped and she said, "Oh, Monica, I slapped you! I'm so sorry!" and she hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. The hug was ok, but the kiss...I could have done without. When my brain processed the fact that she had slapped me, I started laughing. It was quite a shock, and I found it hilarious.
I went to Al's office and we decided to meet at Borders later on. Then I had to go. JB had called up to arrange a meeting so he could give me my going-away present, and I, as usual, was running late.
I got to Dunn's only five minutes after our scheduled time and found JB at the computer, replying to a message I had posted. I sat at the computer next to him and replied to him. We are such geeks.
Coffee #1
I got a mocha iced coffee drink and we sat outside and chatted for about an hour. The great thing about chatting with JB is that I'm comfortable enough with him to tell him anything, and JB is unfortunate enough to know some of the secrets I don't tell anybody else. Yeah, JB is one of the few people I'll share my feelings with. (Thanks JB if you're reading this; you're a rockstar. No wonder the Greek & I always fight over you. ha!) It was sad saying good-bye & knowing that I wouldn't see him for probably a year.
Coffee #2
I got home and had an iced coffee. Then it was dinner time.
By dinner, I had four hours of packing and one good-bye under my belt, so I was feeling anxious, nervous, and depressed. Right in the middle of dinner I started thinking about how it would be my last dinner with my mom for a long time, and I cried. In a public restaurant. How embarrassing.
I stopped by Best Buy to pick up some flash drives. I decided to leave my computer, but need to take my important documents with me. I spoke with Uncle Paul & Imo; they'll be coming to Korea over Chusok so I'll see them in two months.
Coffee #3
I met Al at Borders determined to get juice, and she had already ordered an iced coffee for me (my friends rock!). We used to get the Kahlua mudslides, but they changed their drink vendors, as I had found out on my last trip. So the "drink that's kinda like the Kahlua mudslide" is now our drink of choice, and there was one sitting there waiting for me, in all of its chocolate-drizzled whipped-cream-topped glory. We chatted for about an hour, lightheartedly, skirting around but occasionally delving into deeper issues.
She said that Ra-mama had mentioned slapping me in the face, but didn't have the details as she was in a hurry to get out the door (like me, she had been running late). Such an invitation required elaboration, and I acquiesced. In a particularly dramatic reenactment, I swooped my hand to demonstrate the athleticism of Ra-mama's slap. I think the story was funny enough itself, and so did Al. To add to the humor, however, my hand happened to swoop my coffee all over my leg, foot and the floor. Shock. Pure shock. Followed by laughter, then Al running to get napkins, and me whispering intensely, "hurry hurry this is cold." The laughter continues, but we're both kneeling down trying to clean the floor, Al in a skirt and me in coffee-drenched jeans, while futilely hoping to avoid the attention of other patrons. The Borders employee hurried to help us clean up, then kindly asked me if he could get me another drink. That's really sweet! I spilled the drink, but he was nice enough to offer another. I was finished, though, and declined.
As we exited the cafe, Al told me how much she would miss me. We had spent so much time together in the last few months and our friendship had deepened considerably, and we had shared our griefs and advice. We hugged. By this time, I had four hours of packing, a stomach-ache-inducing dinner, one good-bye with a pseudo-brother, and 1/2 a good-bye with a pseudo-sister under my belt, and when I saw tears in her eyes I just broke down. I cried all the way home.
Once home, I did the unthinkable. I unpacked and repacked again. Yeah, I just went there.
I called my big bro and he actually picked up! I was kinda surprised. We talked about work and said our good-byes.
The Greek called and we talked for about an hour. (I keep talking to people for about an hour!) She gave me some pointers on internet phoning (or poning) that I'm gonna research. At 8.5 cents a minute from Korea, it's worth some research! Last night we had hung out at Dunn's and the Pumphouse, but we didn't get a chance to really talk since we were too busy getting JB to emphasize that he hates us. :) And... the conversation ended with another good-bye.
Three coffees, three best friends, one brother, and four good-byes. Tomorrow two parents, one cat, one home, one nation and five good-byes. 11 loved ones = nine good-byes + two see-you-soons. It's dismal math.
People keep telling me that I'll make new friends once I get to Korea. I know this, but I still regret leaving those I love behind.
I'm such a sap today. Next time I'll be better.
Three coffees have taken their toll, but I'm starting to get tired. Good night.
I spent the morning packing, unpacking, and repacking. *It just struck me that I have to discontinue my membership to the Y. dang, I knew I forgot something!* On the positive side, I got a full arm workout: I must have lifted those 50 lb. bags at least ten times each just to make sure that they weren't overweight. Hopefully that did some damage to my upper-arm flab. My worst nightmare right now is that I won't be able to fit my carry-on in the overhead compartment & will have to pay a load of money to check a third bag. Great, now I really will dream about that. grrr...
When I finished packing, I showered and headed to the bank to wrap up some business. Then I stopped by work to say good-bye to everybody. While I was there I saw Ra-mama through the window and decided to enjoy my last scaring in the States. I hid behind the counter and jumped out at her as she rounded the corner. Had I predicted her response, I probably would have opted for another course of action. She jumped a bit, shrieked, and slapped me in the face. One fluid motion. All instinctively. Some people just freeze when they're scared, some scream, some cry. Not Ra-mama. She don't take no crap. Her brain tells her to slap, then it processes what the eyes input to recognize who or what scared her. When her brain processed who I was, her jaw dropped and she said, "Oh, Monica, I slapped you! I'm so sorry!" and she hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. The hug was ok, but the kiss...I could have done without. When my brain processed the fact that she had slapped me, I started laughing. It was quite a shock, and I found it hilarious.
I went to Al's office and we decided to meet at Borders later on. Then I had to go. JB had called up to arrange a meeting so he could give me my going-away present, and I, as usual, was running late.
I got to Dunn's only five minutes after our scheduled time and found JB at the computer, replying to a message I had posted. I sat at the computer next to him and replied to him. We are such geeks.
Coffee #1
I got a mocha iced coffee drink and we sat outside and chatted for about an hour. The great thing about chatting with JB is that I'm comfortable enough with him to tell him anything, and JB is unfortunate enough to know some of the secrets I don't tell anybody else. Yeah, JB is one of the few people I'll share my feelings with. (Thanks JB if you're reading this; you're a rockstar. No wonder the Greek & I always fight over you. ha!) It was sad saying good-bye & knowing that I wouldn't see him for probably a year.
Coffee #2
I got home and had an iced coffee. Then it was dinner time.
By dinner, I had four hours of packing and one good-bye under my belt, so I was feeling anxious, nervous, and depressed. Right in the middle of dinner I started thinking about how it would be my last dinner with my mom for a long time, and I cried. In a public restaurant. How embarrassing.
I stopped by Best Buy to pick up some flash drives. I decided to leave my computer, but need to take my important documents with me. I spoke with Uncle Paul & Imo; they'll be coming to Korea over Chusok so I'll see them in two months.
Coffee #3
I met Al at Borders determined to get juice, and she had already ordered an iced coffee for me (my friends rock!). We used to get the Kahlua mudslides, but they changed their drink vendors, as I had found out on my last trip. So the "drink that's kinda like the Kahlua mudslide" is now our drink of choice, and there was one sitting there waiting for me, in all of its chocolate-drizzled whipped-cream-topped glory. We chatted for about an hour, lightheartedly, skirting around but occasionally delving into deeper issues.
She said that Ra-mama had mentioned slapping me in the face, but didn't have the details as she was in a hurry to get out the door (like me, she had been running late). Such an invitation required elaboration, and I acquiesced. In a particularly dramatic reenactment, I swooped my hand to demonstrate the athleticism of Ra-mama's slap. I think the story was funny enough itself, and so did Al. To add to the humor, however, my hand happened to swoop my coffee all over my leg, foot and the floor. Shock. Pure shock. Followed by laughter, then Al running to get napkins, and me whispering intensely, "hurry hurry this is cold." The laughter continues, but we're both kneeling down trying to clean the floor, Al in a skirt and me in coffee-drenched jeans, while futilely hoping to avoid the attention of other patrons. The Borders employee hurried to help us clean up, then kindly asked me if he could get me another drink. That's really sweet! I spilled the drink, but he was nice enough to offer another. I was finished, though, and declined.
As we exited the cafe, Al told me how much she would miss me. We had spent so much time together in the last few months and our friendship had deepened considerably, and we had shared our griefs and advice. We hugged. By this time, I had four hours of packing, a stomach-ache-inducing dinner, one good-bye with a pseudo-brother, and 1/2 a good-bye with a pseudo-sister under my belt, and when I saw tears in her eyes I just broke down. I cried all the way home.
Once home, I did the unthinkable. I unpacked and repacked again. Yeah, I just went there.
I called my big bro and he actually picked up! I was kinda surprised. We talked about work and said our good-byes.
The Greek called and we talked for about an hour. (I keep talking to people for about an hour!) She gave me some pointers on internet phoning (or poning) that I'm gonna research. At 8.5 cents a minute from Korea, it's worth some research! Last night we had hung out at Dunn's and the Pumphouse, but we didn't get a chance to really talk since we were too busy getting JB to emphasize that he hates us. :) And... the conversation ended with another good-bye.
Three coffees, three best friends, one brother, and four good-byes. Tomorrow two parents, one cat, one home, one nation and five good-byes. 11 loved ones = nine good-byes + two see-you-soons. It's dismal math.
People keep telling me that I'll make new friends once I get to Korea. I know this, but I still regret leaving those I love behind.
I'm such a sap today. Next time I'll be better.
Three coffees have taken their toll, but I'm starting to get tired. Good night.
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