The Beach

For some reason before I moved here I didn't put it together that I would be living by the beach. I guess I imagined Busan as a port city with only the ships as their direct tie to the sea. However, I am wrong. There are at least five different beaches, large beaches, all within a short subway ride/walk from my apartment. Having only four hours from the beach my whole life this is very exciting. I'm sure y'all can relate. Basically the thing to do here is go to the beach. Hang out, eat, drink, swim (most of the Koreans have no problem swimming fully clothed), go to concerts, celebrations, camp, nap, and do all this with friends and family by the water. It is for everyone to enjoy. Last weekend we went to a bonfire on one beach in the northern part of the city. Like every time we go out we meet a group of Koreans that hardly speak English but become our best friends. I am beginning to realize a few things that are related with every instance. They are usually drinking, so it could be that this makes them more friendly than usual... It usually goes that we say hi, they say hello back then gesture us to come over. They offer us food and drink then shower us with compliments which leads to the picture taking. I don't want to discount their generosity, because even in the most sober situations Koreans have shown the same kindness to me. But even then I think it has more to do with the fact that we look different and that is why they treat us this way. After the pictures they relate one of us to an English speaking Celeb like David Beckham or Nichole Kidman. And we love it. When else will be mistaken for celebrities? I may be making us out to be greedy, no good Westerners. Every time I am grateful that the Koreans that befriend us. We ask them questions, find commonalities, return drinks and food, but they always seem to out do anything we try to offer.
Life at the beach is wonderful. The water is the perfect temperature and the beaches are very clean considering the number of people on them day and night. About a week ago Haeundae Beach attempted to break the world record for number of beach umbrellas on a beach. Haven't heard if they got it yet... You should google it, the pictures are quite amazing. I have yet to go there but I will this weekend. My boss told me about a temple built right on the edge of the water just north of this beach (Suicide Rock is also here, I think I told a few of you about it before leaving). Since I have Thursday and Friday off of this week I hope to do a lot more exploring.

I talk about the people most of all, but next blog will focus on Korean cuisine. It is sure to be good, so stay tuned!