Walking into class today I was searching for a way to stall, because there is always time left at the end and I am starting to worry that the excitement over hangman will wear off quickly... So, I ask about what they will be doing on the weekend. Some said going to the beach, playing video games, going to the movies (this is the season for horror flicks and everyone, from age 7 on, go to see them, there are no age restrictions or ratings as far as I know). But many said they would just be doing homework. Which brings me to my next interesting tidbit on Korean life, they work hard. Apparently 90 hour weeks are the norm, however, there is only instant coffee. But oh boy, there is a lot of it. I also recently learned that Koreans consume the most instant coffee in the world and most of it tastes like shit.
Last night was a late night and this morning came much too quickly. I take a shower, a cold shower because I have yet to translate the buttons that turn on the hot water, get dressed and am out the door by 7 am. I must have coffee, I yearn for hot coffee, the instant just won't cut it today, I want it brewed right there in front of me. While I have avoided western businesses, out of embarrassment, I had no shame this morning when I walked right into the Dunkin' Donuts I pass multiple times a day and get a cup. Of course I paid three dollars for a small black coffee but it was so worth it.
Now, for last night. Mom and Dad, cover your eyes. Only kidding... Lisa, Pete and I head to our neighborhood to meet up with three Kansans they met in the hospital while waiting for their health check, chatting while they held cups of their own urine. We head out to eat, what we thought was an authentic Chinese restaurant but turned out to be Japanese, we can never really tell. Thankfully most of the menus have pictures, so all we need to do is point.
** Off the subject but they just walked into the office with friend chicken and coke, apparently it is a tradition to eat chicken today because it is the last hot day of the year... not sure why but it sure does smell gooooooooood.**
After dinner we head to the 7-11 type store, buy beer and soju then sit outside to drink and people watch. It wasn't long before we made some Korean friends! Two very drunk guys (see picture) and their very sober friend (dd). A testament to how generous this culture is are these men. They meet us on the street, outside a convenience store and five minutes later they are walking out with more drinks and snacks. For us, 6 strangers! It is my understanding that they are so big on sharing and not claiming things as only theirs that they never say 'my', it's 'our dinner' or 'our car' even, and this is my favorite, 'our wife'. This is evident everywhere, especially with meals. Everyone eats from a communal dish it is never a platter that is all your own. At work they constantly feed us without expecting anything in return. Strangers on the subway show this too, if there is a free seat they will motion for you to sit for the ride. I always refuse, at risk of them insisting until my stop comes.
So yes, they are nice here. The rest of our night was spent at a Western Bar close to home where they play darts, foosball, much like places back home. With all the new experiences it is nice to have some form of familiarity every once in a while. The Olympics tonight, make sure to watch them! 8/8/08 @ 8:08pm, I'll be in the time zone at least...
Love to you all, hope to hear from you soon. Also, send me your email and home addresses, I will be braving the post office soon. Here is where you can reach me- brittanyranew@gmail.com and I always love updates from back home! What is gas up to now?
Last night was a late night and this morning came much too quickly. I take a shower, a cold shower because I have yet to translate the buttons that turn on the hot water, get dressed and am out the door by 7 am. I must have coffee, I yearn for hot coffee, the instant just won't cut it today, I want it brewed right there in front of me. While I have avoided western businesses, out of embarrassment, I had no shame this morning when I walked right into the Dunkin' Donuts I pass multiple times a day and get a cup. Of course I paid three dollars for a small black coffee but it was so worth it.
Now, for last night. Mom and Dad, cover your eyes. Only kidding... Lisa, Pete and I head to our neighborhood to meet up with three Kansans they met in the hospital while waiting for their health check, chatting while they held cups of their own urine. We head out to eat, what we thought was an authentic Chinese restaurant but turned out to be Japanese, we can never really tell. Thankfully most of the menus have pictures, so all we need to do is point.
** Off the subject but they just walked into the office with friend chicken and coke, apparently it is a tradition to eat chicken today because it is the last hot day of the year... not sure why but it sure does smell gooooooooood.**
After dinner we head to the 7-11 type store, buy beer and soju then sit outside to drink and people watch. It wasn't long before we made some Korean friends! Two very drunk guys (see picture) and their very sober friend (dd). A testament to how generous this culture is are these men. They meet us on the street, outside a convenience store and five minutes later they are walking out with more drinks and snacks. For us, 6 strangers! It is my understanding that they are so big on sharing and not claiming things as only theirs that they never say 'my', it's 'our dinner' or 'our car' even, and this is my favorite, 'our wife'. This is evident everywhere, especially with meals. Everyone eats from a communal dish it is never a platter that is all your own. At work they constantly feed us without expecting anything in return. Strangers on the subway show this too, if there is a free seat they will motion for you to sit for the ride. I always refuse, at risk of them insisting until my stop comes.
So yes, they are nice here. The rest of our night was spent at a Western Bar close to home where they play darts, foosball, much like places back home. With all the new experiences it is nice to have some form of familiarity every once in a while. The Olympics tonight, make sure to watch them! 8/8/08 @ 8:08pm, I'll be in the time zone at least...
Love to you all, hope to hear from you soon. Also, send me your email and home addresses, I will be braving the post office soon. Here is where you can reach me- brittanyranew@gmail.com and I always love updates from back home! What is gas up to now?
No comments:
Post a Comment