It's not that I don't have much to say. In fact, my head is brimming with random facts, figures, and unimportant happenings all the time. For example, today I saw a button on the sidewalk, and I, for a good five minutes, thought about the life of that button. . .where it started, how did it end up on the sidewalk, what would happen to it, and would the person who lost it, even know it disappeared? Then for a brief moment. . .I thought about writing a play about that button's life. Yes, these are my daily thoughts. . .sometimes, my thoughts are profound. . .
But most of the time, they are ridiculous. And I like to keep them that way.
However, my conscience laments littering. . .and I feel expelling random, everyday thoughts about buttons and such, into cyberspace is a type of litter. . .so I wait until a good thought comes along, and then I share it.
Which to sum up my point. . .makes me a terrible blogger.
That said. . .I have a good thought. . .
Korea, I love, and like any amazing relationship--it challenges me, seduces me, and infuriates me.
Two weeks ago I was leaving the Doctor's office and I get a phone call from a number I don't recognize. On such occasions I typically don't answer the phone because the caller usually hangs up on me the minute I say "hello". . .and who needs that kind of rejection on a daily basis. However, I was feeling spunky, know a tad Korean, and thought I would give it a try, so as I sit myself into the taxi, tell the driver where to take me, I answer. . .
Me: Yabaseyo! (hello!)
Man: ahhh hello Terahhhhhrynaaaah?
Me: Ney (yes)
Man: . . .all sorts of Korean I don't understand. . .201-uh?
Now I am thinking, "My god. . .this guy is actually trying to do something at my apartment, he knows my name. . .what the hell do I do?" Meanwhile, cab driver is speeding down the road while watching TV.
Me: Kahm-Sam-Ni-Dah (Thank you) I don't speak Korean (I don't think this needs translation)
Man: No English-ah
Me: No Korean-uh, Hangul, anni-yo (No)
It continues like this for a bit.
I hang up. (What else was to be done? We established multiple times that no logical conversation was going to take place)
I tell cab driver to take me to my house. . .after all this random Korean was there.
Please note: I explain this story in a manner suggesting I was calm and collected the entire time, but that was not the case. I was frustrated and on the verge of tears because I should be able to communicate! Shame on me. And. . .shame on this guy for calling on a Monday morning after I got out of the Doctor's office and for not knowing English. Really. I am there to teach it, come take a class. (Not really, but it feels good to lay blame elsewhere in these moments)
Note aside. . .I arrive at my house. He is not there. I decide to go to work. . .early!. . .and ask a Korean staff member to call back and find out what is going on. Simple plan. . .
Need I remind you, I'm in Korea. Nothing is ever simple. (and I assure you there is no exaggeration in this statement) This man continues to call me. . .each conversation resulting in. . .
Me: Yabaseyo!
Man: No English-uh, 201-uh?
Me: Anni-yo Korean.
Five times. Five!
I finally make it to work. A staff member calls. The poor man is a mail man. . .and he is just trying to deliver a package. That's all.
On hearing that story. . .many would say, "I bet you are excited to be done with that place! Damn, to be back in good ol' America where things are easy and make sense."
And to that, I say. . "nope, not at all."
Because the end of that story. . .
Postman arrives the next day. . .at 9AM. . .rings my door, then calls me, and then knocks.
Me: (Just out of bed, hair all over the place, pajamas every which way) Anyang Ha-sey-o
Man: (hugging me quite hard) American! No English (gesturing to himself) No Korean (gesturing to me).
Me: Ney. Mee-Ham-Ni-Dah (Sorry)
Man: You pretty. (hugging me quite hard again and then handing me a package) For you.
Me: Kahm-sahm-ni-dah.
Then he bowed, got on his scooter and rode off into the morning.
And that just pulls at my heart strings.
There is no way to describe the wonders of this place. The people are ridiculous and fun and annoying. I find myself cursing them in one minute and loving them in the next. Korea is a land full of generous amazing people who believe in not only working hard but playing hard. They may sometimes miss steps and jump the gun, but it is the heart--the sincerity of these people that sets my heart a flutter.
I've seen it elsewhere. . .but Korea. . .Korea is like stepping foot into a silent black and white film. . .You never know how the scene will play out, what exactly is being said, or what is going on. . .but, you find yourself caught up in the mayhem and entranced by the hilarity and the ridiculousness and unable to stop yourself from joining in on the shenanigans. There is a true sense of life here.
Granted stay away from most of the westerners (unless they love the ridiculous as much as you) and surround yourself with Koreans.
Koreans do not understand mediocrity or just getting by. They embrace extremes. I adore this and envy them for it.
Land of the Morning Calm (a bit of a contrast to the actual place) I will miss you with all my heart and soul. . .but I will return to you.
So, lessons to be learned: Don't ever send packages to my residence. . .and when annoying gets going, sit back and laugh. . .
My furry friends, a quote. . .
"Traveling is like gambling: it is always connected with winning and losing, and generally where it is least expected we receive, more or less than what we hoped for." --Goethe
