Korea…a life changing experience…or just a facade maker… March 28, 2008

Being here 8 months, and speaking with other foreigners, as well as drawing from my own experience, I have contemplated a serious question.  Many foreigners either think that KOrea has done nothing for them, that they are the same person they were before they came here.  Or they think that Korea has changed them completely.  Someone who was antisocial is now the life of the party. 

For me, I think I am the same, with some refinements.  I enjoy being on my own now, instead of looking it as a burden. I have learned to let my parents handle their own mistakes, instead of trying to parent them.  I have started to leave the past where it belongs, in the past.  I have become more devoted to God as i wanted to.  If I say I am going to do something, I do it.  But i haven’t become the life of the party, I’ve developed a funky sense of humour.  I haven’t strived to be MS popularity.  And not for one moment, have I considered that friendships here are permanent.

This is the danger.  Some foreigners think this is the life.  They now have a full social calendar when before it was empty.  It is a facade that can be easily broken by one foreigner’s contract ending.  Enjoy it, but don’t let it become you.  For what happens when you return home..and life was as it was before you went to South Korea?  The shock could be disheartening.

The ideal thing would be to look at this as an extended working holiday.  You meet great people, hango ut, and hten you go home.  I wish you all well, with whichever method of thinking you choose. 

Children say the darndest things…. March 28, 2008

Children are a blessing.no matter where they are from. I find the korean children both beautiful and adorable. Even when they are getting on my nerves, they can always make me smile.

Once I was at a sauna, soaking in the water. This girl, a 14 year old from seoul, came up to me and said..’you’re different’ and i said to her what do you mean..she said’ you ACTUALLY like children, not just like children because you get paid to do it.’
That statement really struck me as observant and truth and very wise. I think as foreigners, we take it for granted that being here is a privilege. We miss out on the blessings children bring. I love teaching children. The idea that I could help shape their futures is both daunting and exciting at the same time, And that could be a bit selfish way of thiknking on my part. enjoy your time here. both in and out of the classroom.

Funniest thing happened while at the sauna…. March 28, 2008

well maybe not funny as so much as typical for the foreigner experience.  Some are bothered by this…myself I figure it comes with the territory.  In a previous blog I did mention that I had been naked in front of other women on a number of occasions and this is why.

Anyways, to my story.  I am sitting and relaxing in a hot tub.  Not thinking about anything.  I have an overactive imagination so sometimes I appreciate it being tamed, even for a short time.  I opened my eyes and saw this senior Korean lady step into the hot tub.  I didn’t think anything of it.  But then i noticed her watching at me, analyzing me with her eyes.  I wasn’t sure what she was thinking,  But then….

I saw her walk in my direction.  And i knew what was coming next….I am not sure how I knew, I could just sense it.  She stopped in front of me….and reached out and felt my right breast and said ‘Very good!’.  Now many would have panicked.  for an example of this..see sixteen candles when Samantha is grabbed by her grandmother.  But I breathed a sigh of relief followed by silent laughter.  I had anticipated a korean comment or not a good english comment but instead I was complimented on it. 

I have heard from my male friends, that this has occurred to them as well.  These are the stories that cause some men to become uncomfortable and so they won’t ever try the experience.  Get over yourself.  It is wonderful, relaxing and definitely the korean way.

I am starting to believe it is not just Koreans that need to lighten up.

Pink…and Korea… March 28, 2008

One of the first things I noticed when I came to South Korea, was the prevalence of the colour pink.

Pink is my favorite colour.  When I wear pink, I instantly feel happy.  But shopping for pink last summer was hard because pink went out of fashion.

So to see all this pink on girls, boys, men, women, is amazing.  Obviously I am unable to purchase anything pink here to wear because God has blessed me with a western sized chest and butt.   Still, the stationary, the pens,  its all so wonderful to me.  I think everyone needs a little pink in their life.

So tonight, when I am wearing pink, I will have a bright smile.   And hopefully will make those around me smile as well.  Its friday, time for a laugh or two.

Tonight..I’m going out… March 28, 2008

this is a shoutout..to let you know I am doing what most foreigners are doing,…..going out for a drink or five..and I’ll be wearing pink.  If you see me, say hello :)  Scavenger hunt of people…what a novel idea.  Can’t tell you where I am or what I look like..that would spoil the fun.  Look for a whole blog about pink later today.