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I’ve been reflecting lately on how I’ve changed (if at all) since arriving in Korea. So forgive me for getting a little introspective.
People talk about ‘culture shock’ upon arriving in Korea. Alas I can’t really say that’s been the case for me. Perhaps I’m a little more open-minded than I thought? I tend to think that now a days there is no such thing, moreover Korea is a prime example of a world increasingly devoid of borders.
As an example take the number of English words in the Korean vernacular - everything from ‘computer’ 컴퓨터to ’style’스타일 to ‘photo’ 포토and a ‘kiss’ 키스, which can be very ’sexy’섹시.
Sure there are one or two customs you should be aware of: The oldest person in the group pays and woman only ever smoke in the dark in the corner of their bedroom, under a blanket. To me just about everything else is common sense or good manners. I mean who doesn’t take their shoes off when they enter a home?
I have developed more of a tolerance towards other peoples too. There is no better way to cure someone of any racist tendencies they may hold than have them live as a minority somewhere. That is not to say all Koreans are racist, but I have encountered one or two that in spite of my obvious intelligence and good looks have made me feel very stupid and small when it was unnecessary.
In other ways I think my standards have lowered a bit. A year and a half ago I would have balked had someone suggested I drink coffee out of a vending machine. Today I did it twice. Staying with food related things – I can’t remember the last time I actually cooked a meal. My burgeoning waste line is a testament to the wide variety of cheap and delicious foods available – even in a small country town like Nonsan.
I am still rather impatient though. Even after teaching little kids for over a year I still assume they understand things right off the bat and get very stroppy if they don’t. I like to think though my teaching is demanding enough that they learn and remember stuff – don’t forget there’s no NCEA here in Korea folks! Besides I am something of a relief for these poor kids who go to school 6 days a week, 10 hours a day and are forced to wrote learn everything!
I have probably gone a bit soft too. Being here with a modest disposable income has meant I can indulge in all manner of things that until now have alluded me – mostly fun (material) things like my laptop, PS2, PSP, DVDs each week, twice weekly drunken escapades to the local bar, travelling everywhere first class, expensive aftershave and skin care products (Clinique if you were wondering) restaurants and general expensive mischief.
So have I changed? You betch ya! For better or worse? The jury is still out on that one.
In other news:
I asked ‘The Boss’ for the 15th of next month to pick up Mum and Mark from Incheon – and like I expected no clear answer, which means 2 days before I’ll remind him and he’ll be like ‘yeah sweet’. Of which; It’s four weeks until they get here and frankly I am excited – I haven’t seen my Mummy in sooooo long.
I found my way to Ooops on Tuesday night (don’t ask me how) and spent the evening sipping Kalua and talking (well trying to talk) to Mi-ri (~sigh~) who just happened to be walking in at the same time I was. W80,000 (NZ$110) later I came home to sleep and try and survive one of the more dodgy Wednesday hangovers I’ve had in a while.
끝
mmmmmm Milkis – just like ice cream in a bottle.
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