Wow, what happened to September? It flew by faster than most of the “power walkers” who casually stroll along the river outside my apartment. Before I know it I will be back in the UK planning the next stage of my life, missing kimchi, bowing to shop assistants and miming out what I say to people. I know I still have seven months to go, but if they go as quickly as September did I might get time sickness.
On my first trip to Seoul I was sitting outside Yongsan Station when I was approached by the crazy safety pin lady, who wanted to try out her English, insult me and give me safety pins (hence the name). Apparently from afar I am ok looking (accompanied by a grimace face) but up close I am beautiful. Aah the insult covered compliment, my favourite kind-from far away you look like a dog, but once I get close enough that I can see my reflection in the whites of your eyes you are a princess. She was the first in a couple of Koreans who have proudly told me that Korea has four distinct seasons. She then gave me a couple of safety pins and said, ominously, that I might “need” them.
I was a bit sceptical about these “four” seasons…but distinct is the word. One day it was more hot and humid than an obese person’s armpit and the next it was jacket weather-well not for me (what’s Korean for “Seriously, I don’t get cold!”) but you get the idea.
I realise that with all my rants about the hagwon and my apartment (which now has a lovely new boiler-which I am under strict instructions to “no touchee”) I haven’t mentioned some fundamental aspects of Korea which have made my time here so enjoyable. So here are some of the highlights:
Food: Sure, I jokingly bitch about the amount of rice, fermented vegetables and soup, but Korea has dibs on the healthy food factor, which may explain the new slim line Jo. (That and the fact teaching burns off calories faster than September.) Eating out is incredibly cheap, from the small restaurants to the street vendors you can get a great meal, with free refillable side dishes for well under a fiver. Yesterday I had tuna bibimbap for £2, and it got me moaning so it must have been good. It’s all about the sound effects.
Service: I have absolutely no idea how most small businesses last in Korea, since when you buy something the owner normally tells you to wait and pulls out something for free-“Service.” Sure my freebies aren’t as big as a pair of trainers, but I am going to miss the ones I do get.
The never-ending beauty of this country: This weekend just gone I took a trip to a virtually untouched part of Korea’s countryside and it was incredibly beautiful and scenic. It’s so nice getting away from the gaudy architecture (you could drop in any city in Korea and I wouldn’t be able to tell you where I was) and experiencing the fresh air and sheer splendour of South Korea.
The friends I have made in Hongseong: Rachel, Paul, Viro, Jen and now Lesley (I hope it doesn’t come to you leaving) I have been so lucky here and just want to get all sentimental and say thank you!
On my first trip to Seoul I was sitting outside Yongsan Station when I was approached by the crazy safety pin lady, who wanted to try out her English, insult me and give me safety pins (hence the name). Apparently from afar I am ok looking (accompanied by a grimace face) but up close I am beautiful. Aah the insult covered compliment, my favourite kind-from far away you look like a dog, but once I get close enough that I can see my reflection in the whites of your eyes you are a princess. She was the first in a couple of Koreans who have proudly told me that Korea has four distinct seasons. She then gave me a couple of safety pins and said, ominously, that I might “need” them.
I was a bit sceptical about these “four” seasons…but distinct is the word. One day it was more hot and humid than an obese person’s armpit and the next it was jacket weather-well not for me (what’s Korean for “Seriously, I don’t get cold!”) but you get the idea.
I realise that with all my rants about the hagwon and my apartment (which now has a lovely new boiler-which I am under strict instructions to “no touchee”) I haven’t mentioned some fundamental aspects of Korea which have made my time here so enjoyable. So here are some of the highlights:
Food: Sure, I jokingly bitch about the amount of rice, fermented vegetables and soup, but Korea has dibs on the healthy food factor, which may explain the new slim line Jo. (That and the fact teaching burns off calories faster than September.) Eating out is incredibly cheap, from the small restaurants to the street vendors you can get a great meal, with free refillable side dishes for well under a fiver. Yesterday I had tuna bibimbap for £2, and it got me moaning so it must have been good. It’s all about the sound effects.
Service: I have absolutely no idea how most small businesses last in Korea, since when you buy something the owner normally tells you to wait and pulls out something for free-“Service.” Sure my freebies aren’t as big as a pair of trainers, but I am going to miss the ones I do get.
The never-ending beauty of this country: This weekend just gone I took a trip to a virtually untouched part of Korea’s countryside and it was incredibly beautiful and scenic. It’s so nice getting away from the gaudy architecture (you could drop in any city in Korea and I wouldn’t be able to tell you where I was) and experiencing the fresh air and sheer splendour of South Korea.
The friends I have made in Hongseong: Rachel, Paul, Viro, Jen and now Lesley (I hope it doesn’t come to you leaving) I have been so lucky here and just want to get all sentimental and say thank you!
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