To miss or not to miss? - that is the question.
So, it's my last full day in Korea and unfortunately I'm sitting here 'trapped' in my apartment due to my current semi-crippled state of having two sprained ankles(which has caused me to miss the great plans I had for today) and I'm feeling just a little bit bored and miserable. So, to avoid the added 'misery' of packing I thought a little procrastination was in order before absolutely having to get back to work.
I've had some absolutely joy filled, wonderful, and perspective changing moments in my six months here. I've also had some moments you just never would wish for and make people pull out cliches like "if it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger" and "everything happens for a reason". In all truth though, I think I am stronger ... or at least have come to better realize my strength. And I have learned lot's of lessons and been shown time and again how if you keep your eyes open you can see the good that does come out of the bad - even if it's a teeny tiny good - it still makes the bad worthwhile.
Anywho,
TO MISS OR NOT TO MISS?!
What I’ll Miss About Korea
1.The food!! – SamGibSol, Galbi, ShabbuShabboo, Green Melon popsicles, Aloe Vera and Colagen juice (sounds weird but it’s so yummy), Asian Pears, Persimmons (can we get Persimmons in Moncton? Has anyone ever seen them?) Kimchee (a newfound love!)
2.The communal aspect in so many things – like how people cook together and eat out of communal dishes (I loved it once I got over my hygiene issues).
3.Feeling like a celebrity when people are shocked or pleased to see me – no one’s asked for my autograph but the number of people who’ve talked to me or said they wanted to be my friend
, told me how beautiful I am, asked for my number and taken pictures with me … it’ll be a little weird to just blend in with the crowd again! – the other day I was walking down the alley behind my school at night and had to get by a group of about ten 16-18 year old boys. I shocked them so much as I made my way through that one jumped and swore. Then he expressed his apologies and said he was just so shocked and surprised. (In very broken English) And in the same broken English and sentences that don’t make sense but I’ve learned to interpret, they asked me various questions and each and every one of them shook my hand and looked like I had just made their night by smiling at them! That definitely does something for a girls ego even though I know it’s just ‘cause I’m a rarity! haha
4.The mountains!! How beautiful they are, how comparatively easy they are to get to and the fact that Koreans appreciate them so much whereas most of us rarely take the time to enjoy our natural surroundings.
5.The friends I’ve made here, especially Leona, Jovita and Kyra.
6.The students I’ve come to love. Stuart! I wish I could take hi
m home with me. (And the few others who've stolen my heart.)
7.The cuteness of so many things here. Koreans love their ‘cute’ products – stationary, heating pads, binders – you name it. And it’s just as acceptable for a grown man as for a little girl.
8.The way people show affection. Whenever I go out I see hands being held, arms around waists and shoulders. And this isn’t just a boy/girl thing. In fact I see more of it being girl/girl, boy/boy, mom/child (even full grown children), father/child, etc. – But at least at home I’ll get to experience more of that physical expression than I get here!
9.Korean movies! I only started switched my laptop over and starting renting them after I decided to go home – and I’m glad I did!
10.My apartment – for all it’s problems, expenses and inconveniences – I love it.
11.The amazing, fast, thorough and affordable medical care.
What I Will NOT Miss About Korea
1.The ridiculous, stupid, unbelievable heat in summer.
2.The rain that goes on forever (or so it seemed)
3.My heatless apartment and having to wear a winter jacket in my own kitchen.
4.Getting lost and not being able to find anyone to help me ‘cause I can’t speak their language.
5.Getting ripped off because I can’t explain what I want.
6.Getting pushed aside because I’m not forceful enough (I can’t even count the number of people who have budded me in lines!)
7.The constant spit and wads of phlegm on the sidewalk.
8.Walking down the street with men peeing a few feet from me…even a woman once.
9.The business ethic at my hagwon.
10.Feeling like I’m huge among all these petite Korean women.
11.The abundance of mullets! Especially on teenage girls.
12.Having to shower while balancing myself on the bathroom sink and against the washing machine (and now that it’s freezing – while shivering since the water pressure is awful and can’t get to me that well)
13.How ridiculously long it takes me to get anywhere living where I do. The friend who lives the closest to me is still a 45 minute trip!
I've had some absolutely joy filled, wonderful, and perspective changing moments in my six months here. I've also had some moments you just never would wish for and make people pull out cliches like "if it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger" and "everything happens for a reason". In all truth though, I think I am stronger ... or at least have come to better realize my strength. And I have learned lot's of lessons and been shown time and again how if you keep your eyes open you can see the good that does come out of the bad - even if it's a teeny tiny good - it still makes the bad worthwhile.
Anywho,
TO MISS OR NOT TO MISS?!
What I’ll Miss About Korea
1.The food!! – SamGibSol, Galbi, ShabbuShabboo, Green Melon popsicles, Aloe Vera and Colagen juice (sounds weird but it’s so yummy), Asian Pears, Persimmons (can we get Persimmons in Moncton? Has anyone ever seen them?) Kimchee (a newfound love!)
2.The communal aspect in so many things – like how people cook together and eat out of communal dishes (I loved it once I got over my hygiene issues).
3.Feeling like a celebrity when people are shocked or pleased to see me – no one’s asked for my autograph but the number of people who’ve talked to me or said they wanted to be my friend
, told me how beautiful I am, asked for my number and taken pictures with me … it’ll be a little weird to just blend in with the crowd again! – the other day I was walking down the alley behind my school at night and had to get by a group of about ten 16-18 year old boys. I shocked them so much as I made my way through that one jumped and swore. Then he expressed his apologies and said he was just so shocked and surprised. (In very broken English) And in the same broken English and sentences that don’t make sense but I’ve learned to interpret, they asked me various questions and each and every one of them shook my hand and looked like I had just made their night by smiling at them! That definitely does something for a girls ego even though I know it’s just ‘cause I’m a rarity! haha4.The mountains!! How beautiful they are, how comparatively easy they are to get to and the fact that Koreans appreciate them so much whereas most of us rarely take the time to enjoy our natural surroundings.
5.The friends I’ve made here, especially Leona, Jovita and Kyra.
6.The students I’ve come to love. Stuart! I wish I could take hi
m home with me. (And the few others who've stolen my heart.)7.The cuteness of so many things here. Koreans love their ‘cute’ products – stationary, heating pads, binders – you name it. And it’s just as acceptable for a grown man as for a little girl.
8.The way people show affection. Whenever I go out I see hands being held, arms around waists and shoulders. And this isn’t just a boy/girl thing. In fact I see more of it being girl/girl, boy/boy, mom/child (even full grown children), father/child, etc. – But at least at home I’ll get to experience more of that physical expression than I get here!
9.Korean movies! I only started switched my laptop over and starting renting them after I decided to go home – and I’m glad I did!
10.My apartment – for all it’s problems, expenses and inconveniences – I love it.
11.The amazing, fast, thorough and affordable medical care.
What I Will NOT Miss About Korea
1.The ridiculous, stupid, unbelievable heat in summer.
2.The rain that goes on forever (or so it seemed)
3.My heatless apartment and having to wear a winter jacket in my own kitchen.
4.Getting lost and not being able to find anyone to help me ‘cause I can’t speak their language.
5.Getting ripped off because I can’t explain what I want.
6.Getting pushed aside because I’m not forceful enough (I can’t even count the number of people who have budded me in lines!)
7.The constant spit and wads of phlegm on the sidewalk.
8.Walking down the street with men peeing a few feet from me…even a woman once.
9.The business ethic at my hagwon.
10.Feeling like I’m huge among all these petite Korean women.
11.The abundance of mullets! Especially on teenage girls.
12.Having to shower while balancing myself on the bathroom sink and against the washing machine (and now that it’s freezing – while shivering since the water pressure is awful and can’t get to me that well)
13.How ridiculously long it takes me to get anywhere living where I do. The friend who lives the closest to me is still a 45 minute trip!
posted by Charles at 11:18 PM
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