Yesterday, Andy and I were stopped in the street by three young Koreans with a video camera. They wanted to interview us for a project. We were wearing backpacks at the time, and jeans, and sweatshirts, and sneakers - the very image of tourists. So they probably thought we were visiting Seoul. Which is true, if a visit can be the length of a year.
Anyway, we agreed and they began recording. A girl asked us various questions, like how does being in Seoul compare to our hometowns? What do we like, or find easy? What do we dislike, or find difficult? And I realized something.
Answering the questions was a struggle. And this isn't the first time it's happened. Anytime I've spoken with people via Skype, email, facebook, etc., or even with co-workers and people I meet, I always say more or less the same thing.
"Yeah, it's different. I like it a lot. But it's different. Adjusting to the culture isn't as difficult as adjusting to being in a big city. But I'm getting used to it. I really like it here. You know?"
Who wants to guess how much of the above is true? Your guess is as good as mine. I sure don't know.
My answers to people's questions about Korea, and Seoul, and teaching are all very vague because my ideas themselves are still vague. Perhaps the biggest adjustment I have to deal with is getting used to being in a foreign country that I didn't immediately fall in love with. England, Ireland, Spain, the Bahamas - they were all instantly charming in some new way, satisfying and magical. But I have yet to be charmed by Korea.
This is good for me, though. It's good to realize that travel isn't just romantic and fun - it's frustrating, and boring, and routine too.
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1 comment:
Your blog is really getting a wide audience. I have shared it with so many friends at school and all are taken with your talented writing. Back to your impressions of Korea... It seems to me that in your writings the people of S. Korea have been the real essence of your experience so far. Your time and stories of these charming people will be unforgettable.
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