The Ramblings of Loren Christopher

For me, there’s nothing like this time of year.  It is hands down, my favorite.  When things get colder, the leaves fall and you can see your breathe at night, the first snowfall, the holidays getting closer….there is just so much change in the air.  I’ve been busy this past month, but all has been well and I find that I’ve been enjoying my home here more than I ever have before.

Dani came to visit me a little over a week ago.  We were roommates together in Prague and have become best friends ever since.  She is one of those people who has a never-ending desire to travel the globe, and I think that’s why we hit it off so well.  This was her first time in Asia though, so I felt like I really needed to show her a good time.  According to her, mission accomplished.

We did all the big touristy things, temples, Insadong (touristy souvenir street), the Korea House where you can see a traditional dance and music show.  We visited Namsan tower at night, which is always beautiful to look out over the city and see all the lights.  Took a trip to Dr. Fish, went ice-skating at Lotte World….yeah, we did a lot.

I always love having visitors.  For one, it’s just nice to have visitors and to see friends again, but also I love watching their reactions when it’s their first time in Asia.  Dani seemed a little culture-shocked (understandably) when she first arrived.  I realized I was just plowing on through the subway connections, carrying her baggage….for me this is a normal trip.  She on the other hand, was wide-eyed and taking in the sites and feeling of being surrounded by a sea of Korean people.  Haha.  It was great!

Soon the shock wore off, but it was fun remembering how almost a year ago I was going through the exact same feelings.  I’ll never forget walking around the subway station of the Express Bus Terminal after arriving in the city center from the airport.  So many people, some looking at me, others not.  

I thought to myself, “Oh my god.  I am going to live here and have to get used to this.”

“Wait, are they staring?  Well some are….ok what are they thinking?  Is it a bad stare?”

“Woah there are SO many people here!!!”

Of course, it all turned out ok for me.  One of the main reasons I like having visitors is so that I can show them what a cool country Korea actually is, and what it’s all about.  Most people don’t know much about this place, and understandably so (it’s relatively new).  When they think Asia they think of China or Japan.  Korea has a lot to offer too though, and the culture and people have a distinct nature of their own that sets them apart from their neighbors.  Most people here do not eat dog meat, they don’t eat live octopus everywhere, etc etc etc.  Those stereotypes annoy me more and more the longer I live here.

So her trip was a success, and that’s one more person sent back to the states to educate others on the positive aspects of Korea.  *pats himself on the back*  

I’m taking a trip this weekend with my friend Ashley (my good friend who is now my neighbor and co-worker!).  We’re going to visit the Sharing House, which is home to Korean “comfort women” who were used as sex slaves to the Japanese during WWII.  It looks like it will be quite a sobering and sad experience.  I’ve been reading a book about comfort women, so I’m not going into it blindly.  Well, that’s for another blog entry.

On a lighter note, Thanksgiving is tomorrow.  Ashley, Molly and I are going to the foreigner district (Itaewon) to have a traditional turkey dinner.  Yummy!