I heard that one of the speakers at the latest SMOE orientation advised the new teachers to really try to get to know the Corean culture. Turns out that this speaker is my neighbor and he's a good guy. A good guy and right on the money. He explained that hanging out with foreigners, you'd hear the same stories, the same complaints, the same weekend jaunts, the same gripes... I made a conscious decision when I came here to try to get to know natives. I think I've been half successful.
After a few months spent with mostly Corean Americans, I somehow found myself on two separate basketball teams with native Coreans. One a women's team and the other a men's team. Saturdays are spent with the gals playing ball, followed by fried chicken (or pho) and beer. Sundays are spent with the guys playing ball, hitting the PC room to play Kart Rider, playing more ball and then meat and soju. I'm the most surprised at this development during my sojourn in Corea. I thought I'd meet a few Corean American friends, share some light laughs and giggles, and be back in the states in no time. But things have changed and are changing. I'm finding a home here, a community and a network of new people that I'm so grateful to have met.
I miss people from home, but if and when I ever do go back, I think I can safely say that my time here was different than most foreigners.
After a few months spent with mostly Corean Americans, I somehow found myself on two separate basketball teams with native Coreans. One a women's team and the other a men's team. Saturdays are spent with the gals playing ball, followed by fried chicken (or pho) and beer. Sundays are spent with the guys playing ball, hitting the PC room to play Kart Rider, playing more ball and then meat and soju. I'm the most surprised at this development during my sojourn in Corea. I thought I'd meet a few Corean American friends, share some light laughs and giggles, and be back in the states in no time. But things have changed and are changing. I'm finding a home here, a community and a network of new people that I'm so grateful to have met.
I miss people from home, but if and when I ever do go back, I think I can safely say that my time here was different than most foreigners.
3 comments:
Yes, stay.
Until I can visit.
:-)
MUITO BOM SEU BLOG E TRABALHO!
Thanks! For inviting me into the men's bball team. You're totally right when u say most foreigners don't get to experience living with the locals here. After 3 years here, I'm finally living that!
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