I had my first solo journey since coming to Korea. From the moment I stepped foot into this country, I am constantly around people. As an extrovert, I don't mind this one bit.
I definitely take moments to myself, and they are often necessary to recoup, but I always love being around people.
Over the last several months, I have felt extremely grateful to be able to travel with people. Before coming to Korea, I usually traveled by myself. There is nothing better than wandering around an airport by myself completely lost in my own thoughts.
Travelling has been sweetened by the constant companionship of my school friends.
On Sunday, I had to take the bullet train up to Seoul to meet a friend from North Park. BY MYSELF.
This was a mental test for me. Could I survive the train by myself? Would my extremly poor Korean skills suffice in the monstrous city of 20 million? Did I remember where everything was? Could I tackle the subway by myself?
I had to reassure myself numerous times that morning. I knew where to meet my friend. If I could take random busses all over Ecuador and Europe by myself, I could do this. For pete's sake I HAVE A CELL PHONE!
I failed numerous times. I got lost on the subway four times and wasted at least ten dollars in subway fare. My confidence was deeply stirred. I am great with directions! How could I get lost? I wanted to start crying because I felt so inadequate.
I stopped myself, took a deep breath, and studied the subway map for the fiftieth time. No big deal, just study a little closer. Don't be afraid to waste five more dollars if necessary. Trust that you will get to your destination and look a little silly to your friend. This too shall pass. Smile and continue.
Why is all of this a big deal? This small failure depicts a foreigner's constant struggle to survive culturally, socially, linguistically, emotionally, and mentally in a foreign country. On a grander scale, it is humanity boldly saying we are not afraid to make mistakes. It is trusting that God will lead me where he wants.
The solo journey was a hidden delight. I forgot how much I liked traveling by myself. I forgot how much fun it is to people watch. I forgot how much fun is to be lost in my thoughts. Ironically, I missed my friends on the ride home. I missed having a companion to excitedly debrief about the adventures of the day. I missed doing yoga stretches with friends to provide some relief to our aching legs.
My solo journey won't be my last. I won't always have a traveling companion, but I won't always be myself. I am just learning to appreciate each adventure as they come and be confident in every situation.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
One of the perils of living in Korea.......
I received this email from our school nurse today. Aside from the kimchi and horrendous scooter laws, this is another peril I face while living in Korea. Here is some extra information from the Korea Times.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/03/113_19940.html
I guess I'll finally have to get a face mask. :)
"Dear Staff.
It’s time to stay alert for the Yellow Dust/Sand Storm. The weather agency issued the year’s first Yellow Dust/sand storm warning yesterday (Mar 2, 2008). The yellow dust/Sand is expected to arrive on the Korea Peninsula periodically from March through April. The dust can cause eye infections, dry skin, and respiratory-and rhinitis-related diseases. The TCIS will implement policies to limit outdoor activities when the dust level at school is less than safe. Here are some safety tips to prevent disease from yellow sand.
What can I do during the Yellow Dust/Sand Storm:
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially for the elderly, young children, and those with lung disease(such as asthma), heart disease or diabetes
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Remove contact lenses and wear glasses
- Brush your teeth and wash your hands, face and eyes with warm water upon returning indoors
- Drink plenty of water to keep your tears flowing well
- Use air filters to keep air clear, and humidifier to increase indoor humidity level
- Wash fruits and vegetables exposed to Yellow Sand before consumption
- Wash hands carefully before handling food
- Wear goggles, masks, and long-sleeved shirts when going out
-Don’t burn candles and don’t smoke indoors
-If you have itchy eyes after outing, don’t rub the eyes. Irrigate it with a sterile normal saline or report to nurse
What can I do after the Yellow Sand/dust storm?
- Air out room/house
- Wash objects exposed to dust before using them, do this carefully to keep from stirring up the dust."
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/03/113_19940.html
I guess I'll finally have to get a face mask. :)
"Dear Staff.
It’s time to stay alert for the Yellow Dust/Sand Storm. The weather agency issued the year’s first Yellow Dust/sand storm warning yesterday (Mar 2, 2008). The yellow dust/Sand is expected to arrive on the Korea Peninsula periodically from March through April. The dust can cause eye infections, dry skin, and respiratory-and rhinitis-related diseases. The TCIS will implement policies to limit outdoor activities when the dust level at school is less than safe. Here are some safety tips to prevent disease from yellow sand.
What can I do during the Yellow Dust/Sand Storm:
- Avoid outdoor activities, especially for the elderly, young children, and those with lung disease(such as asthma), heart disease or diabetes
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Remove contact lenses and wear glasses
- Brush your teeth and wash your hands, face and eyes with warm water upon returning indoors
- Drink plenty of water to keep your tears flowing well
- Use air filters to keep air clear, and humidifier to increase indoor humidity level
- Wash fruits and vegetables exposed to Yellow Sand before consumption
- Wash hands carefully before handling food
- Wear goggles, masks, and long-sleeved shirts when going out
-Don’t burn candles and don’t smoke indoors
-If you have itchy eyes after outing, don’t rub the eyes. Irrigate it with a sterile normal saline or report to nurse
What can I do after the Yellow Sand/dust storm?
- Air out room/house
- Wash objects exposed to dust before using them, do this carefully to keep from stirring up the dust."
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