I've been in cars and vans that have driven around a line of traffic via the shoulder of the road, driven over the orange plastic dividers you see along the highway, and driven the wrong way on a one way alley as a "short cut".
Only some of the restaurants deliver, but all of the McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, and Pizza Hut deliver.
I can watch a British movie dubbed in Japanese with Korean subtitltes.
The elevators will announce your floor then immediately say "going down", which actually means "get your ass out of the way the doors are closing NOW".
You can see women at the mall or on the beach in 4" heels, wearing a micro mini skirt with a turtleneck blouse in 40 degree weather.
The train attendant, taxi driver, garbage man, fast food cook, and the greeter at the Home Plus are all neat, tidy, clean, and every hair is in place; exactly like the businessmen in $400 suits and gold watches.
I've seen aat least 20 different toilet styles, sizes, and controls. And had some serious arguments with a few of them, including my hotel toilet. I won, eventually, and put it in it's place!
The chopsticks are flat, not round. As evidenced by all of my shirts. One pair of jeans. And several restaurant floors.
More to come.....
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Incredible Food, Great Friends
Yes, the food is as good as I remember. Last evening, after I dozed off watching TV, my friend Esther called and asked me out to dinner. She showed me 2 good places to eat, being a Westerner, one specializes in beef and the other chicken stew-like dishes. One is only 2 buildings down from the hotel, the other is across the street and 2 buildings down. We had the beef rib soup, which was very good. She showed me a few other "safe" dishes to try. I had a wonderful time talking and laughing with her.
Today I spent a couple of hours talking with Eun Hee (now Director Seol) and reviewed 3 files typical to 3 different decades. Time very well spent, learning a lot for my job and changes we need to make to improve our services. Then the whole department took me out to lunch at an Italian restaurant in the mall nearby. Actually, according to Esther, they love pizza but it's expensive in Korea, so they are very happy to take guests out for pizza. It was very different from what I'm used to, but not bad. I've noticed the tomato juice and pizza sauce are thinner and bit more "red". Not sure how to explain it, it could be that they are less processed than your typical V-8.
In the afternoon we visited an orphanage here in Seoul which has been open for a very long time. I thought I was just to see the outside, take pictures, wander around it. Instead, Molly Holt came with Esther, Seol Hee, and I to the orphanage where we met with the current director, and the past director. He told stories and talked about the orphanage's history; he'd been director since 1962. The building was completely rebuilt, from the ground up, just a few years ago. I took a few pictures of the outside, then several with Molly and the director. They were old friends, he called her his older sister because she's a month older than he is - 78. I wish I had half his energy now!
We didn't have time to see the old baby hospital, so they dropped me at the hotel asking if I wanted to have dinner with Esther and Seol Hee. They went back to work while I wrote up my notes. I met them downstairs after they got off work and we walked to a very close restaurant. I wish I could remember the name of the chicken dish because it was amazing! It came in a big dish with a variety of side dishes. It was rich, full of potatoes, carrots, and delicious onions; and a lot of chicken. Koreans like their meat, so I'm very happy. It's Seol Hee's favorite dish.
After dinner they took me to a park on the other side of the river where we walked around under the blooming cherry trees. Seol Hee loves my camera and had a blast taking night photos. They are also big on taking photos of each other, which you all know I hate having my picture taken. But they were so much fun that I couldn't help but join it. It was a lovely evening. We headed back to the hotel where they showed me the nearest convenience store and taught me how to ask for a receipt. Taxi's and some stores don't always give it to you automatically.
I was so touched by their concern and friendship. I'm still worried that I'm imposing, I know they all work very hard, but really appreciated their help. Eun Hee wants to take me to the national museum on Sunday with her son, who is now almost 8 (American age) and growing so fast! It'll be nice to hang out with her and her son. Apparently he's learning English in school but doesn't think he speaks it very well.
I found out tonight that Dr. Cho, who was Holt's pediatrician for decades and is now retired and living at Ilsan, wants to take me to see the baby home personally. Dr. Cho is 82, sharp as a tack, has far more energy than I, and remembers nearly every child she ever cared for through Holt. She's amazing, I am honored beyond words for this opportunity. She remembers everything about the work at the baby home. The building is now a children's library, but the photos I'll get and the history she'll relay will be invaluable. If I'm still on my feet after that, I hope to take the night bus tour of Seoul and it's historic bridges.
I have a feeling that taking extra days off after my return home was probably a very smart move!
Today I spent a couple of hours talking with Eun Hee (now Director Seol) and reviewed 3 files typical to 3 different decades. Time very well spent, learning a lot for my job and changes we need to make to improve our services. Then the whole department took me out to lunch at an Italian restaurant in the mall nearby. Actually, according to Esther, they love pizza but it's expensive in Korea, so they are very happy to take guests out for pizza. It was very different from what I'm used to, but not bad. I've noticed the tomato juice and pizza sauce are thinner and bit more "red". Not sure how to explain it, it could be that they are less processed than your typical V-8.
In the afternoon we visited an orphanage here in Seoul which has been open for a very long time. I thought I was just to see the outside, take pictures, wander around it. Instead, Molly Holt came with Esther, Seol Hee, and I to the orphanage where we met with the current director, and the past director. He told stories and talked about the orphanage's history; he'd been director since 1962. The building was completely rebuilt, from the ground up, just a few years ago. I took a few pictures of the outside, then several with Molly and the director. They were old friends, he called her his older sister because she's a month older than he is - 78. I wish I had half his energy now!
We didn't have time to see the old baby hospital, so they dropped me at the hotel asking if I wanted to have dinner with Esther and Seol Hee. They went back to work while I wrote up my notes. I met them downstairs after they got off work and we walked to a very close restaurant. I wish I could remember the name of the chicken dish because it was amazing! It came in a big dish with a variety of side dishes. It was rich, full of potatoes, carrots, and delicious onions; and a lot of chicken. Koreans like their meat, so I'm very happy. It's Seol Hee's favorite dish.
After dinner they took me to a park on the other side of the river where we walked around under the blooming cherry trees. Seol Hee loves my camera and had a blast taking night photos. They are also big on taking photos of each other, which you all know I hate having my picture taken. But they were so much fun that I couldn't help but join it. It was a lovely evening. We headed back to the hotel where they showed me the nearest convenience store and taught me how to ask for a receipt. Taxi's and some stores don't always give it to you automatically.
I was so touched by their concern and friendship. I'm still worried that I'm imposing, I know they all work very hard, but really appreciated their help. Eun Hee wants to take me to the national museum on Sunday with her son, who is now almost 8 (American age) and growing so fast! It'll be nice to hang out with her and her son. Apparently he's learning English in school but doesn't think he speaks it very well.
I found out tonight that Dr. Cho, who was Holt's pediatrician for decades and is now retired and living at Ilsan, wants to take me to see the baby home personally. Dr. Cho is 82, sharp as a tack, has far more energy than I, and remembers nearly every child she ever cared for through Holt. She's amazing, I am honored beyond words for this opportunity. She remembers everything about the work at the baby home. The building is now a children's library, but the photos I'll get and the history she'll relay will be invaluable. If I'm still on my feet after that, I hope to take the night bus tour of Seoul and it's historic bridges.
I have a feeling that taking extra days off after my return home was probably a very smart move!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Recap of my first 48 hours in Korea
So I've already mentioned my flight and hotel room. The huge jacuzzi tub takes forever to fill, but it was lovely. I fell asleep for a few minutes. Then I fell asleep watching TV so finally went to bed and slept for about 9 hours.
On Sunday I did a test walk to the main Holt office. No problems, takes about 20 mins. Then I got lost trying to find the PAS building and walked for over an hour. Found the mall, went to eat at McDonalds but thought better and went to find something else. Found a Korean hot dog place, turns out it was a chain from Denmark, and the "Original French Hotdog" I ordered is a cross between a bun and a hard baguette, skinny weiner, catsup, mayo, iceberg lettuce, and 1 slice of sweet pickle. Bleh.
Walked back to the hotel. Chilled for a bit, then walked to the subway. No problems with the ticket, I was staring at the right sign, it went just fine. Unfortunately when I got off I discovered I'd gone the opposite direction and was at the wrong terminal. Wandered around there for awhile, finally admitted I was overwhelmed and lost, hailed a taxi back to hotel. Got to the hotel but decided I needed food, so I went to the Family Mart 2 blocks away. And got lost again. Ended up walking clear back down to the mall where I had a burger and lemonade, then bought a supply of juice and lugged it back up the hill to the hotel. I walked for about 5 hours yesterday. Slowly. I'm dying.
Walked to Starbucks this morning on the way to the office, and actually got there early. My meetings were cut short by a surprise audit by the govt, so I was done by 2pm today (Monday). I took a cab back to the hotel. I'll either order delivery (KFC) or call Esther, my counterpart, and meet her for dinner. Traveling by myself to Korea isn't as easy as I'd hoped. No matter how open I am to trying new things, I still can't read the signs or the menu. A couple of my friends were just here, and the staff they work with took them out at night. I think I'm too old, the staff I work with assume I need to rest more. LOL It's probably more like me not wanting to impose on them, I know how hard they work and this audit will put them behind. No worries, I'm still having a great experience!
And that was my first 48 hours in Korea! Tours won't come for awhile yet, have to get the work stuff done first. Tomorrow afternoon I go to the old baby hospital site and Sungrowon orphanage with Esther and this adorable little Belgian adoptee who speaks like 4-5 languages and loves cats. Very exciting.
On Sunday I did a test walk to the main Holt office. No problems, takes about 20 mins. Then I got lost trying to find the PAS building and walked for over an hour. Found the mall, went to eat at McDonalds but thought better and went to find something else. Found a Korean hot dog place, turns out it was a chain from Denmark, and the "Original French Hotdog" I ordered is a cross between a bun and a hard baguette, skinny weiner, catsup, mayo, iceberg lettuce, and 1 slice of sweet pickle. Bleh.
Walked back to the hotel. Chilled for a bit, then walked to the subway. No problems with the ticket, I was staring at the right sign, it went just fine. Unfortunately when I got off I discovered I'd gone the opposite direction and was at the wrong terminal. Wandered around there for awhile, finally admitted I was overwhelmed and lost, hailed a taxi back to hotel. Got to the hotel but decided I needed food, so I went to the Family Mart 2 blocks away. And got lost again. Ended up walking clear back down to the mall where I had a burger and lemonade, then bought a supply of juice and lugged it back up the hill to the hotel. I walked for about 5 hours yesterday. Slowly. I'm dying.
Walked to Starbucks this morning on the way to the office, and actually got there early. My meetings were cut short by a surprise audit by the govt, so I was done by 2pm today (Monday). I took a cab back to the hotel. I'll either order delivery (KFC) or call Esther, my counterpart, and meet her for dinner. Traveling by myself to Korea isn't as easy as I'd hoped. No matter how open I am to trying new things, I still can't read the signs or the menu. A couple of my friends were just here, and the staff they work with took them out at night. I think I'm too old, the staff I work with assume I need to rest more. LOL It's probably more like me not wanting to impose on them, I know how hard they work and this audit will put them behind. No worries, I'm still having a great experience!
And that was my first 48 hours in Korea! Tours won't come for awhile yet, have to get the work stuff done first. Tomorrow afternoon I go to the old baby hospital site and Sungrowon orphanage with Esther and this adorable little Belgian adoptee who speaks like 4-5 languages and loves cats. Very exciting.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Yep, some things never change
Arrived in Korea an hour late but safe and sound. As of right now I've been awake for 25 hours. I dozed lightly for about a half hour on the plane. I spen the rest of the flight watchng the movies and trying to read. I was so tired I couldn't even concentrate on reading. I did get to see Saving Mr. Banks, which was a great movie. I cried. It was a Disney movie about Disney. Of coure I cried.
What hasn't changed in 5 years? The lines on the road are still just suggestions. If you want to get there first, just drive on the shoulder or the wide parts of the meridian. But always drive with one hand on the wheel and the other on the horn. I'm not sure why since it seems no one really cares.
It's now 7:30 Seoul time. I've had one fight with the toilet/bidet combo already, I'm a little afraid to try the bathtub with jets. But it's huge and I'm so looking forward to it. Pictures don't seem to be posting well to the blog through the ipad, but I'll be posting several on FB. My new camera will upload them directly with a wi-fi connection. Too cool.
Tomorrow I brave the big city by myself. The Holt office is about a 15 minute walk from the hotel, so I'll plan on 30+ for me. If I don't get lost getting there and back, I may try a subway. Need to find the nearest coffee and cheap food places too. I hear there is a mall on the way to the office. My friend described it as Target on crack. This I HAVE to see!
What hasn't changed in 5 years? The lines on the road are still just suggestions. If you want to get there first, just drive on the shoulder or the wide parts of the meridian. But always drive with one hand on the wheel and the other on the horn. I'm not sure why since it seems no one really cares.
It's now 7:30 Seoul time. I've had one fight with the toilet/bidet combo already, I'm a little afraid to try the bathtub with jets. But it's huge and I'm so looking forward to it. Pictures don't seem to be posting well to the blog through the ipad, but I'll be posting several on FB. My new camera will upload them directly with a wi-fi connection. Too cool.
Tomorrow I brave the big city by myself. The Holt office is about a 15 minute walk from the hotel, so I'll plan on 30+ for me. If I don't get lost getting there and back, I may try a subway. Need to find the nearest coffee and cheap food places too. I hear there is a mall on the way to the office. My friend described it as Target on crack. This I HAVE to see!
Friday, April 4, 2014
I hate San Francisco
Well, I actually like the city a lot. I hate the airport. Well, it's a nice airport, I hate the weather. My flight arrived 5 minutes early to sunny skies and a gorgeous morning. An hour later the fog was so thick I couldn't see the hills. Half an hour after that and the fog is gone but there are these pretty white clouds in a layer over the airport with blue above them. My flight leaves in an hour. I may count how many weather changes there are between now and lift off.
| SFO, before the hour long delay. |
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The 5 Stages of...
Travel.
1. Denial - "I'm not getting my hopes up, the company will cancel the trip. I don't want to be disappointed, so I'm denying it will happen until it happens."
2. Fear - "OMG! They're making me go alone! I can't do this alone! I'm going to miss the flight, I'm going to get stuck in the airport when I can't find the driver, I won't know how to get my money changed and I'm going to starve!"
3. Overwhelmed - "There are so many things to see, I don't know how to choose. There are hundreds of palaces, museums, parks. I can't walk far, I won't be able to take a subway. I don't know how to take a subway. I don't know how to hail a taxi. I don't know what to see first. I'm feeling so overwhelmed."
4. Obsession - "I have a minute by minute itinerary. My iPad is loaded with street maps, subway maps, translation programs, my case list, my question list, hotel address, and most importantly - the nearest Starbuck's locations. I made lists for my co-workers, set my auto-response, listed out exactly what I'm going to wear on each day, wrapped the gifts, made the packing list, and mixed up extra cat food. Anxious you say? Nah."
5. Excitement - "OMG I leave in 34 hours! I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED! I can't wait."
Thus, the 5 stages of travel. Been there yourself?
1. Denial - "I'm not getting my hopes up, the company will cancel the trip. I don't want to be disappointed, so I'm denying it will happen until it happens."
2. Fear - "OMG! They're making me go alone! I can't do this alone! I'm going to miss the flight, I'm going to get stuck in the airport when I can't find the driver, I won't know how to get my money changed and I'm going to starve!"
3. Overwhelmed - "There are so many things to see, I don't know how to choose. There are hundreds of palaces, museums, parks. I can't walk far, I won't be able to take a subway. I don't know how to take a subway. I don't know how to hail a taxi. I don't know what to see first. I'm feeling so overwhelmed."
4. Obsession - "I have a minute by minute itinerary. My iPad is loaded with street maps, subway maps, translation programs, my case list, my question list, hotel address, and most importantly - the nearest Starbuck's locations. I made lists for my co-workers, set my auto-response, listed out exactly what I'm going to wear on each day, wrapped the gifts, made the packing list, and mixed up extra cat food. Anxious you say? Nah."
5. Excitement - "OMG I leave in 34 hours! I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED! I can't wait."
Thus, the 5 stages of travel. Been there yourself?
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Gearing up, headin' out....
2 days, 8 hours, 11 minutes, 34 seconds.....
Yep, I'm leaving for Korea. Alone. For 11 days. Minus travel time; although I do get back to Eugene 3 minutes before I leave Seoul. Does that make it 10 days, 11 days, or 12 days? Does it really matter? NO!
This time I was able to set my own schedule, arrange my itinerary with Holt Korea myself so that everything applies to my position and duties. Last time I was tagging along with the new adoptions folks from the office. I still learned a lot, and had the opportunity to visit a foster family, a home for unwed mothers, and view a well-baby clinic with some awesomely cute babies waiting for families. But this time the trip will be geared towards the adult adoptees and their families I serve.
I also made a point to plan a couple of tours through Holt Korea and on my own, and map out several locations that I want to visit. I was so overwhelmed last time that when left on my own I was nearly paralyzed. Friday I leave with an iPad loaded with subway maps, directions to each tour start location, general maps of Seoul, and an itinerary.
I'm armed with the knowledge that if I get lost in Seoul I can always hail a taxi and have them take me back to my hotel. I know that the locals will humor the short, fat, white American woman butchering their wonderful language, and will point me in the right direction. I'm also armed with a collapsible cane which I fully intend to use to my benefit in airports or malls, as needed.
Lookout world, here I come... in 2 days, 7 hours, 53 minutes, 45 seconds.... not that I'm counting.
Yep, I'm leaving for Korea. Alone. For 11 days. Minus travel time; although I do get back to Eugene 3 minutes before I leave Seoul. Does that make it 10 days, 11 days, or 12 days? Does it really matter? NO!
This time I was able to set my own schedule, arrange my itinerary with Holt Korea myself so that everything applies to my position and duties. Last time I was tagging along with the new adoptions folks from the office. I still learned a lot, and had the opportunity to visit a foster family, a home for unwed mothers, and view a well-baby clinic with some awesomely cute babies waiting for families. But this time the trip will be geared towards the adult adoptees and their families I serve.
I also made a point to plan a couple of tours through Holt Korea and on my own, and map out several locations that I want to visit. I was so overwhelmed last time that when left on my own I was nearly paralyzed. Friday I leave with an iPad loaded with subway maps, directions to each tour start location, general maps of Seoul, and an itinerary.
I'm armed with the knowledge that if I get lost in Seoul I can always hail a taxi and have them take me back to my hotel. I know that the locals will humor the short, fat, white American woman butchering their wonderful language, and will point me in the right direction. I'm also armed with a collapsible cane which I fully intend to use to my benefit in airports or malls, as needed.
Lookout world, here I come... in 2 days, 7 hours, 53 minutes, 45 seconds.... not that I'm counting.
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