So, after wanting to do a blog since I arrived in this kimchi-loving country, I finally feel it's the perfect time to do so, as I only have five months left! Also, I figured after two years of Korean drama, and I mean D.R.A.M.A - two jobs, six homes, several boyfriends (no, I'm not easy), a marriage, and a divorce *sigh* - I have a few things to blog about.
Many of you who know me, probably have gathered that I have a penchant for jumping into things with little thought and blind optimism. Many would probably call me stupid; many have. I, on the other hand, prefer to think of myself as an intrepid, free-spirit, who loves life and wants to get the most out of it. Most importantly, I try not to take myself too seriously, and find that I have a child-like tendency to see the funny side of well, pretty much everything!
Although today, I am not seeing the funny side of being back at work with a bunch of disgruntled, middle-aged, Korean men. I have worked in this office for over 20 months and have yet to adjust to chaebol etiquette. My colleagues gave up on me as soon as they realised the office newbie was a mere slip of a lass, who speaks little Korean, and doesn't drink.
You see in Korea, drinking is absolutely imperative if you wish to attain social success, and I often happen upon many a happily-sloshed businessman, staggering aimlessly around Seoul at 4pm in the afternoon. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Brit and as many will know - us Brits drink like fish; the women can easily drink the men under the table. Having said that, I do find it sad that soju - an alcholic drink cheaper than milk, that smells uncannily like paint stripper - is the national beverage of such a fantastic country. Surely there is more to corporate Korea than soju, skinny cigs and STERESSUH!
Anyway, mooooooving on. We just had Chuseok. Now, Chuseok is a lovely Korean harvest-type festival whereby a mass exodus of families leave Seoul, venturing to ancestral homes to perform ancestral worship and partake in huge feasts. At present, I am living with a really nice Korean family, but it is TOUGH being in someone's space - especially when that 'someone' is not family or friends. It kinda goes without saying, that I enjoyed the freedom at the weekend. Although I missed Granny Grills - the old lady housekeeper, who has gold teef and treats me like a mute because my Korean SUCKS! I hope she's back tonight...
Many of you who know me, probably have gathered that I have a penchant for jumping into things with little thought and blind optimism. Many would probably call me stupid; many have. I, on the other hand, prefer to think of myself as an intrepid, free-spirit, who loves life and wants to get the most out of it. Most importantly, I try not to take myself too seriously, and find that I have a child-like tendency to see the funny side of well, pretty much everything!
Although today, I am not seeing the funny side of being back at work with a bunch of disgruntled, middle-aged, Korean men. I have worked in this office for over 20 months and have yet to adjust to chaebol etiquette. My colleagues gave up on me as soon as they realised the office newbie was a mere slip of a lass, who speaks little Korean, and doesn't drink.
You see in Korea, drinking is absolutely imperative if you wish to attain social success, and I often happen upon many a happily-sloshed businessman, staggering aimlessly around Seoul at 4pm in the afternoon. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Brit and as many will know - us Brits drink like fish; the women can easily drink the men under the table. Having said that, I do find it sad that soju - an alcholic drink cheaper than milk, that smells uncannily like paint stripper - is the national beverage of such a fantastic country. Surely there is more to corporate Korea than soju, skinny cigs and STERESSUH!
Anyway, mooooooving on. We just had Chuseok. Now, Chuseok is a lovely Korean harvest-type festival whereby a mass exodus of families leave Seoul, venturing to ancestral homes to perform ancestral worship and partake in huge feasts. At present, I am living with a really nice Korean family, but it is TOUGH being in someone's space - especially when that 'someone' is not family or friends. It kinda goes without saying, that I enjoyed the freedom at the weekend. Although I missed Granny Grills - the old lady housekeeper, who has gold teef and treats me like a mute because my Korean SUCKS! I hope she's back tonight...
ruth, you are a great writer! i'm so glad you started this blog. and no. for crying out loud. you are NOT a russian.
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