Finding the Beach!!!

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day. It was around twelve degrees during the late morning and I put on a sweatshirt and decided to find the beach. During the past few days, I have had no idea where I actually was on a map, and because of the intense language barrier, I haven’t been able to ask anyone for an address or business card.

I was told by some friends that the beach was in the ‘general left’ direction, so I set out with my ipod and walked. After a while I saw it!!! I was on an elevated hill with apartment buildings and down below was my beloved beach. Once I finally arrived, I got this rush of happiness, firstly because ever since I began thinking about Korea, I’ve been dreaming of the beach and secondly, because I have a horrible sense of direction, so finding it was a huge sense of accomplishment for me.

There’s a beautiful costal walk leading up to the beach and there are little work out stations dispersed along it. This reminded me of the costal walk Mel and I did often while in Australia. Many of the Koreans wore the ‘germ masks’ while walking but I began to think that perhaps that’s to act as more or a scarf than a germ protector (because almost every person had one on).

When I arrived at the sand there were children flying kites and running around—it made it feel like summer (although it still was a bit chilly). Opposite the sand are many shops and cafes. I decided to go into a Duncan Donuts because I thought I’d have a better chance of having someone who can speak a bit of English serve me. As I sat down, I discovered there was an internet signal, so I had a lovely Skype conversation with my friend Marci. It was really good to touch base with Kitchener again—even though it’s only been a few days, I feel like I’m learning and experiencing so much that home does feel like a million miles away.

I finished my beach adventure by stopping off at a little street vendor that sold dumplings. I just wanted a little snack so I asked for two… well this meant two orders and so I was given 22 dumplings to eat! Clearly there is still quite a bit of a language barrier but my fridge is now well stocked. (I also found a little cafe called Mutti's... reminded me of mum!)

Later that evening I got together with a friend from work named Amy. She invited me to a small fajita party where I met quite a few really nice people. We have plans to get together later this week as well. I am so thankful that I am meeting such wonderful people—I really feel blessed that I have met friends who go out of their way to help me get adjusted and introduce me to other foreigners. It would be very lonely if I was just on my own.

---- Sunday----

This morning was Sunday, and Amy invited me to attend church with her. The church she attends is a Korean-English church and people were so welcoming. It was a contemporary service and I knew many of the songs.

After service, they have a coffee and muffin get together and I was able to meet the pastor and other people. Everyone was very nice and made efforts to introduce themselves to me. Although there are a lot of Koreans, there were also a large number of foreigners from all over the world. It’s interesting to be in a place that is so multicultural and with so much energy.

Today I bought a subway pass—I’ve been getting more familiar with the Subway and find it very easy to use. Considering the amount of traffic in Korea, the subway is a much better and cheaper option.

Tonight I’m getting together with some girls and we’re going to see the Vagina Monologues. I’ve seen it back in Waterloo, but I’m interested to see the Korean version.

Missing everyone at home!!