Every experience in life leaves a mark on you, changing you in some way. This could be in the physical sense like the time I tripped down a ridge in Nova Scotia, ending up flat on my back in a puddle of mud with my shin split open (ironically the area I was hiking is called Cape Split) or the emotional sense like when your grade 1 EFL student who never talks in class finally whispers something barely audible and you realize it's, "You beautiful". Even in the short three months I have spent in Korea, I can say there's been a lot of change and growth from this adventure:
1) I eat food I can't identify without questioning it. This has been accomplished through participation in cafeteria lunches. Lunch in the cafeteria started as a way to meet the teachers and show them I was eager to learn about Korean culture despite the close semblance to a Fear Factor episode. Now, it's second nature to pick up a little of everything and give it a go. If you knew me during my childhood, you're shaking your head in disbelief right now...
2) I crave seaweed. When I want something salty, I don't reach for a package of Lays, but a package of Haepyo Seasoned Laver. I eat it in a meal or as a snack at least 4 times a week. I have a feeling I'll be bulk ordering dulse when I get home to Canada.
3) I view hiking as not a pastime, but a sport. I plan on campaigning for it's inclusion in the 2012 Summer Olympics and will put money on the Korean national team for gold without hesitation.
4) I get more food on myself - and others - when eating with a knife and fork than I do with chopsticks. If you've read my post on A Landmark Lunchtime you know this is only a recent moment of change.
4) I enjoy jimjilbangs. Once, the thought of getting naked in front of a large group of other naked women made me exceptionally uncomfortable. Now, I do this willingly. And soak in hot pools with them. And pay for it.
5) I cry when the temperature outside dips below 5 degrees celcius. This may be a change for the worse considering I do plan on returning to Canada at some point. Come to think of it, the "hanging-out-naked-with-other-women" thing might also be questionable....
I can only imagine what changes the next 9 months will bring.
1 Comment
11/20/2007 06:08:16 am
Oh my gosh, you always crack me up! Would you be able to play on that Olympic team?!?! Hiking is like, SO CRAZY!
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Recently Updated...03.25 - Two posts! About Me...Out and about in the world, teaching others and educating myself. Stuff I Like...Traveling. Cuddling a cat. New toothbrushes. Friends. Socks of the Joanne Younes variety. The smell of sun-dried laundry. Baking. Archives
March 2008
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