For the love of god, get out of my way!!!!
I am going to preface this little rant with the following; I love Korean people, but some of the things they do make me CRAZY.
I think one of the most common phrases I mumble under my breathe here in Korea is "get out of my way!!!!" You know that car that pulls out right in front of you and then puts along at 10 mph below the speed limit? This feeling of irritation is how I feel in Korea except it is not a phenomena that occurs only in the car, but rather all the time. In the store, at the gym, on the subway, in the elevator, at the coffee shop...you name it and I promise you Koreans are in my way. It does not matter if no one else is on the sidewalk, a Korean will find a way to get in your way. Riding my bike makes me a little nuts, in the US when you ring your little bell people move out of your way, but not in Korea. They will remain in you path until you are about to run them over and then they give you a surprised, apoligetic look, even though they have been watching you approach for at least 15 seconds without moving. I am a bit befuddled as to why this is the way it is. I do know they learn it from a young age though, because I have definitely bumped a young child on rollerblades who disregarded my bell and stepped out in front of my bike. At the gym women will stand in a group chatting and completely block the exit, even if one looks up and sees me obviously trying to escape, they remain in my path. To make matters more frustrating I don't speak very much Korean and "get out of my way" (or a more polite equivalent) is not in my reservoir of basic conversation. I think that's one I should look up. Most of the time I can laugh at these moments of aggravation...but I have those days when I have to think back to what I learned in Buddhist meditation in order to restrain from yelling "get out of my way", and instead think to myself, "loving kindness".
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3 comments:
You will be a changed woman when you get home. No one will recognize Ariel with patience.
Miss you very much.
Joyfully following the trials and
tribulations of our lady on the other
side of the world. When you return to the USA you'll be ready to write a book so do continue to stockpile all of these little vignettes. Love your
writing and will continue to follow
your adventures vicariously.
Love and kisses,
Uncle Stu
Outta my way!
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