I'm in an extended love affair with the people of Korea.
I've experienced unbelievable levels of kindness in this country. Not being in a constant state of depression and vile hatred for another (pseudo) human being has allowed me to really see and experience this home so far away. The Korean people have shown me unbelievable and unceasing generosity and benevolence. It's a beautiful new sort of awakening.
Last year there were glimpses of this deeply needed grace bestowed upon me in many unlikely places; at the bus stop, at an outdoor food vendor, in a simple "annyonghaseyo" on the street. Perhaps it was around me more than I knew, but I was unable to get passed the fog my mind and eyes were in. It's amazing how one thing can change your perception of your entire reality.
I've had so many positive experiences with people in Korea. I've crossed some paths with truly beautiful people. While I was at the bus station, I met a young woman who was studying English at a local university and she saw that I was obviously a foreigner and she gave me a huge smile and asked where I was from. That happens frequently, people will approach me to strike up a conversation to practice their English. She was so sweet and asked me many questions about myself and what I was doing in Korea and what I thought of my experience so far. She apologized for her poor English skills. I told her her English was fantastic and to not get discouraged.
She was waiting for a bus to Seoul and the bus had arrived, but I still had about 30 more minutes before my bus arrived. I had noticed that she had made a stop at the vending machine before she came over to talk to me. As she was getting on her bus she handed me a can of aloe juice. I'm almost positive that wasn't originally meant for me, but she insisted I take it. I felt bad about taking her bus-time drink, but she was adament about giving me a gift as a thank you for talking to her and being patient with her English skills. I thanked her and she turned back from the bus steps, gave me a wave and smile goodbye.
While I was waiting for another bus to some other random location one of the bus drivers had some time between his routes and he decided to chat with me. He asked the standard questions: Where are you from? How long have you been here? What do you do? Do you like Korea? And he bought me some tea and sat with me while I waited for my bus. Then when my bus did finally arrive he talked to the bus driver and both bus drivers put my luggage in the storage area under the bus for me and made sure I got to my correct seat on the bus. Then the man waved goodbye and wished me a safe journey.
I don't think South Korea is the only place where there are kind people willing to help others, but I'm convinced there is a concentration of kind people in this country. I have stories of being elbowed by ajummas, but despite all the crappy things I've seen and experienced here, it still blows me away that there is so much kindness here, too.
I get constant invitations for dinners, lunches and rides to various places. If I need help with anything, I know help is just a phonecall away. It's like everyone (well, not everyone) is a freaking ambassador for the country. It's insane.
I feel blessed to cross paths with so many beautiful people and I'm so lucky to still be here.
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