First, I just want to say that I will do my best to document my adventures in this blog but may leave some grammar behind in the process. It all depends on my mental state at the time of writing. Sorry Ms. Richter and/or any other English teachers of Gabby's past.
Background for Gabby's current adventure:
Right now I am in Seoul for the summer to study Korean literature and language and filmmaking and a short internship at Holt. I am currently safe and sound in a dorm room blissfully basking under the air conditioner (a piece of modern technology that Harvard dorms lack). The weather has been warm-ish and muggy but the monsoon season hasn't begun yet (though the weather forecast predicts the deluge will begin this weekend). Today is officially Day 4 of my Seoul summer, but let's start at the adventures from the beginning:
Day 1 - A Toilet Paper Adventure
The bathrooms in our rooms at Ewha are empty save for a sink and toilet, so my first mission to acclimate to Korean life was to purchase my very own toilet paper. The night I arrived I set out with another Harvard student, neither of us knew where we were going, and scanned store windows for our elusive yet essential rolled up friend. We eventually found a store with four giant, 24-roll packs of toilet paper crammed in a corner with the bread/bakery items. Figuring that 24-rolls would more than suffice, we went to pay and were informed that the toilet paper packs were buy one get one free. So, now armed with 48-rolls of toilet paper, we made our way to the door, where the assistant stopped us to give us complimentary peach tea drinks (which were DELICIOUS). Thus my official first impression of Koreans was: Here, have everything for FREE!! :D
Yay free stuff!
Now that I think about it, we probably got the deal because of how obviously foreign and confused we were (and still are...).
If you think that being white in Korea makes you stand out, try walking around with 48-rolls of toilet paper. You will reach new heights of "person most likely to be stared at on the busy street at night". Also I acquired two new mosquito bites on my neck along with the toilet paper that night, but thankfully drenching myself in bug spray has prevented more of my blood from being stolen.
Another new favorite pastime is reading the random English sentences that cover Korean business signs, advertising posters, and stationary, among other things. Sometimes it makes sense! Other times... not exactly. This gem below is a 2012 planner sure to make dreams come true.
I understand that ts and fs are confusing. But this is just funny:
Until next time!
- Gabbeh
