Monday, January 10, 2011

2011: Year of the New Experience - Part 1

I don't know why I even try.  The last time I attempted to ski was in February 2000.  Winterplace, WV.  It was a disaster.  I can manage to get myself on the ski lift.  I can even make my legs work when it's time to exit the lift at the top.  I can zip right down the mountain, staying on my feet.  No problem.

It's the stopping.  I can't do it.

Generally I volunteer some poor soul to help me.  Actually it's more like they stop me.  Well, more to the point, I crash into them.  I know.  I'm THAT guy.  People must hate me.

Back in 2000 I swore to myself I would never go skiing again.  For 11 years I've been OK with that decision.  But I'm living in Korea now.  Everything is brand new.  I'm a new person.  When her boss, Mrs. Kim, invited us to go skiing with her family, Jessica was very excited. She's never skied before.  This was going to be a brand new experience for her, and I was happy to oblige.

After about 2 hours on the icy highway last Saturday, we stop for lunch at a glorified interstate rest stop.  It was something like a mall food court in the middle of nowhere.  Six of us pile out of the car and battle the snowy headwind to get inside.  The first thing I see is a large sign advertising "Grilled Skewer Octopus Balls."

Not a single golden arch in sight....

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