Cultural Diversity (and no, I'm not talking about black people)

Obvious statement #412: When moving to another country, one must adjust to new ways of doing things.

Jessica and I have been in Korea for nearly 10 months.  Sometimes it feels like 10 days.  Sometimes it feels like 10 years. 

If you’ve read this blog with any regularity, you’re aware that we have experienced what I feel certain are the customary frustrations of living in a new and foreign place. 

     You don’t speak the same way.

     You don’t eat the same way.

     You don’t socialize the same way.

     You don’t use the bathroom the same way.

In Korea, when you enter a merchant’s store, of any type, you can count on one thing: the shopkeeper WILL hover over you.  I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s the Korean way of being attentive and ready to assist the customer.  It bothered us at first.  But it’s just customer service.

It’s the thought that counts.  I suppose.

But when you look like me...

6’6”.  White.  Red beard.  Of obvious non-Asian ethnicity...

...you can count on two other things happening: First the store clerk will ask you a question in Korean.  It’s probably something along the lines of “what are you looking for?”  But who knows?  Shrug shoulders.  The question (I think) will be asked again, and most likely a third time, as if you just didn’t hear what he/she said.

Second the store clerk will observe what you are looking at.  Last night it was rain boots.  He/she will point to one pair, as if to say “Do you like these?”

     Shake head “no.”

     Just looking. Thanks.

Points to another pair.

     No.

A third.

     No.

Finally you just walk away, content with the fact that your feet will remain water logged for the rest of the rainy season.

                                                                        ...I think it's time to go home.