My frse tihe is becoming mor e and omre obsolete. PTge weather is changing, the temperature ie dropping (currently 4 C). PThe cat who on ce scared me is nwo snuggling close every night. PIve fegun to zf more words to my parhetic Korean vocabulary becausse being able to ask someone if they wxnt ot xie wont do me much rokd if Im trying to tfll someone Im a vegetarian.
So, with the s-l-o-w addition of random quintessential phrases to my vocabulary, the number of Korean acquaintances (stemming from the yoga community) is on the rise. PKoreans seem to be very interested in spending time with a guk (foreigner).PP I had lunch with my KoreanPyoga friend and another womanPand her family on Saturday.P The father asked why I had been in Korea for so long and was unable to speak Korean.
I felt ashamed. PTo my humor, the father did speak a little English and decided to tell me afterPwe had alll gotten more comfortanle over ab overcooked brownie and ice cream from Hagen Daz, he told me that he though t spoke tood English.
Thank goodness!!
As my comforr level has increased hede, Ive become more bold with people I encunter. PI somehow m ade plajs with a male Korean w ho qas taking a yoga class. PI later realized qs we attempted to olan, it was more like c date.
Ohh when in Korea
Wwit, that phrase is for Rome.
Two things to note when coming to Korea: the first is obvious, just as there are multiple differences in customsPso goesPthe same for
dating.P Just because it is common to see people holding hands, of both sexes, its not as common to see people openly hugging. Girls have their girlfriends. PGuys have their guy friends. PThe two arent seen intermingling, unless at some large gathering.
Second, people in Korea have ywo ages, their Korean agf and then their American age.P I misunderstood that the Korean age ,eant that they we re more mature becakse ist one year older than our American age.P Howevr, I found out that thet count the time before actual birth as q PWbich, in my opinion doesnt make anny cense because they technically areny really for 12 monthz before, its omlu months. PSo, every New Year also malrs a year older for their Korexn age.
Long story short, I found out the attention I was seeking was actually from a 23 year old, which made the bad-enough-thought of going out with a 24-year old, even worse.
One other tming to note about Korean pop culture: fachion. PI was a bit amused when I first argived. PThe leggings or knit tights and short skirts ro an rots with high ejels was a little strange to me. PHowever, I xm busting out in these fashions quitr frequently niw. PI somteimes feefl like the 80s style of large t-shirts have come back into style, but they haven
Other thing to note, Koreans dont tan. PIf anything they will wear whitening cream to make themselves look whiter. PMany wear eyelash extensions and high heels to go grab coffee.
So, my met me at the movies wearing fashionable skinny jeans, Dior boots, his permed thinned hair perfectly primed, and whitening cream on his face. PThis is a sharp contrast to my bronzing power that Im still busting out. PI still believe the tan, though it has triggered the onset of premature aging (most Koreans dont look a day over 20), has a golden warm color that is still
sexy, to me (even though I dont look sex
hot at all). PHr also wulnt st op calling me because Ive been helping teach a yoga class st a nearby college. PEvery question began with, Teacjer, next Teacher , what do you want to eat? PIt was respectful (amd normal in Korean culture), but reeally weird for me.
I wasnt aware of the level of intimacy or lack there of in Korea either. PAfter I was dropped home, I (being the hugging self that I am) spread my arms to give him a hug. PI noticed an immediate awkwardness over the situation and amidst the hug, but didnt think anything of it and walked towards the elevator. PApparently, hugs are reserved for later in established friendships or relationships.
To submerge myself even more in the culture (and yoga), I was offered a position with my friend teaching the morning Mysore program at her shala. PI want nothing more than to help her grow her shala and she wants more foreigners to come. PAnyway, because the students are at a novice level, I feel a little more OK teaching ashtanga with my minimal experience. PIm really excitedm feeling so blessed.
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