Seoul, Korea - October 17, 2003
Back in the groove of Seoul. I've just finished six months of my twelve month contract. The weather has begun changing as well, and its definetely becoming more of late Fall weather. It probably won't snow for quite some time yet, (as I've heard it began about a month ago back in Michigan). However, the feeling of encroaching Winter is a feeling unto itself.
My work and my situation are very routine at this point. If I haven't written much about it, its because its so normal and nothing really stands out so much at this point. Korea is still Korea, and while I like and dislike it at times, its all a pretty good place.
If there is much to talk about, its that I've gained an appreciation of kimchee. I don't recall if I've written about it before, but I use to just hate the stuff. But for whatever reason, I really like it now, particularly when I throw it on the galbi grill (galbi = Korean marinated meat). I've also been eating it now and then as a side dish as well. In the past, I never cared much for it because its formented (as opposed to what many Korean's think - its too hot). However, I've changed my mind about it at this time.
As for more interesting things, I've been going out somewhat more recently, and as everyone knows there are alot of G.I.'s around, I've been drinking with a few from time to time. One of them fought in Vietnam and has been around in Korea for a good 15 years. He fought in Vietnam for three years. Its not often you meet one of these guys, but he's been lingering around for awhile. Apparently he went back to the USA for awhile in the Los Angeles area, but for whatever reason ended up back in Asia.
The other was a G.I. Ranger who fought all over the place like in Colombia and everywhere. Also, a pretty cool guy, but definetely saw alot of stuff. I'm quite impressed with what 'our' guys in the U.S. service, they've seen alot more than they should have it seems. Quite impressive. Of course, they told me some cool stuff, but for the most part, I think they can't say everything they know by any means. But definetely an interesting life. I can't help but think of all those guys in Iraq and what'll be all those guys lives in the years to come.
I think alot of people forget about these guys, particularly here in Korea. They are the ones dying while the guys in Washington DC make all kinds of crazy decisions and then the rest of the world takes it out on those guys as well as all Americans. Not an easy life.
Actually, I meet all kinds of interesting people all of the time in South Korea.. but for the most part, I write about very very few of them.
Next Journal Entry in Korea:
November 25, 2003
You can email me at:
Wintermoon2@yahoo.com