I come up with the idea for most of my blog posts while laying in bed trying to sleep. Something about the lack of responsibility, the lack of focus, frees my mind to wander and make connections. And writing is all about making connections. So here’s some connecting. This is an example of something Read more about Contrast and Connections[…]
#1 I got the biggest nod of approval there’s ever been yesterday. First, you have to understand that Koreans haven’t adjusted to having foreigners in their country yet. Older Korean guys in particular lose their mind if I just say “hello” in Korean or if I show that I can actually use chopsticks. I’ve lived here Read more about Moments in Korea[…]
I didn’t know she was North Korean when I first saw her. I mean, I had never met a North Korean before volunteering with TNKR—which stands for Teach North Korean Refugees—so I didn’t know what to expect. I thought they would look more refugee-ish. People whose hardship urged them to risk their lives by running Read more about North Korean People[…]
I’ve just finished work and I’m walking to the bus stop. A five year old Korean girl glides towards me on a scooter. She wears a Taekwondo uniform. White belt. Her eyes are wide and fixed on me. Her mouth loosely held open. It’s probably the closest she’s ever been to a person that doesn’t Read more about Being The Other[…]
Damn, I miss American culture this time. I missed it last time too, but I didn’t know it. I had no clue what American culture was because I had nothing to compare it to. Then I spent two years living in Korea and, more importantly, three years watching cultures from almost every part of the Read more about Looking In From The Outside.[…]