I just had a nice chat with one of the corner’s fruit and vegetable women. In truth, she rambled away and I just smiled, nodded my head, and said ah, a few times. Often this is my reaction when these women try to speak with me. It’s really cute. They think since I can say a few things in Korean that I can understand what the heck they are saying. This time I think she was indicating that I should not be outside with a cast because it’s so cold, or I should cover up my exposed toes. At least, that is what I will interpret. I always feel good when one of these older Koreans make an effort to speak with me. It makes me think of my grandmother and I wish she were still alive.
It makes me feel better; especially, on days I am feeling particularly lonely. I check myself and think, my life could be much worse. These people who work outside all day are not educated, and have no options for changing this. They work from early in the morning to late at night to support them and their families. They sit and wait for someone to buy their produce. And even then then they have to sell a lot of fruits and vegetables to make a profit. It must be so boring. I would go crazy. So if I can bring additional happiness in their lives by chatting with them for a few minutes I will happily do so. In fact, I want to buy Christmas presents for all the produce people on my street but I don’t know what I should get them. I just feel so guilty when I waste money on something when I should be donating my money to those who need it.
Other Koreans have told me that the area I live in is quite sketchy. They say it is dangerous for Koreans but not for foreigners. I can’t see this but I wouldn’t know what Koreans consider dangerous. Everything is slightly blown out of proportion in this country; so, I take what people say with a grain of salt. I find that everyone here is pleasant. True, it’s not one of the cleanest neighborhoods but I enjoy the grittiness. Last year, when in Hwamyeong, I had the opportunity to live in a new and upcoming community. Now I am living like the common Korean folks. I can can’t complain about having two very different living dwelling experiences.
When I used to walk Puppy, I would meet so many Koreans and they would smile while allowing their dogs to be acquainted with my mine. Even though I don’t have Puppy anymore, I still meet the same people and they always say hello. All the produce people know me and bid me good morning and good night. Even the guy at the corner store jokes with me. This is what a community should be: friendly people and friendly neighbors. We shouldn’t get hung up on the little things; otherwise, we will never be happy or satisfied.