FROM THE FILES OF MY EMAIL

In some arenas this would be considered plagiarizing or cheating but since it's my own work it's just repeating.

Honestly I thought that it was good material for a blog and hey why re-invent the wheel, right?


It has now been eight months and some days since I arrived and I'm definitely settled in. This photo is of me on one of the church outings back in the summer.

Korea is wonderful. I'm enjoying the change in atmosphere and environment. I've established a routine so much so that it feels like home!

I could do this for another year or two easy. I like my area, not too overly crowded as it is in Seoul. (I'm an hour out).

I have not done a lot of traveling about the country. Here and there on the bus and train lines. I have also taken a few road trips with members of the church, Bright World English Worship, that I've affiliated myself with. And they are almost like an extension of my home church family. Very kind, loving and supportive.

One thing that I enjoy about the Korean culture is that they are family focused. So we do a lot of things together.

I joined the fitness center just up the street and even there the people in the classes that I take are very friendly and accommodating.

Oh and it's a shoppers paradise. There's so much to buy and the prices are not bad. Some areas are higher because of foreign traffic. But away from those hot spots I have found great deals.

There are of course some down aspects, many related to cultural differences, like scooters riding on the crowded sidewalks, what's that? and then they do not cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze....disgusting. But with the news on swine flu that is changing somewhat.

There are others that I could point out but it all boils down to my being in a foreign country and that's how they do their thing. The important aspect is that I have not allowed it to be a hindrance for me to be able to do my thing.

I'm well respected in my community. People that I do business with and others who have become familiar with my face speak and try to hold conversations with me within the confines of their environment and out.

This community is considered to be small so everyone knows and talks to one another.

Once I dropped by a florist and while waiting for the person to wrap my purchase another person came in with a small child. As it turns out she's the owner. Her English was little, but she indicated to me that I was the talk of the town in that people speak of how I dress. That I match, my different style and colors.

My employer says that a dress shop owner calls me a "stand out".

Duh! I'm one of the few persons of color traipsing around town draped in African fabric, jewelry and head-wraps.

It's a delight though. People are people and most have wonderful personalities.

I even had another florist, who sees me a lot, just out of nowhere hand me a beautiful Jasmine plant. And she said "gift".

She apologized for not being able to speak English and then proceeded to try to tell me how to care for it. I was moved to buy something of course. It was just so sweet.

And as I said to the recipient of this email: Anyway, there are a lot more stories and yes, I will create a Blog. I actually had begun one prior to leaving and just recently logged in only to find it. It was indeed a surprise to me and an inspiration to catch up and continue. So you may see some of this info again! LOL

And here it is.