7 Days in Korea

안녕하세요 (ahnyung haseyo; wazzup)? A few lingering images from our recent trip…at 4 o’clock in the morning (but hey, it’s 8 p.m. in Seoul).

• Day 1: Boarded the plane with several H1N1-fearing young ladies, fashionably accessorized with pink designer surgical masks. Played translator for an old Breton couple from France; my guy got them directions in Korean, and I translated for them en français. Ended our long travel day with a home-cooked feast (note recurring theme).

• Day 2: More feasting and family time! Discovered my new favorite Korean noodle dish, bibim nengmyun (spicy buckwheat noodles). Mashisoyo (deelish)!

• Day 3: Cousin’s wedding day! Rains caused some delayed jet lag, which we combated with a mid-afternoon catnap and snack of chicken kebabs and gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) from a street vendor in Myeong Dong. Teary but picture-perfect wedding, which featured some levity from a heavily Korean-accented rendition of “Bliidge Ovah Twoubled Wadders”; and a sneak peak of endearing love when the groom diverted piercing stares away from his sobbing bride – and tried to make her laugh – by giving their parents exaggeratedly dramatic chuls (respectful bows).

• Day 4: Day in the ‘burbs. Attended Sunday service at a quaint countryside church, then ventured across Han Kang (Han River) to visit other relatives. Savored the best meal of our trip, a variation of daeji bulgogi (barbecued pork) that we wrapped in lettuce and topped with thinly-sliced sweet onion and kochujang (hot pepper paste). W-O-W.

• Day 5: After a filling breakfast a la Imo (Aunt), explored the artisan district of Insadong with SF buds J&J. Encountered hundreds of old men gathered outside JongMyo (Royal Shrine), some playing Chinese checkers and Reversi; others holding court with lengthy monologues; most of them decked out in smart hats and full suits. Strolled around the Yonsei University district – site of the first Krispy Kreme in Asia and a movie scene location for My Sassy Girl – with an old friend from Chicago who’s teaching English over there.

• Day 6: Got chased by a group of schoolgirls today! Actually, they were in hot pursuit of our actor cousin of recent Korean drama fame, and we just happened to be with him at the time. Surprisingly quite a rush being surrounded by a giggly crowd of star-struck young paparazzis with camera phones. Also strolled through majestic Olympic Park, site of the '88 games.

• Day 7: Our last day in Korea. Awoke to nasally calls of duck-like birds and the crispy scent of frying fish in Gomo’s (Aunt’s) small apartment. As pleasantly expected, she prepared a generous send-off breakfast fit for a platoon of 10 for just the two of us.

While I didn’t get a chance to use my favorite random phrase from Rosetta Stone – goyangi-ka ladio wee-ay issoyo (the cat is on the radio) – I found myself more aware of my surroundings and able to “pick up” more dialogue on this trip, which gave my guy some respite from translating. Next time,..actual conversations with his family? 하자 (haja; Let's Do It)!