It struck noon when they came into the tailor atelier, the sun blazing behind them. I couldn’t quite make their faces. I saw the silhouettes of two tall, lanky men. They were murmuring something… Something familiar. Intrigued, I tossed my book aside and approached them. They did not notice my advance until I said, “Yo what’s up?!” Shocked they turned, their faces illuminated by the sun’s rays. One with icy blue eyes and short blonde hair, the other with brown eyes and a black mane fit for Tarzan; they weren’t from here, like me.
Part of living as an expat is the instant connection you make with other foreigners and the unique opportunity to meet almost anyone. Although my face was that of a typical Asian, my behaviors, thoughts and beliefs were American. This allowed me to not only connect with the locals with the ear of a native and the eyes of a foreigner, but it also let me interact with fellow travelers and expats when I was travelling in Korea.
The man with the mane introduced himself first; his name was Justin and his friend’s was Gaelan. The two of them are friends travelling from Canada on a last minute vacation. Without a plan and unable to speak the language, Gaelan and Justin were lost. So I immediately took the two out on an adventure and treated them to whatever Korea had to offer, as a fellow traveler.
Instead of dealing with the usual tourist spots, I brought Gaelan and Justin to an infamous playground in Hongdae known for staging rap battles, impromptu rock concerts and gang fights. We arrived at our destination; sweat dripping from our brows, glistening in the sunlight. I hoped to show them the music scene when a man pushing a covered wheelbarrow came by.
As if he knew our wishes he said, “HOHO! YOU LOOK THIRSTY MY FRIENDS!” Like if it was a scene in a play, the man pulled the cover off unveiling crates of makgeolli (Korean rice wine). He handed one to each of us and told us, “Drink drink! The first one on me!” This was the start to a joyous day.
