The dust has settled from the trip to Korea and Singapore. I had intended to put down my impressions at the airport on the way back, but lately, words have been eluding me. It's taking a lot for me not to blame it on my inability to write those crazy MBA essays. But that's a story for another time.
The first surprise was the cost of a taxi ride from Incheon Airport into Seoul. 120000 Korean Won! In the style of Bertie Wooster, I goggled at the taxi meter, and then in the words taught me by the driver, I thanked him and walked into the Shilla Hotel.
The depictions of the far east in the movies have always had people bowing at each other in greeting, but somehow, movies have always seemed unreal to me, or perhaps relics from a distant past. It was a surprise, therefore, that everyone does bow. And the curious thing was that my automatic response to the greeting was to bow in reply. It just seemed a natural thing to do, and every time I caught myself bowing my head, I found myself smiling in surprise.
The visit to Gyeongbokgung was fascinating. I learned a little of Korean history and the Joseon Dynasty. The walls were covered with white paper to reflect natural light. The ceilings had five colours, representing the four directions and the centre. Everything was built with Feng Shui in mind and it all makes sense when you see it like that. The guardians of the palace are the creatures of the chinese zodiac, each having a particular direction and a function. The roads in the palace compound had 3 lanes - one for coming, one for going, and one for the King and the Queen!
Outside the hotel, the airport and the office, I found very few people that could understand English. Getting directions or help in any way, was fun! Ordering food was even better - I decided that I would like to experience the real Korean food, so I walked into this hole-in-the-wall place in one of the bye-lanes and used the universal sign for "I'm hungry" (rubbed my stomach and pointed at my mouth). I'm not really sure yet what I ate, probably pork, but it was nice.
Another time, I went to this place where the seating was on a short wooden platform. Since I can't squat for more than 5 minutes without cramping up, I decided to take the food back to the hotel. Unfortunately, I didn't realise that the menu had pictures of plates that served two. I thoroughly overate!
Oh, and tips.... I'm not sure, but I think I insulted a few waiters by leaving tips.
The Koreans are proud of being Korean, of their language and of their culture. That's a very strong impression I got, and something that I'm a little envious of. Sometimes, I wish....
On my last day in Seoul, I walked up Namsan Hill. The winter colours were red and yellow. I picked up one red leaf and one yellow one for keepsakes.
The maid knocked on the door on the day I was leaving, and handed me a feedback form and pointed to the part where I was to put any 'other' comments. She then proceeded to very animatedly tell me something in Korean. When I looked at her in confusion, she rushed out a brought her colleague with her who then explained to me, in Korean with two English words ('name' and 'maid') and plenty of gestures, that I was to mention the maid's name in the feedback form. I thought it was wonderful that the maid knew with absolute certainty that the feedback would be positive.
And, just so I wouldn't have to goggle again, I took the shuttle from the hotel to the airport (only 13000 Won)!
