"You're never too old to become younger."
-Mae West
Korean people are some of the friendliest people you could ever meet. Right away, a couple (Hwang Ho Nam and Hwang Kyeng Suk) took me under their wing and helped me by providing bottled water, they moved my furniture into my apartment, walked me to the nearest grocery store, helped me put together a shelf, showed me how the trash and recycling works, welcomed me over for dinner, and much much more. Basically, they helped me with all the essentials that normally I would take for granted back home. It is hard to let go of your pride and ask something as elementary as "where do I put my trash?" or "where can I buy bread?" But it is a great growing experience.
These people have become my angels/friends instantly and we continue to become closer everyday. No Nam and Kyeng Suk invite me for an hour hike on a nearby trail every morning except Sundays at 8am. The hike is a vigorous one, but it feels amazing and I value every minute I have to comunicate with this loving couple.
Their kids: Jin Sol, Won Tak, Eun Sol and their kid's friends Heyan Chang and Yong Yeon have also been amazing new people in my life. Often times they come over giggling and curious as to what the foreigner is up to and what she has in her apartment! They love playing cards- which makes them dear to my heart instantly, but their animation and playful competition is contagious! And they love to cheat!
Overall, the people I have met here so far have made me feel right at home. Hwang Ho Nam tells me that "no one should eat alone"- and that is a perfect example of the Korean hospitality. It is their nature to always be there for others.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile,
a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
-Leo Buscaglia
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