Log6.6: These are a Few of the Things that I Miss

Much has happened since my last update two weeks ago. The following is the last of a six-part series.

This is Part 6: These are a few of the Things That I Miss

1) Brother:

I called my brother yesterday afternoon (KO Monday afternoon = CA Sunday evening) for the first time since I got to Korea, and wow did I miss him.  I didn't know just how much I did until I began listening to his voice, seeing his face in my mind, and feeling numerous pangs in my stomach, my face become hot, and my vision blur with tears and my voice tremble a bit.  I composed myself of course, and I know he didn't notice, but my powerful visceral reaction to hearing his voice was a surprise even I didn't see coming.  I guess you can say we have a close relationship.

2) Friends:

Here's a public note to a couple of my dear friends (and for everyone not mentioned, it's not personal; I do miss you all sincerely):

I. Dear TJ Lane

I'm sorry I haven't contacted you personally for so long.  I will do so soon, if even only for my own sake.  But remember that Nalgene you got me for my birthday last year?  And you know how much you like to see your gifts being used well?


You can't see it yourself, but believe me when I say that the water bottle and I have become inseparable.  I remember misplacing it once and I was under extreme duress for the next three hours until a friend found it for me.  It has become an absolute requirement, a lifeline, a part of me.  I have it every time I leave my room; to workshops, language classes, anything, everything.  

Thanks.



II. Dear Nick Gerber

i) I don't know if you've read "Log6.2: On Pedagogy" yet but let me tell you that your help was essential to the success of my last lesson, not only for your pedagogical advice but the basic framework which you outlined for me and which launched my lesson plan in big ways.  The kids were engaged, focused, and walked out probably a bit tired but more importantly thinking, and thinking critically about these issues.  Thank you.


ii) I have befriended a Pitzer 2010er who is here with me now and whom I had met at the CORO Fellowship finalists interview day.  Who would have guessed that he would quickly become one of my closest friends with whom I have connected very well, in part because he reminds me of our relationship SO MUCH.  Seeing his mannerisms, the way he speaks, his conversational style, his body posture, his sincerity, his warmth and a big-brother-type aura he exudes are all so incredibly similar that I could easily deny this as mere coincidence; that there is something else in the works, a grand plan, some eerie twilight-zone/parallel-universe thing going.  Remember our freshman year?  That's what it's been feeling like with this guy. 


In any case, this is not to take away from either you or him as human beings or undermine the different relationships we have built and will build, but I just thought I would share with you this interesting peculiarity in my life. 


Miss you, babe.

Josh and Chris, if you're reading this, no I'm not gay.  *sigh* And don't worry, I miss you guys too.

3) Weather

Today I dipped my shirt in a pool of warm water and let it soak there for twenty minutes.  By this, I mean that I played basketball for thirty minutes.


"Dry" is not a concept extant in Korea, apparently (not true, not extant in the summer; it's very dry in the winter).  The humidity level is absurd, and the actual heat from the sun has not helped any.  Thank goodness for air-conditioning, because otherwise none of these electronic devices would be functioning properly (due to moisture; exaggeration, but only slight).


4) Mexican Food

The first time I had a burger in the past six weeks was two days ago.  What makes you think Mexican is something even remotely conceivable by my neck-of-the-woods?

So apparently there are a few good Mexican restaurants in Seoul.  But really the past few weeks have involved at least one person a day saying, "I know I shouldn't say this but...I would die for a [insert taco, burrito, quesadilla, or other stereotypically Mexican food]."  Oh my friends, it has been difficult.  Oh my friends, I do miss these things called chips, nachos, burritos, pinto, black, salsa, guacamole...

Cherish them.  Eat them for me.  


I go to Seoul this weekend.  The first thing I want to have will be these foods.


5) Wine

Wine is not common here in Korea.  It's not consumed, and it's not produced well.  If produced, it is often fake.  If imported, it is imported often from other Asian countries who also fake it.  The alcoholic staples here are soju and bland beer.  

Two nice cabernet-sauvignons are sitting above my bed right now.  I brought them as gifts to give to my 1) school principal and 2) host family.

I have since bought an imported white for cheap, scraped off the import label, and have decided to substitute that for one of the reds which I myself will consume, hopefully on my birthday. 

I want some wine.