You were brilliant

Blogging | July 21, 2012

When I first came to Korea, I craved meat pies.

For a while meat pies were all I could think about.

I had heard rumours of an Australian pie shop out one subway stop, down the street, around the corner, over the road, and to the left, but I could never find it.

After a couple of years, the cravings subsided and I only think about meat pies a couple of times a day now.

These days, I mostly just crave kimchi.

Over time I have come to the belief that it’s not really a meal if there is not a little dish of fermented cabbage alongside it.

If it’s not there, I miss it. And then I ask for it.

This is just one of the many ways I have changed in the last three years.

I also feel stronger. More self assured. More self aware.

I stand up for myself.

I communicate.

Working in Korea has taught me that.

Korea has taught me that an ajumma might push you out of the way to get on the subway ahead of you, but then she’ll take your heavy bag and hold it on her lap by way of apologising.

Korea has shown me that some medicines, if taken as recommended, will make you forget your own name.

It has taught me that if a Korean invites you into their home it is their way of saying, “I love you”. (I love you too, Hochul Kim).

It has taught me that if you wear a strappy dress on the subway, you run the risk of being beaten by an elderly man with an umbrella.

Korea has taught me that “there is no gay in Korea”.

It has taught me that ice is slippery, snow gets dirty, and the first flakes of any winter are surprising and magical.

Korea has taught me that I can be something other than a journalist, I can be a teacher too. Maybe even a great teacher.

It has taught me that I still call Australia home.

It has shown me that the best friendships can stay strong and true, even with an ocean dividing them.

It has shown me that worthwhile friendships can overcome language barriers, cultural and age differences, and different religious beliefs.

It has given me the love of my life.

Thank you for all that you have taught me and given me, Korea.

It is with a sad and happy heart that I say goodbye to you.

I will always remember you, I will always miss you, and I fear I may always crave kimchi.

As I predicted, hoped, and dreamed, you were brilliant.

Photo: My first winter in Korea, around the time I saw my first snowflake.