This picture is of the first friends I met in the downtown part of Jeonju, called Gaeksa. These boys are in high school and were eager to practice as much English as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. I was looking for the English bookstore, and as I stopped a young couple to ask directions, I was suddenly surrounded by people, including these guys. What could I do but take their picture? Each talking at the same time, the questions were flying. When this happens to me, and right after the "do you speak English" part, I usually get "how old are you?" I usually laugh and say "how old are you?" Everyone laughs and quickly get the point. I will say my age if I am asked by someone who is about my age.
I may have told some of you that I am joining a class on Saturday afternoons that is some kind of marshall arts. I say "some kind" because all I know is that it Chinese in origin and involves kicking and punching the air. I noticed that on the third floor of the building next to the school, there is a symbol that represents whatever this class might be. So, a few nights ago, I went up to find several high school boys practicing this "art". The mother of one of the kids spoke some English, so, I had the idea that I was going to be accepted for the class. They stop at 9 PM weeknights, so too late for me to join them. Will let you know how this goes. This class will aid in my weight loss program and let me learn some Korean, perhaps....OR, I will be incapacitated from kicking and punching the air! Either way, it will be fun!
More Information:
Q: What is the banking system like?
A: It is pretty advanced. My first trip to the bank was a "trip". I was 1st in line at the door, but when all the shoving was over, I was 4th to see a teller. I understand that the shoving behavior is common but that was my first and last encounter of that sort.
At the door, the customer takes a number from one of three dispensers. I just prayed that I had taken the right ticket. I hadn't, but was seen anyway. It turned out that the young teller spoke some English, but hadn't been at the bank long. She sweetly confessed "I am so nervous" and I smiled and told her she was doing great! You have to present your Passport for all financial transactions no matter how long you have been in the country, but you can easily open an account. The biggest thing is that Korean society is mostly a cash society for Foreigners like me. You may have an ATM card, but that is all. They will not issue a cash card or debit card. So, I carry cash from money I have taken out of the ATM at the bank. I have seen no other kind of ATM places, as we have in the States.
Someone once told me that if I time my visit shortly after most banks open, I can see a ceremony that happens every day. I was lucky enough once to see such a thing. Basically, a large screen at the front of the bank comes on and all the employees stand while the company theme song is played and pictures of Korea are shown on the screen. Then there is a little bank commercial and everyone starts working again. This same thing happened to me at Lotte Department store, except, I didn't know what to do. I walked in as this very vibrant marching music was playing and all the employees were standing at attention. I walked a few feet and then stopped and looked around for someone to gesture what I should do. I did this a couple of times and finally a young man who was shopping motioned that I could keep moving. I have to say that the music was very stirring and exciting. I can never imagine such a thing at Target!
Thanks again to everyone that is reading. It makes me feel good that you are with me here in spirit. Keep those cards and letters coming!
