Sea Snails, Sketchy Dancing, and New "Unders"...

Nervous interior, calm exterior. Waking at the crack of dawn to say goodbye to my Taiyuan abode and head to the airport probably didn’t help the nerves. I really didn’t want to say good-bye to my sweet friend, Saloam, at the airport. She’s one of those friends that feels as familiar and comforting as ever no matter the distance or amount of communication.

I had my first taste of Korea in the airport. I sat down to an overpriced bowl of Ramen with kimchi. Gone are the days of eating gourmet for $1.50. My heart still soared. The day I had been dreaming of my whole life was today! After a short plane ride, I would land in Korea!

The contrast of entering Korea versus entering China is stark and almost incomparable. I got off the plane in Incheon to a spotless, pristine, modern airport! There was even a lady walking around with crazy long tongs to sort out the garbage and recycling. No garbage in the recycling, no recycling in the garbage if she had anything to do with it.

I had hit the spot in the trip when I would be the most anxious. I was about to meet my aunt for the first time. Let me explain a bit here. My aunt is not really my aunt. She is my cousin. She is my mom’s cousin, however in Korea she was to be referred to as my aunt. The reason why I was so nervous is because she speaks very little English and I speak rudimentary Korean. For some of you this would be no big deal, but talking is my super power. I am in every way a verbal processor and words are my sword, shield, and full armor. I can’t remember ever being in a more “naked” situation.

I first saw her from a distance and immediately recognized her. She is my mom’s twin. They are the same height and have the exact same face. I cannot believe they are not sisters. Their dads are brothers, but it is hard to believe they did not come out of the same womb. In the middle of her embrace, my heart settled and I kind of knew I would be fine.

I was super touristy as I took pictures of everything driving down the highway. As we approached her house, I immediately fell in love. Not many Koreans that live in Seoul actually live in houses. They live in apartments. My aunt however lives in a tucked-away house in the city. It was divine. I immediately felt at home as I removed my shoes to enter and navigated the narrow staircase to my room. She called me downstairs with the familiar Korean pronunciation of “Noreen,” It kind of sounds like No-ring. Music to my ears. She gave me the place of honor at the bar and served me a traditional Korean meal: A bowl of rice for me surrounded by dishes of marinated beef (bulgogi), cucumber kimchi, cabbage kimchi, and dried anchovies. These were some of my most favorite dishes. I was in food heaven. I took a picture of every meal because I wanted to remember this. I was in Korea geographically and at the same time in my mom’s kitchen mentally. I felt like I should pinch myself.

That night we went for a walk by the river nearby. We were not alone. It seemed as if most of the city were out walking with us. I was in awe as we passed many elderly exercising at the outdoor gym. There were many of these “fitness centers" placed along the path. As we walked under a tunnel, I was completely entertained by a huge mass of women (old and young) dancing in unison to American songs. I asked my younger cousin if the ladies knew what the lyrics to the song meant. She said yes, but I’m thinking they really didn’t get the context of: “I’m in love with the shape of you.” There is nothing quite like watching elderly woman dance in choreographed rhythm to a sketchy song.

I was unaware of where we were going but our destination ended up being a tiny restaurant. It only had four tables and was about as big as a kitchen in an American home. I was surprised when my aunt introduced me to the owner of the restaurant, my uncle, her brother. I didn’t know he existed either. I had no idea how huge this newly found family in Korea was. I was delighted to sit down and be served sea snails. I admit that I was a little disturbed at first, but they turned out to be delicious. I am very aware as a Korean child that I am to eat whatever is placed before me, so I started obeying the voice of my mom in my head immediately. My family would be assured through my actions that my mom raised me properly even though I did not speak the mother tongue.

When I arrived “home” that night, I noticed that my aunt had laid out newly purchased nightgowns, pajamas, and underwear for me. I later asked someone about this, and they said that the older generation feels like they should provide these things for you. I donned my new apparel and quickly fell asleep in anticipation of what tomorrow would hold!