Random Musings at 6 a.m.

Jet lag-- It's getting better, but the fact that I'm writing this at 6 in the morning says I'm not totally cured. My first night here, Saturday, I awoke at 1:30 a.m. and was awake for four hours. Did get all my unpacking done during that time but fell into bed exhausted and slept for several hours so missed church my first Sunday here. Next week.

Dependence-- All who know me realize I like to be in control. When one is living in a foreign environment and doesn't speak the language, that's not possible. My friend HaeJung has been wonderful, devoting a lot of her time to making arrangements for me (like being on the phone when the rental agent comes to make a repair), finding out about computer repair and taking me to the HP service center, accompanying me to the language school to make sure I could get there (I think I could have, but she was concerned). I appreciate the help so much and recognize that I need it -- but don't like having to ask or accept. A humbling experience that's probably good for me, but. . . .

Minority Status-- In the four days I've been here I've seen one caucasian couple (British, I think) who were in the hotel elevator with me and a black couple (American military, I suspect) at Namdaemun market. Otherwise everyone has been Asian. (Because the hotel computer was often turned to Japanese, a number of the folk here at the Ramada are probably not Korean -- but I do not yet have the antennae to make that differentiation.) It's a little weird, being "one of a kind." And it makes me appreciate the diversity of the U.S. where "foreign" appearance is more common and doesn't necessarily denote citizenship.

Food-- I like most Korean food (if it's not seafood) but have trouble, despite the pictures, knowing exactly what I'll be getting. And I realize that some of the time I need the ease and comfort of American foods. Should have packed a jar of peanut butter! While I have some cooking facilities, the lack of equipment and condiments limits dramatically what I can prepare -- even if I can figure out where to get the main ingredients. Cooked some broccoli in my one pot last night and seasoned it with leftover salad cream from my lunch purchase. (Scrounging is a major element in putting together a meal!) I'm sure I'll figure out how better to survive in this area as time goes on.