Solo in Seoul

Well it didn't work they way I thought it was going to.

But really what can you expect? Me, by myself, no phone.

The plan was for me to get up at 0600, walk to the train station to leave by 0730. My train was supposed to arrive at 0900 in Seoul: Yeongdeungpo Station. I was going to meet my Oni Jinju there and spend the day with her.

Well.....

My train didn't arrive until 0923. And she was already gone. But I didn't know that, so I waited, and waited. And waited some more. Then I stopped waiting and started exploring.

I actually happened to be in the same place I'd been with Jinah 2 weeks before, so I felt comfortable. I found some bulk food and school supplies I'd been needing, then went and got lunch. I journaled a bit in my new notebook while waiting for my food. Then found my way back to the station and made it safely back to Sinchang.

It's pretty lame that I went that whole way and didn't get to see my friends, but I can tell you now that it was anything but a waste.

I am so proud of myself: I switched trains and stations without getting lost. I managed to remember (most of the time) to NOT cross my legs. I found everything I needed in E-mart without being able to read any signs. And I enjoyed a day that went very differently than planned.

All of these things are slightly surprising...

Also, I saw and experienced several small but heartening things.

    
 I saw these flowers growing by the said of the road on the property of what looks to be some kind of place that sells plants. They also had chickens and a rooster who was crowing...welcome sounds early in the morning.

Then there were the kind people I met. While most like to look thru me, thereby feeling that they don't have to step out of their comfort zone to talk to me, a few brave ones decided to help me out.

The sales lady in the cosmetics department who helped me find the cheapest toothpaste that apparently fulfills all 3 duties a toothpaste should. (Cleaning, whitening, and good breath??) She spoke no English, but didn't let that stop her from helping me. Also, the toothpaste sparkles. I cannot explain how ecstatic this makes me...!

The cashier at the Noodle Box who listened while I tried to order in Korean, and then used his broken English to confirm my order. It really makes me feel special when people try to talk to me, because I know how awkward it makes most of them feel.

And then there was the little girl, 2 years old maybe? Sitting bored in her cart at E-mart. When I walked by she looked me full in the face and said quietly, "An yeong ha seyo." I think I almost cried. So precious!

And finally, I found these little kid notebooks from Guardian with Air-Craft Carriers on the front. So I bought them, because they remind me of my man in the Navy. They also have quotes about Courage in them. And I've been realizing...courage only exists where there was once fear. So no matter that I was alone in Seoul - it just turned a little more of my fear into confidence and courage.