Helen

A couple months ago Helen started working at Swaton as the kindergarten helper. She wrote me a letter asking for my e-mail address because she was interested in improving her English. The day after I gave her a slip of paper with my gmail account, I had donuts waiting at my desk with a note that said, "Thank you for being my friend"...and so the gift giving began. I know it's normal in Korean culture to give gifts, and I try to always exchange the courtesy, but at times it makes me feel like a jerk when she's consistent (my favorite gift so far has been a Soju pen), and I start slacking by snagging an ice cream bar or coffee on my way to work.

Helen e-mails me frequently, and a few weeks ago I had dinner with her and her sister at their apartment. It was my first time actually being in a Korean home. They were so cute and gracious, and between Helen, her sister, the English translator, hand motions, and lots of giggles we were able to communicate.

Helen's Sister: "Do you like bear?"
Me: "A bear? The animal?"
Helen: "Yes, B-E-A-R"
Helen's Sister: "Hite-uh, Cass-uh..."
Me: "Oh beer! Yes, I like beer.
Helen & Sister: "Yes, yes! Beer Beer!"

They started stuffing me with food the second I walked in the door. First we had rice cakes and strawberries, then pizza, then Chinese food (I bravely ate noodles with squid, clams and whole crabs), and then we topped off the dinner with walnuts. I love that we ate dessert first, but the highlight of the night was when the mom brought Helen's 5 year old son into the living room to pee in a cylinder container. I tried to act nonchalant like everyone else during this occurrence, maintaining a "whatever, I see 5 year old boys peeing into cylinders on a daily basis, psssh" attitude. Oh, Korea, you continually amuse me.

I hung out with Helen again on Tuesday, and this time we hiked "my mountain." She took me to an area that I had never been to before. This time conversation was a bit lacking and a tad awkward since her sister wasn't there, but it was still a good time. However, I can't shake the feeling that Helen is unhappy and searching to fill a void in her life. I wish I could talk to her about it, but our communication is very basic. I guess all I can do, is just continue to be her friend...and throw in the occasional ice cream bar along the way.


Down down down into the pines.
Picnic area. Helen says every second Saturday a concert is held here. Rad.
Coolest thing. This is a library...on the side of a mountain. Awesome.


Dorky
Old swimming hole


I invested in a new and improved camera: a Canon G9. Let's hope Korea doesn't eat this one and I'll be careful not to drop it in something vile and disgusting. Three's a charm.