I figured out why this week has been a bit more draining than expected. During the school year I had S, H, G, and 250 little gremlins to keep me company. Now my days have been reduced to what would be ideal for an introvert: Hello, no thanks, goodbye. Not out of the ordinary for an office by any means. But my little extrovert heart needs those daily power ups. However, I got a power up today from the stern security guard. I came back from a delightful little lunch of blood sausage soup made by a cute older couple at an empty traditional restaurant. “Ah solo.” He commented again.…

I declined lunch (in your face!) and wandered around for ten minutes before I decided to eat at a type of rice bowl fast food place. It turns out the older man running the small store knows English much to my surprise. He said he worked in Saudi Arabia for four years but has since forgotten most of his English since then. Having been run down by cold city folk I jumped on the opportunity to have small talk. I asked him if he had children and we ended up talking for a while. He showed me pictures of his granddaughter and of some arrangements his daughter-in-law makes as a…

And here’s a funny thing about languages that don’t have subjects: H texted me 아비게일 왜이렇게 웃겨요 ..? Which I took to mean “why is it so funny to you?” But actually she meant “why are you so funny?” [lit: Abigail why this way funny-be] The stern-looking security guard and I crossed paths as I was leaving this afternoon. When he’s not smiling he looks like an officer and when he smiles he looks like a grandfather. He waved, approached, and said “I feel bad. You’re alone. Solo.” I replied. “Yes. So sad. :(“ he patted me comfortingly on the shoulder in a way that confirms he is definitely a…

I nervously made my way to the makeshift office to discover a bustling room and my new desk covered in Ethernet cables and electrical cords. But an older man and young woman quickly cleared it off and even wiped it down. I was further appeased when the man offered me coffee. I saw him mix at least 5 for himself throughout the day. The young woman, who speaks surprisingly good English, gave me a space heater too. Having spent winter in a drafty classroom with such poor heating that I usually wear a jacket indoors, this is nice. Luxury, even. I spent the first two hours of this morning studying…