A Good Pair Of Sneakers

 Well, the name of the game in Shinchon is walking, and I’m getting pretty good at it.  In one of the largest cities in the world, having a car is a luxury, not a necessity.  Walking is the dominant mode of transportation, supplemented by taxis, an intricate subway station, and trains.  This is what I am somewhat unaccustomed to, but nothing less than what I expected.  Unfortunately though, I twisted my ankle playing basketball in the States before I departed, something that is starting to bother me a little now.  But not really a problem…

I meet new people everyday, and it is enjoyable seeing new faces and getting to know a person..having a little peak into someone’s life.  Somehow, it is a delicate dance, in presenting the information you want them to know, while retrieving the information meaningful to you, all the while restricting personal information that will only cause harm.  They are after all, strangers, all on personal quests for self-fulfillment.

Many interesting things happened today, and I will start chronologically.  I slept in pretty late, and chatted to my wonderful girfriend online and on the phone for a short while.  Suddenly, I realized that a group of people were going to get foreign registration cards, something that I needed, and I joined them.  This trek soon transformed into a journey, all the while I became more acclimated to the subway station and different lines.  However, we decided to get cell phones first, and again the process became a succession of stops in Seoul to retrieve money, cheap cell phones, and plans to fit them.  I am so happy though that I finally have a phone!! I dont know the number now..but it doesnt matter. . . I have one!

Afterwards, I ate lunch with my French friend, Atif, who I discovered is Muslim.  This lead to an interesting topic on religion and philosophy, an introspective look into the Muslim culture.  Atif is a great guy, someone I would like to learn more about, and perhaps imitate his good natured personality. 

Finally, after searching for a cheap basketball, me and Atif went to the basketball court to play some ball.  We met some Chinese ballers, who were pretty good, and Atif and I were soon involved in a 4 versus 4.  We got our buts kicked, but I was definetely the MVP, every time I made a shot there was a chorus of….”ohhhhh….”  and “ahhhh”  LOL.  It seemed like the whole court, bigger than a gymnasium had their eyes on me and Atif, but I am already used to it and I live under pressure.  I am a true baller.  That was my day..Atif and I went back to the dorms..and I drunk like a liter of OJ..my all time favorite drink.  I probably will go shopping tomorrow to get some more, i cant survive without it.  Everyday is busy, time is short.  Already the dorms have become somewhat clicky, and people are somewhat annoyed and complain a bit.  I really dont mind at all, I find myself getting along well with everyone, and I try to stay focused on things relevant.  My roommate Ben is pretty popular, and everyone makes pit stops to his room, but we get along very well and he always invites me places, but I think he is a heavy drinker and our schedules dont really match.  Maybe in the future we will have some time…but life is running full speed ahead.  Life is becoming redundant, which is good, and I see patterns developing, which is good, but could be bad.  I have to keep in mind that I am here to explore and stay uncomfortable, outside of my box where we learn and grow in wisdom and knowledge.  That is the purpose I have taken this trip.