Context and contradictions

Not that different, despite all the differences

I didn’t explicitely plan to come here at this exact time of the year, but I arrived in Seoul just in time for the cherry blossom season.

I haven’t done much (if any) research about it, but it seems like you can spot them everywhere in the city, and not just in specific parks and avenues. Some places are definitely more popular than others, but I found these ones in the street just behind my accomodation, without looking for them.

I didn’t plan to be on the dancefloor of a fashion week party either, but I somehow got there.

Except for having lived in cities where fashion can be a big thing, I’m probably one of the least qualified people to talk about it. But I don’t think you need to be an expert to feel how well dressed people are here. Most of what I’m seeing is a clean mix of streetwear and designer pieces, put toghether in very simple outfits. It all works very well and made me feel underdressed many times in the short time I’ve been here.

I didn’t plan to learn Korean on my own, but I’m doing it.

My summary would be that the language is actually relatively easy to read, moderately difficult to speak and very difficult to write. I genuinely think that anyone would be able to read in a couple of days, but understanding what’s written and actually speaking is what would take most time.

I’m definitely still a beginner, but I’m now able to pick up a few words here and there. I felt very proud when I was able to order a 짜장면 without any help and without anyone asking me to repeat myself, or quickly switching to english.

I haven’t had this feeling of a new language “clicking” in a very long time. I think the last time it happened was when I moved to Germany, and surprised myself with how much leftovers I had from learning the language back in school.

I didn’t plan to order a second old fashioned last weekend, but I did.

I spent the night drinking in a place that tourists and foreigners never really visit, according to the two people who were sitting at the bar next to me.

They both felt really bad about their english level, but we were able to have a great conversation nonetheless, without anyone using a translation app. One of them was shocked that I was from Berlin, and excitedly started telling me about her trip from last year. She stayed in Kreuzberg for a week, and really liked how rough and how clean it was, at the same time. I don’t think I ever described my neighbordhood this way, so I guess it’s just a matter of perspective.

All of that is to say that I really enjoy just observing things around (as opposed to “doing stuff”, or “actively participating in the action”, if that makes sense). Going places and observing what’s around is literally how I’m spending most of my time.

What I’m observing is that we somehow all want the same things, whether we’re talking about seeing cherry blossoms, having a little fun, getting different perspectives or being understood.

And I like this this idea.