I have a few spare minutes before I need to get to my client site for one last full day of work here in Seoul. I thought I’d jot down a few of the experiences I’ve had during this brief week-long visit to Korea.

A Trip Outside
I got a very nice glimpse of the Korean landscape outside of Seoul for the first time in seventeen years. We drove a few hours out to Sokcho (on the eastern side of Korea in Gangwondo) and made stops at Sorak Mountain, a gorgeous and breathtaking sight, as well as Nak San Sah, a Buddhist sanctuary right by the ocean. The Nak San Sa area had suffered a massive forest fire a few years ago that burned down most of the old shrines, but it looked as if there was substantial rebuilding going on, including a charming tea house where we had ginger tea. For dinner, we went to a restaurant in Sokcho, which overlooks the Sea of Japan. We had fresh sashimi, octopus, and various Korean dishes. The trip was long and at times a bit tedious, but I definitely cherished the opportunity to view the Korean natural landscape.

A Bad Cab Trip
After endless cigarettes and drinks with my cousin Daniel in the bright district of Myeongdong, I stumbled into a cab that seemed pimped out a bit more than the other ones. The cab driver mumbled something about the rate being higher, but I didn’t expect it to be more than double what I would normally pay. Before long, my intoxicated mind came to and saw that the meter was running up at an incredibly fast pace. Before half a mile was up, the meter read that I owed more than 40,000 won, or about forty bucks! I expressed my surprise to the driver and told him to pull over since I didn’t have more than fifty bucks. I was let off in the middle of the highway with no stores in sight, and worse, with no money at all – the guy had cleaned me out. I kept my calm although a few expletives escaped my mouth every now and then and walked around in search of a bank or convenience store. After about half an hour of random wandering, I luckily came upon a 7-11 and withdrew some cash. I found a proper cab this time – the one that says Gaein, or Private – on top and hopped in for a cheap fifteen dollar ride back to my hotel. Gosh, what a bummer it was, but then again, it was kind of exciting to feel so helpless and lost in an unfamiliar place.

Coffee Here Sucks
I went to the Starbucks near my client site and ordered a tall coffee. I took a taste and noticed it was very bland. It tasted almost like a really weak cafe americano – about half a shot of espresso and a whole lot of water. I asked them why it was so weak, and they said they would remake it for me. I waited around for a fresh brew and tasted it the new one. Same result. I had to get back to work so I told them I’d just take it, but I was seriously disappointed. I came back the next day hoping the coffee had improved, but when I received my cup, the result was the same. I guess they just brew weak coffee here. I complained to someone who lived in Seoul about the coffee and he, in turn, said that New York coffee was unnecessarily strong. I’ve craved strong coffee all week.

Novi
I’m on this trip with my friend Novi, who actually introduced me to this client and also works as their consultant. I’ve been friends with Novi for many years but this is probably the first time we’ve spent so much time together. I guess I’ve been extra mean to him this past week, pointing out his clumsiness and awkwardness every step of the way, but he’s been very pleasant to work with and it’s been fun sharing our insights on our client and Korea in general. Also, people here seem to treat me as Novi’s guide – my “Western guest” – whenever we walk around or order food at restaurants. He’s been here more than me! Anyway, I tried hard to come up with a term for Novi’s behavior whenever he gets cranky, either from discomfort, impatience, or hunger, and the one that’s worked the best has been the “Novi Nag.” Now whenever I hear the rumblings of crankiness from Novi, I let him know that “the Novi Nag is now in effect.” That sometimes curtails the nag, and I think, to a degree, he appreciates the personal branding.

Okay, it’s off to work now – I can see Korean men on rooftops of office buildings smoking their cigarettes.