Image taken from Google Images
As this day draws to a close, I realize how strange it was.
I felt completely out of balance all day.
This is my third winter in Korea and I still can't get used to wearing leggings and layers of clothing. It's necessary though, because temperatures drop to below freezing. You only really feel the cold when you're outside, but everywhere else - including buses and subways are heated. Still - it's the kind of cold that nearly numbs you.
I KNOW this, yet I still opted to wear a fairly thin long-sleeve top under my jacket. When I got to work, I couldn't figure out why I didn't wear my grey waistcoat that I usually wear with this particular top.
My classes were just average, but my first class of the day, 5-1 were almost non-responsive. They're usually pretty active, but today was just ... blah...
It was grey outside and I had a feeling it was going to snow. Apparently it snowed a lot in Seoul, and some students told me it snowed a little bit during lunch, but I didn't see it.
I can't find my gloves that I bought last winter, and I figured that if I was going to buy new gloves I'd buy leather ones.I decided to go to Bucheon after school to do some winter shopping.
So not dressing appropriately was my first little blunder of the day. And then...
- After work I stopped at the ATM and couldn't make up my mind about how much cash I wanted.
- My bus chip that's attached to my phone snapped off, but it's still useable. I passed a booth where a lady sells these little chips and you can load money (credit) on it to use the bus/subway. There was a pretty orange one that I saw for 5,000 Won. I bought it and loaded 5, 000 Won credit. That's 10,000 spent before I even started my shopping. My co-teacher was with me and told me after I bought it that it was a bit expensive. On the bus, I remembered that I have another chip at home (brand new). I really regretted buying the new orange one.
- In Bucheon, I went to the underground shopping mall at the subway station. I knew exactly where I wanted to go to buy what I wanted and needed. First thing - gloves. I didn't get the leather ones I wanted, but I spent 10, 000 Won on a new pair - quite pretty, I thought.
- Next thing: Leggings / Socks. The poor ajuma (Korean lady) dug around for a new unopened package of leggings, but I decided not to take it. So I chose 3 pairs of knee-high socks. At the last minute, I took another pair. As I dug in my bag for money, I saw the bus chip I'd bought. Would this ajuma maybe buy it from me?! Waaahhaahaa! She looked at me as if to say "yeah right!" Well, it was worth a try!
- Next stop - buy a scarf. There were a few pretty colours that I saw, and I couldn't decide which one to buy. I settled for a black. Thankful for the man being so patient with me
- I went upstairs to E-Mart and saw the exact gloves that I wanted. They were 12, 000 Won. I really wanted them, but I'd already bought a pair downstairs. I bought it anyway and figured I'd return the other one.
- When I went downstairs, the man thought I wanted to exchange it for something, but I said now I wanted to return it. I HATE doing that... but... he did!
- Then it's time to go home. There are various queues to stand in to catch a bus to my stop. Which one should I stand in? 31-3? 38? I can't make up my mind. I settle for 38.
- After I arrive at my stop, I decide to try my luck if the lady will take back my bus chip. After all, I already loaded money on it. I speak to her in broken Korean and ask her if she'd take it back from me. She does it with a smile :) Daaaamn... I'm good!
- Time to head home. I haven't eaten yet. Should I buy gim-bap (rice/veggies rolled in seaweed)? I can't decide if I'm hungry or not. I leave it and walk home.
- At home, I notice an un-opened pack of cosmetic powder pads. And I bought a new pack today - forgetting I already had one.
Even while writing this blog, I battled forming sentences. While writing it, my friend Sarah called to ask if I can go shopping with her tomorrow. Here's hoping tomorrow will be a better, balanced day for me. I'm wrapping up today and calling it a night. Love x
