Intro to How I Learned to Communicate Across Cultures
On one of my solo treks into Chinhae a Korean solider came up to me seemingly from out of the blue, smiling, and offered to take me home.
“Joe, you come home with me?”
“Sure! I am happy to go with you.”
I was delighted to have the opportunity to learn some of the culture from him and eagerly followed him to his small two roomed apartment where I met his wife and three year-old son. I also enjoyed a home cooked meal as his family enjoyed watching me.
I could smell the kimchee before I saw it. Kimchee is a staple in Korea. “This (he pointed to a head of cabbage) four times (he used a knife to quarter the cabbage). This (he pointed to some salt) and this (he pointed to some peppers potent enough to make my eyes water) go here. (He pointed to the center of the cabbage.) This go here (he put the cabbage and spices in a crock pot like container.) We take there (he pointed to a hole in the back yard). We wait... (He held up six fingers and then scratched his head) months! Dog no go there, (he pointed to the hole again) kimchee is good. We take and eat.” Then he smiled widely and licked his lips, doggy style, almost up and over his small pudgy nose. (He motioned to eat the kimchee.)
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