Soon I'll be reading the signs

The real test began late last evening. Disguising myself as worldly was easy enough (I drink coffee and possess a better-than-average vocabulary), impersonating a teacher took some effort (only within myself; instilling confidence and learning to write ledgibly on a blackboard), but learning to speak Korean- well, that's the key to truly advancing beyond the run-of-the-mill expatriate. I'd already been told countless times how impressive a feat it is to be enrolled in Korean classes my first week here. It appears most foreigners live in Korea for years without a thought of actively pursuing a grasp of the language; I was working like a pre-med student before I even left to learn hello (annyong haseyo) and thank you (kamsa hamnida). After ten hours in my school, I hailed one of the many waiting taxis that line the street. A ten minute ride to the YMCA cost me $2.50 (God, I love Korean). I found a well-built man (mid-thirties), my teacher, and two Asian women whom, from their pouty, almost African-American lips, I reasoned were from Tailand. Sure enough, they were married to Korean men and are taking the class to add communication to the sex; might just ruin the marraige, but it's a noble thought. Immediately I knew I was at a disadvantage. They may not be fluent, but they were carrying on small-talk that was as intelligible to me as Ashley Simpson. The teacher is energetic and seems thoroughly impressed with my pronounciation. I can already tell my minor understanding of Spanish is helping me, if for no other reason, than the lingual excercises I've forced my toungue to perform in the past. The lesson was swift, passionate and a mere two hours later, I have a novice's grasp of the Hongul (consonants and vowels). More than anything, I left knowing my pronounciation was better than the two Tai women's and I had recieved far more choys (good job) from the teacher than they. I have homework- just another dish to add to my already over-flowing tray. I feel like any idle moments I enjoyed during college have been added up and I am working off that free-time now. But (to keep with my usual tone and end on a positive), you're only a twenty-three year old American in Korea once, and I'm sure I'll find time to bask in the glorious sunsets that hover over the finely-tilled cornfields again when I'm home.