CHIT CHAT

Grocery shopping. This is something I have done for decades, something I could probably do with my eyes closed, especially after raising three teenagers. So how could this possibly be of interest to you?

I guess one of the staff at E-MART must have thought my eyes WERE closed. This is not the first time this individual has checked out my purchases and commented on them. This time she became somewhat excited about apples I had in my cart, and when I could not understand what she was saying, she promptly took my cart and headed back to the produce section. She pointed out that if I chose my apples instead of buying the pre-packaged ones I would pay half the price. She then proceeded to hand pick a bag of apples for me and put them into my cart, looking very pleased with herself.

The reason this came to mind today is because I have to go back today, and I wonder if I will meet her approval…….

I hadn’t taken the bus for years and was feeling quite smug about my ability to maneuver the transit and subway system here in Korea. In fact I have become a regular passenger, some drivers even wave as they drive by.

The other day, I was the last passenger on the bus when the driver called me to the front. He said he recognized Al and I and noticed we weren’t using our T cards correctly. These are cards that can be charged through vending machines and be used on buses and subways. What we hadn’t realized was that we have to swipe the cards as we leave the bus so you can be reimbursed according to the distance traveled. We had therefore been paying the full price.

This was a pleasant surprise because this particular driver we called the driver from hell. He liked to go from a full stop to 100 km/hour in 30 seconds! I actually got a bruise on my arm trying to keep in my seat as he went around corners. You can also imagine my dreaded attempts to get on and off the bus with my bags of groceries before he decided I took too long!

I have also become very good at pulling out a notebook and looking intently at my notes when I haven’t got a clue where I am, because within one or two minutes some gentleman will ask if I need assistance. I have long ago given up asking women for directions because they usually suggest I call a cab.

Cab drivers are another breed. I think they take pride in seeing how fast they can get you to your destination. I have learned to hang on and do deep breathing. The other amazing thing with both cab drivers and transit drivers, is they love to take personal calls on their cell phones as they hurtle down the roads at 100 km. At least they don’t try to engage me in any conversation.

Well I must call a cab and do some grocery shopping. Cheers until next time.