'For Gisu's Birthday'

My friend, Amy, told me that funny things will happen when I leave my apartment. And that I can pretty much guarantee it.

I had my first such experience this past Sunday...

I was bored and wanted to try and find some shoes. I am a US size 8.5, and in Korea I am a 255. Most stores only go up to 250, so this presents a challenge.

As I headed out, I decided just to stay around here and not walk all the way downtown. There is a street nearby, on the way to Chosan University, with all kinds of little shops. To get to it, I have to cross the large busy street near Chicken On A Stick man. He wasn't there and I wondered why - he's always there.

Note: People here like to stare at foreigners because we're different looking than they are and they're curious. They also like to practice their English on us. Whenever I notice someone looking at me, I smile and nod, as if to say hello. Sometimes they smile and say 'hello,' sometimes they just keep staring, and sometimes they look away.

While I was waiting to cross the street, I noticed about 5-6 Koreans standing nearby, laughing and talking amongst themselves. Please note that I did not really look at them - I was just watching the walk/don't walk sign so I could safely cross the street.

All of a sudden, one woman from the group about my age came up to me, handed me something, and said, "For Gisu's birthday." She looked back to the group and they laughed a little. "For Gisusi's Birthday," she corrected. I looked down at her hand and then at the thing that she wanted to give to me.



An Easter egg!

Ah! For Jesus's Birthday!

L O L