In my Korean language class, I have been sitting next to the same girl for weeks. We have now become exploring buddies and we go out 2-3 times a week together. Going out with her makes me feel braver and we share places we want to go. This week we went to a mall, a dermatologist, and a cat cafe.
We first went to the U-Plex Mall in Sinchon which is 13 floors (not counting the 2 basement levels). Sephora was the first store we went into. The worker spoke English with me and helped me hunt down a new foundation. She was so nice and it made me feel more at ease. After our makeup haul, we went upstairs to the cafe. The cafe was called Rendejavous. I got a roll cake and a strawberry latte while my friend got an avocado yogurt drink. I enjoyed mine but was suspicious about the combination of my friends. She assured me it was good.
We then worked our way up the floors until we reached the 11th floor which was called “The Food Alley”. Together it was decided to go to a restaurant called “Little Cuba”. We shared a pasta dish made with shrimp which was spicier than I anticipated.
When we reached the 12th floor there was a beautiful bookstore. Korean book covers are so beautiful. Unfortunately, I am not proficient enough yet to be able to read them. I found a book in English about a fictional Korean family and bought that. We spent 5 hours in that mall and I was glad to finally rest my feet at the end.
On Tuesday Ruo-Ying asked me to accompany her to the dermatologist and I agreed. We decided to take the bus which is something I have not done a lot. When getting on a bus in Korea you must find a seat or hold onto something fast. Bus drivers immediately take off after the doors close. I was holding onto an overhead handle and still flew around a bit. I helped my friend navigate reception at the office and then waited in the lobby while she got her consultation done.
After all that, we decided to end the day by going to a cat cafe near my apartment. I paid $22 US dollars and we got to be there for 2 hours, get a drink, and 2 packets of cat treats.
Midterms are this week and next, so I do not think I will do much but focus on class. However I am excited for the future adventures my friend and I will go on!
Gracie