I've said this before but one thing I really love about English learners here is that they tend to be more honest and direct because of their limited vocabulary and unfamiliarity with BS-ing in English. I was reminded of this sentiment earlier this past week when I went to the Starbucks I am convicted that I patronize a bit too often.
One of my favorite things to do is to go to the Starbucks and write letters to people. I seriously make a day out of it. I load up my computer/headphones, notebooks, and multiple colored Sharpies and take the subway 30 minutes to the nearest Starbucks at Jugang station. I am so pathetic I know where every electrical outlet in located. I try to get there early enough to claim my favorite spot next to the windows so I can charge my computer while people watch when my hands start to cramp.
I sometimes feel a little embarrassed that I am always there and that enjoy it so much but I don't care. I may have written this before but I have passed some of the Starbucks baristas on the street a couple of times...
I've run into the same chick three different times around Jugang. She is super cute and wears glasses frames even though they do not have lenses in them. (I find that oddly attractive). Anyway, even though our conversations never waded deeper then, "I'll have a venti caramel machioto. Ju si a oh. "
Anyway the first time I saw her on the street I said hello as we passed. She was receptive of my greeting. And so I felt confident I had a new Korean friend. (Even though I do not know her name).
Another time I recognized this guy that works at my Starbucks. As he approached I gave him the casual head-nod and said, "Anyang ha se yo." He slowly walked passed me terrified as if I threatened to rape a teacup Chiwawa. (And I might have. I mean I was trying to say hello but my pronunciation is horrible!) However, unlike the cutie with fake glasses, I learned that he and I were not friends.
Anyway, this past week a friend of mine and I went into that same Starbucks and a different male employee there asked, "Do you mind if I ask what you do?" We told him that we were teachers and he asked where... His English was really good. Better then most. Koreans like it when you praise their English (even if it is no bueno). But really he spoke confidently and sounded natural. Somewhere in the short conversation he said, "I've seen you before. You come here a lot." That translate into real English as, "You are a pathetic loser that has no friends and comes to Starbucks too often."
I took his honesty as a springboard to a new friendship. So now I have one more Korean friend! (I forgot to ask him his name though...)
In .love.
Jp
