It’s been a busy week in the Whitten household with E and L starting school (and C starts next week!). But perhaps the most exciting thing this week was that we went on our first big adventure here in Korea. And maybe going to the beach doesn’t seem like a big adventure. But considering that less than two weeks ago I was REALLY struggling with culture shock and basically hating everything… it was a big adventure. And so we hopped in the car and headed over to Daecheon Beach.
Daecheon Beach in Boryeong
We knew we wanted to do something fun this weekend – after all, our time here IS limited and we don’t intend to waste the time we have! So we piled in the car and drove two hours away to Daecheon Beach. This was my first exposure to the mountains that cover MOST of South Korea. Because where we live is relatively flat and up until this point I hadn’t ever ventured farther than 20-30 minutes away from home, I hadn’t gotten to experience them yet. They were lush and green and hadn’t started changing colors for fall yet. I can only imagine how pretty they’ll be in the fall!
We all felt right at home at the beach – thanks to the many beach days we enjoyed while living in Washington. We could almost forget that we are in another country. It’s interesting to me how comforting the beach was. There was no language barrier we had to deal with down by the water. It was just us, the sand, the sun, and the waves. Anyone who has lived in another country can understand the anxiety surrounding language barriers, and it was nice to escape that – even if just for a day.
Something that I’m not used to yet is standing out so much. I grew up in Idaho. So light skin with blonde hair and blue eyes wasn’t exactly uncommon. This is the first time I’ve really been anywhere where I’ve stuck out because of my appearance. And of course, the five kids certainly don’t help me blend in. But that aside, I’m not usually surrounded by people who look like me these days. For the entire three hours we were at the beach, I don’t think I saw anybody who WASN’T Korean. And it’s actually incredibly humbling, if I’m being honest.
Because Koreans take one look at me (and my husband and my kids) and automatically they know that we don’t have a clue what is going on around here. They know we aren’t from here. They know we don’t speak the language. In a way it’s harder than the time I spent in Belgium in high school – because there I blended in well… until I opened my mouth.
Honestly though people have been so kind to us (as far as we can tell). Most people seem genuinely excited to see these little blonde kids walking around. And many people seem excited to practice their English on us. People here are pretty shocked that we have five kids. But, to be fair, people in Washington were shocked too. Even with their shock, I have yet to have a negative interaction with anyone in regards to our five kids.
I think one of the most entertaining things while we were at the beach, was just watching peoples’ reactions to our family. Brandon and the four older kids were playing right by the shore building a “swimming pool” and I was sitting a ways back watching H walk around picking up shells and rocks. Every person who passed by our kids paid attention to them. Some pulled out their phones and took pictures or videos of our family (and they didn’t try to hide it). Others just sort of stood close by and watched them. Others came up and talked to H in Korean and some even followed alongside her as she tried to get away (because she doesn’t particularly care for attention from strangers). Others blatantly counted our children as they walked by. Most people kept their distance, but they watched us. One teenager went completely out of his way to ask me where we were from. And when I answered “America” he got really excited.
All in all, it was an amazing day. It felt good to venture out on our own – with only a little bit of a plan – and have it work out. This was just one of the many awesome things we hope to see and do during our time in South Korea. I’m already developing a love for the culture and a love for the people and I know that the more I learn and experience, the more this country is going to feel like home!
Here’s to more adventures soon!
’til next time…
Ash
