It's Raining Again

The weather in Seoul is much like the Pacific-Northwest in the U.S. except Seoul has some sunny days. When it does rain here, it is very misty and light. I do not normally carry an umbrella preferring a hooded jacket. You might think that was a fashion-conscious decision, but the truth is that I can never find my umbrella.

Not carrying an umbrella in the rain simply amazes Koreans. The disbelieving looks on their faces when I tell them I don't have an umbrella are almost as impressive as the looks I get when I tell them I don't need an umbrella.

"I have a hood. See?"

"Okay, you can share my umbrella."

"No, it's ok. I will just wear my hood."

"Oooohh," which is actually Korean for 'I don't think he understood my English' because they then walk close enough to cover me with their umbrella. Once, I was walking alone to the lab when a stranger who spoke no English felt the need to share his umbrella with me. I tried to pantomime, "Thank you, but no". I can tell he thought I did not understand him. Who in their right mind would refuse sharing an umbrella? He repeats his offer gesturing more dramatically that he is willing to share his umbrella. Of course, I gesture more emphatically that I do not need to share an umbrella. I don't think speaking Korean would have helped this situation. Some behavior they just don't get, but playing charades in the rain was kind of fun.

This interpretive dance experience did convince me of one thing. I should get an umbrella. The question is where. When I first visited here, I was struck by the insane number of shops here in Seoul. And they sell everything.

An alleyway near Insadong full of shops and eateries.

If you walk far enough you will find a shop selling what you need. I do not know how these stores stay open, but sure enough I stumbled upon a jacket and umbrella shop near Korean University which is about a fifteen minute walk from my place. There were scads of umbrellas including one with Michael Jackson's 'This is It' emblem. I almost bought that as a gift since he too was a Hoosier, but I just couldn't do it. I found one I liked and asked how much. The lady told me 4,000 won which is roughly four dollars. I then grab another umbrella for Larry and tell her I'll take two. I give her 10,000 won. She bows and closes the door. One is 4,000 but two are 10,000? I really have to work on my negotiating skills.