And so it begins — rooftop liberty. Last wednesday was a nice break for Seoul citizens as election day rolled around. And with the license for leisure came the perfect afternoon. What was so perfect about it you ask? The tent on the rooftop (yes, a tent you guys), music, friends, and food... namely, hot cheetos in a bowl. 10 out of 10.
Spring used to feel like war to me. The resistance to June's warmth would forge dreadful skies and erratic chills, and I would drag my feet through the slump until summer came around. It recently dawned on me that that was Chicago, and this is Seoul. And springtime in this city has painted a rather radiant sky and a happier Mary Koh.
What filled my cup more than anything that day was the intentionality circulating in our midst. We are often busy, much too preoccupied with work and getting on with the business of our late-twenties. Yet for an afternoon's moment, there was a pause. Time had halted, thoughts were raw, and our taste buds were activated by the sweet indulgence of ice-cream + persimmon, while tunes enhanced the cityscape on Kyungridan. When was the last time you trumped familiarity with an honest question? It's less about meeting new people and more about digging deep (though this afternoon consisted of both). Familiarity kills curiosity. Comfort is nice, but I would much rather opt out of mindless, glorified "quality-time."
All to say this — Get to know ya peeps.
And so, in these spring moments where warmth unfolds, I hope to see novelty in what is already known. No matter how sensational your relationships currently stand, there is more. Back to the basics, if you will — of love, of looking at someone in the straight in the eye, prying, and yes of course, the theme that protrudes yet again and again and again.... delight.
April 13th, 2016, Kyungridan Street
