(Editor's note: Post originally started over two weeks ago, just about the time I began to slack on my blogging. I'm just now cleaning house)
For some reason, I was under the impression that when I left college, I'd drink less.
Then I thought, "Well, maybe once I move away and stop partying with college kids"
Now, I'm thinking, "Well, when you move to a country that was reprimanded by an Irishman for having a drinking problem, what do you expect?"
In my own defense, I'm drinking with a purpose!
How else am I going to make friends around here?
(I'm actually serious about this one. Its the most effective way thus far)
But, its fun. Even if it is a little expensive.
Friday night was cool. There was a comedy show at the Cook. I caved and opened a tab (bad Lupe!) and had a blast. The comedians came from Seoul with the exception of our own fair establishment co-owner Helena. She and her husband run the joint, and she popped her comedy cherry that night. Not bad I must say. It was enough to inspire me to work on my own stuff in preparation for the next show they have. Yep! I'm gonna do standup!
The night went on, and I kept meeting people. I think its one of the most fun part of this whole experience, the getting to know everyone. I had a blast. I left the bar, looked at my phone, balked at the hour (330!!!) and picked up some ramen at the seven eleven around the corner before heading up to my apt.
Saturday flew by quite univentfully. In fact, the day was downright boring. When I finally emerged from my cave, stomach growling like a bear, I was ready for something other than sitting in front of my computer. I get back to the Cook, and order one of their famous burgers.
Now, as an American, I would like to think I know beef. Its just who we are. Not simply just carnivores, but bovinivores. Especially those of us who hail from places that know how to turn cheap cuts into renowned delicacies (red oak, open pit, marinate with beer and other top secret stuff, rub with Santa Maria style seasoning, cut against the grain, serve with slaw, garlic bread and pinquito beans). And I can tell you something about the burgers at the Cook: while good, they aint all beef. I could spot a little jimmy dean in that patty, and it wouldn't surprise me if it was at least half sausage.
But no matter. I was schmoozing and laughing and having a bloody awesome time. I was only on my third or fourth drink of the night when everyone started the usual migration to Corona downtown. At this point I know three things: 1) Lupe=brokeass 2) home= -(spending) 3) Lupe+Booze+Credit=DANGER, but in the end I cave and hop in a cab.
Best. Decision. EVER!
So, my first weekend out I met a few Koreans who were awesome in spite of the lack of language going on. I swear, between the four of them they could write a newspaper article in English, MAYBE two, if you gave them a typewriter and set them down for an eternity. Most of it would be dumb luck. But somehow, they're a fun crowd nonetheless. One of them is straight fearless. Well...it could have just been him drunk...but he seemed to be amazingly good at entering random conversations with foreigners. We sat and drank from their bottle of cheap tequila and my pitchers of soju and drank (lemon drank! They were out of purple).
Best part of the evening was when I met the dude from Argentina/Canada (moved age 13) and the Korean girl who knew of a salsa instructor. She took down my number, and said she'd call me the next day.
So, the night went on, I had a blast, pinch hit for half a round of beer pong (I WAS ON FIRE!!), played pool, schmoozed a little more, left, balked at the time again (430!!) hopped in a cab, and had a bowl of ramen at the 7-11 before heading upstairs and passing out.
The next moring my head felt waayy too big, and I laughed because the trail of clothing leading from my door to my bed looked like my night was infinitely more interesting than it had actually been. I did laundry and...well not much. Around seven, I headed out to meet the Salsa guy at the train station.
It turned out to be...AWESOME!!!
Because in this life its not what you know, but who you know, places where you can meet new, awesome people are priceless. And I've found the Holy Grail thereof: its a language exchange where I have found a totally different group of foreigners AND a bunch of Koreans who want to hang out and teach me Korean!! Oh yea, and the Salsa hookups in Gumi! And now every week we all hang out, chat in various languages, and usually go grab beers afterwards.
So, the moral of the story??
Unless you've got somewhere to be...
DO IIIITTTT!!
