Finally I have arrived in “my” Korea! The middle seat was free and I had a cool conversation with a young engineer that sat in the aisle seat. The flight attendants only got him his meal with a two hour delay – and it still wasn’t the one he had requested. His insight was: No individual wants to make mistakes – so why hold a grudge against the people who do, or even call them on their mistakes. I couldn’t disagree more: The most effective learning is from candid feedback, plus yes, I really do want the measly meal I paid for. This young fellow’s life is not easier by not holding others accountable.
Yippie – I had my first Korean BBQ! Not only that, the owner of that restaurant saw that I left his competitor’s across the alley – where I had been rejected (YES!) because I was by myself and they wouldn’t fire up the table BBQ for just one foreign looking creature. I was richly rewarded by a great conversation with the other owner, who took great care of me and my culinary desires. We discussed North Korea, the ethics of young Koreans, his son in the US and family business issues.
My World Café - insights & experiences from my travels, café visits and daily life. 