The Korean Art of Denying Gifts

Got one of our first wedding gifts tonight from a Korean family that we're friends with; and the whole "exchange" reminded me of this unusually extreme cultural ritual that they have. (It's a long-shot, but if they are ever reading this, then 감사합니다! ~ it will greatly help us dig ourselves out of this month's budget deficit we're in for May, and help us enjoy the trip more, for sure)

In Korea, when one is offered a gift, the recipient must "politely deny" it, in the spirit of being modest and thankful.

However, that modesty and gratitude usually takes the form of a vehement disagreement -- approaching the level of hurling kimchi and heavy objects at one another.

Okay, so I made that part up, but HeeLa did argue with the gift giver for nearly five minutes... of course, eventually accepting it in the end.

And remember, that you do not open a gift in front of the person who gave it to you... it is always done in private! That's to say she called her 20 minutes later once we got home, and continued the modest disagreement.

So... whenever you are offered any kind of a gift by a Korean person, you know how to accept it. First, you do not open it in front of them... but you must do the "denial" song and dance. Then, later (in private), you open the package, and then deny it again later when you get the chance... saying it's too generous, and whatnot. Of course, all the while, thanking them profusely.

Pre-adjusting the old Circadian Rhythm

What better time to make an entry than 4am a couple nights before flying to Korea?

It's all just a part of the preparations we're making before the big trip ~ main reason being to adjust to the time difference before we get there. Never tried this one before, in the two times I've made the trip.

Doesn't help that I got about 6 hours of sleep last night (thanks a lot, sunlight). So the plan tonight is to wear blinders and hopefully not wake up until at least noon or 1pm.

Then tomorrow night, it would be nice to stay up until at least 5am.

The next day, we have to drive to Chicago, starting at 7am.... yes... 4 hours of driving. Then 2 hours of security and waiting to get on the plane. Then... sweet sleep...... hopefully for a full 8 hours.

We shall see whether or not I am finally able to conquer my airplane insomnia!