Red Lights Optional

Let's talk about taxis.

So far, I have had* good experiences with the cab drivers in Gwangju. For the most part, they are friendly, knowledgeable, and very eager to try and communicate in a mix of Korean and English* to figure out where exactly I want to go.

Don't get me wrong, there have been some less than chatty drivers. Some of them get frustrated that we can't communicate more than we can. In all fairness, I know how to say the name  of the highschool that is nearest to Oni's apartment, and the name of the apartment building that is nearest my apartment. So, it can get confusing.


However, one thing they all have in common is this: they are slightly insane when it comes to driving.

Yes, I realize this is not specific to Gwangju. This is a trait that I believe is inherent in the species cabbicus driverus.

It also may have something to do with the moon, because it gets worse after midnight.

For example, red lights are more of a suggestion than a command during the day. At night? They don't exist.

I've taken to keeping my eyes closed during the better part of a taxi ride.

Especially when it's raining. And the cab smells distinctly... sweet. You know what smell I'm talking about. Don't pretend you don't.

However, the most important thing I've learned is this: Don't panic. Chances are, your cab driver knows where he's going. If he doesn't, cabs abound in Gwangju. You can jump in another one. If all else fails, you can call your boss or Korean friend and have them tell the cab driver where to take you.

Basically, you probably won't die. And if you do, we all gotta go sometime.

Nabi out.

*  mostly


*termed "Konglish". Not even kidding. It's a thing.
 

Of Nicknames

Oni is very unhappy with me.

Don't worry, I haven't intentionally set her shower to drench her in the middle of the night*.

No, she is unhappy because I don't have a Korean nickname for the blog.

"You get to call me Oni, but I always have to say 'le younger sister' when I talk about you. It's annoying! Fix it."

Alrighty then.

Therefore, I set about fulfilling Oni's commands. Later that day, two of my Korean friends heard of my predicament and began helping out.

They suggested many nicknames, but nobody liked them. Then I heard someone say "Nabi".

Curious, I asked what that meant. My friend told me it translated into "butterfly", and I was sold.

See, my nickname in America was "Flutterby". My Dad always told me that I "fluttered by" and didn't pay attention to anything when I was a child.

Perfect.

So, from now on, when Oni posts, I will be referred to as "Nabi".

Just so you know.

 
Speaking of Korean nicknames, we have a very good friend here with whom we hang out a lot. She already had a Korean nickname: Mandu.

That means dumpling.

She chose that herself because, in her own words, she is "short, dense, and round"*.

So, there you have it, friends. The three (expat) Musketeers: Oni, Nabi, and Mandu.


All for one, and one for all.



*though I've been tempted

*false. She is beautiful and shapely. But I'll still call her Mandu because it's cute.