South Korea, right to the city we lived in when I was eleven. I’d take my family, and we’d have a day of nostalgia. No time to see everything we would like to see, of course…but a start, at least.
We’d visit the school and Kindergarten first. They will have changed a lot, but as the headmaster is still the same, it won’t be too shocking. Best school I ever went to, so I can’t be disappointed. It would be so much fun to see whether we get recognized…maybe we’d even be allowed to listen in on some classes. Most of all, I’d like to observe assembly again. Could we go on a Friday?
Next, we’d have a look into our flat and marvel at how everything has gotten smaller. See whether we can find any signs of our having lived there – I doubt it. Peel a piece of wallpaper off one more time, and check to see whether the mosquito nets still have gaping holes. Stick our noses into the cupboards to see whether they still smell like moth balls, and enjoy the air-conditioned rooms.
We’d spend some time at the clubhouse, looking out for people we know. My sister and I would probably need to climb some of the walls again, and use all our secret alleys. Maybe, if we’re hot enough already, a swim in the community’s pool would be nice.
Afterwards, we would take a trip to a department store we used to visit often. Eat there, and stroll through the supermarket. Enjoy the fish being prepared in the middle of the aisle. Buy the products we miss. Not get fooled by all the things that look great, like the baguette browned with sugar. Enjoy the noise, the Korean voices babbling and the loudspeakers blaring.
Then, we’d be back outside, take a moment to appreciate the huge ants and humid air. Hope for sudden, warm rain. Drive to the coast to stroll along the cliffs, eating the weird strawberry ice cream sold in balloons. Smell the silk worms being fried. Not try any. Smell the sea, and watch it crashing against the rocks.
On the way back, we’d listen to the loudspeakers chanting. We’d wonder what, exactly, they’re saying. “Enjoy the woods”? “Buy more ice cream”? “Experience the solitude”?
My dad would probably want to visit his office, so that’s where we’d go next. I’m sure we’d all be wide-eyed, driving through the familiar streets. Maybe we’d put on songs we used to listen to at that time. “Mrs. Robinson” makes me think of Korea, as well as “Matilda” or “You Can Get it if You Really Want”.
By now, this being Korea, it would probably be dark. For dinner, I know exactly where I’d want to go – but it’s quite a drive. Ah, well. We’d do it. An Indian restaurant in the neighbouring town – the best I’ve ever been at. We could spend the night at a hotel we used to stay at. Hope the cockroaches won’t be too active at night.
After dinner, we would definitely need to take some time to listen to the harvest flies, before sinking into bed. The hotel is right at the beach, so we’d hear the sea crash as we’re falling asleep.
Next day, we’d go back “home”. We would visit our favourite bakery for breakfast, and buy the Greek Rye and Danish Rye he started baking – after years of being harrassed by all those damn foreigners. We’d buy bottles of plum juice and the disgusting grape juice, plus some cream cheese. With all that, we’d go visit a park we spent lots of time at. There’s a little brook in there, and we would wade in it for a while.
On the way back, we’d walk along the tiny street back to the foreigners’ community. We’d look in on the video store and the arts and crafts place. My sister would need to visit the candy store, of course.
How much time do we have left? I’d like for us to visit the jungle cafe and have greasy fries…or maybe an ice cream cake. Then five more minutes!, we’d visit the first place we lived at, and take the elevator to the 25th level. We lived on the 13th, but of course, the view is even better from way up at the roof.
We’d end our trip by watching the city for a while. See if we can spot some of the places we remember. Listen for the bustle, and get interrupted by families laughing or arguing with each other.
Then, we’d let you whisk us away. Thank you :]
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