Seoul Hero

One of the unfortunate aspects of Chae Young’s recovery hospital is that they intentionally keep the ondol-heating on, even though it’s practically summer, in the belief that extra heat will somehow aid the recovery process for new mothers. With no fans, no air conditioners, and no open windows, that little room that Chae Young tries to sleep in at night is too hot for me to function. I tried my best, but ended up going home. So, I sleep at home, now, and Chae Young sleeps at the recovery hospital. I miss her, but we are together in the daytime, everyday.

Today, while I was transporting some things of ours in a suitcase back to our “oppistel,” I let my handphone slip out of my pocket without realizing it. I gave the driver a six hundred Won tip, and got out. Minutes later, I realized my phone was missing. After many attempts to contact whoever might be near my phone, I got through to an ajosshi, who was none too pleased at having my phone. He was speaking too quickly for me to understand, so I had Chae Young phone him. She phoned back, and said that he is demanding 20,000 Won to bring me the phone, which he would apparently do after about an hour. She also said he doesn’t sound like a good person, an impression I got from the phone call, too.

For his efforts (time & transportation), I think he is certainly entitled to 20,000 Won, and I will offer him 35,000 (which, if he is a good person, he will likely refuse, unless he had to make a big effort to come a long distance–not too likely in Seoul). Still, it’s an added expense that I don’t need at this time. The main things is that he brings the phone, and that he doesn’t run up an expensive bill. That hour is almost up now, and I’m extremely anxious, as I rely on that handphone to keep in touch with Chae Young throughout the duration of her stay.