The Lady at the Cafe

Due to some resent encounters with the sweetest Korean lady who works at the cafe in my gym, I'm a happier person.

The encounters go as follows:

The first month or so-- both smile and nod.

The first few weeks following the first month or-- more smiles and nods, but with a slight twinkle in both of our eyes. 

This past Saturday-- upon entering the gym, she was standing at the counter.  She then proceeds to walk with me into the gym and starts small talk.  We exchange names--hers is Jong.  We chat for a little longer and then I let her get to work.  When I come out of the locker room to begin my stretching, she asks if I like coffee because she wants to give me one when I am done working out.  I enthusiastically agree and begin my work out.  After many more smiles and nods-- since the cafe is right by the ladies' locker room-- I meander her way to chat and receive the sweet gift she offered me.  Not only had she made me a coffee, but she treated me to a crepe, as well.  See, the sweetest.

Today--I made sure to stop by the cafe before starting my work out, since, you know, we're BFF's and all now.  I was pleased to know she hadn't forgotten about me and had a big smile on her face when I stopped to talk to her.  I decided to buy a crepe after my work out, this way we could chat some more.  She kept thanking me for buying her "very healthy" crepe.  She added a hard boiled egg as today's "present."  If she had only given me the hard boiled egg as a gift, I would have been elated, but instead she added to it.  Right before I left, she explained to me that when she sees me walk by after running, and I smile at her, I give her the "happy virus."  

Happy 11 months in Korea to me.

Stay true, stay real.
H.