He arrived a little over a week ago. He was in fact my first visitor. He didn’t arrive by airplane or train or even boat. Instead he arrive by… US Mail. His name is Flat Stanley.
Perhaps you have heard of him… if you have children…or grandchildren or even nieces or nephews. Flat Stanley arrived in South Korea courtesy of one of my nephews in Kansas City. His class read a story about Flat Stanley and were then invited to send him to visit friends and relatives in other locations. Perhaps Stanley got more than he bargained for as he was put in an envelope and traveled to South Korea. It took him over two weeks to arrive, but thankfully he arrived in one piece… seemingly happy… and flat… ready for his week in South Korea.
Admittedly Stanley did not arrive for the busiest or most exciting week at the Paju English Village. We are having a bit of a break now preparing for the upcoming surge of new students and programs. But Stanley was welcome to hang around and that he did… spending time with the other English teachers and sometimes just kicking back.
One day Stanley came with me to Seoul, just an easy bus ride away. Stanley enjoyed the bus and when we arrived in Seoul he was amazed at what a busy city it was. Seoul as you may know has over ten million people living there. Stanley and I perused the streets and did a little people watching.
Later I sought out a local establishment called Gusto Taco to grab some lunch. Gusto Taco is a tiny little restaurant in Hongdae, an area of Seoul, and is known for its fabulous tacos and fresh ingredients. They even make their own corn tortillas from scratch and slow cook all of their imported meats. I tried the house specialty – pork tacos, and they did not disappoint! Of course as I don’t eat refined sugar, I had to be sure there was no sugar in anything I was eating. They assured me that everything was made from scratch and what I got was a delicious healthy and satisfying lunch. Flat Stanley didn’t eat any tacos. He said he wasn’t hungry…
The owner of Gusto Taco is an American who is married to a Korean woman. He used to work on Wallstreet and a few years ago he and his wife headed to South Korea. They started Gusto Taco to, as he said, “give them something to do.” It seems they have put great care into the product they have created. They even have a mascot – “Gusto Taco” himself. Stanley got to meet Gusto and while he was friendly enough, I am not sure that he and Stanley really hit it off very well. It was a fun meeting nonetheless.
Just yesterday Stanley had an opportunity to learn to make cinnamon rolls with me and some other English teachers here in Paju. We were being trained in a new cooking lesson for our Korean students. Stanley had a great time with the other teachers and excelled in baking. His cinnamon rolls were tasty and looked lovely!
Well, now our week is complete and Stanley’s visit is coming to an end. I will be sad to see him go. He was a great houseguest, didn’t take up much room or make a lot of noise. He also got along great with the other teachers here at Paju English Village.
When will he leave do you ask? Well his travel plans back to the States are not confirmed just yet. But likely it will look something like a walk up the street to the local post office on Wednesday, returning flat Stanley to his envelope and then sending him on his way for the adventure back to Kansas City in the United States.
It’s been a pleasant visit here with Flat Stanley. As he prepares to leave, it has me wondering… who will visit me next in South Korea?
Gypsy Woman 