Thursday, August 3, 2017

The Korean In-Laws in Australia!


So, my Korean in-laws finally stepped-out of Korea.  For the first time in their lives they made it to another country.  And I missed it!

I was actually really gutted.  I had longed planned a big cycle touring trip of Australasia; firstly cycling from Darwin to Melbourne in Australia and then cycling all around New Zealand over a period of about 3 months or so.

Unfortunately, this coincided with their trip to see my wife, which occurred fairly last-minute due to my wife having a short gap between jobs.  Seeing as my wife had some time-off they jumped at the chance to come visit.

I had always looked-forward to observing how my in-laws would react in a Western English-speaking country that was well outside of their comfort zone.  My in-laws are both from Suncheon, a smallish city in Jeollanamdo, quite possibly the most rural province in Korea and quite far from the international hubs of Seoul and Busan.

In Korea, I was the stumbling, bumbling fool, who got around with limited Korean and was ignorant of a wide variety of cultural practices and things going on around me. Now it was their turn.

I wasn't just interested in a bit of schadenfreude, however (although it would have been wonderful), I was actually really curious to see how they'd react to it all.  Fortunately, my wife kept me up to date with what was going on.

As I suspected, my mother in-law appeared to be quite fascinated with everything and open-minded, especially with regard to food.  My father in-law, not so much.

The first thing they did after leaving the airport in Melbourne was go to the nearest Korean restaurant, even before going home to freshen up.  My wife told me that in the week her father was there, he ate pork belly every single day (this is the cut used in samgyeopsal in Korea), and in the whole time he was there ate nothing but Korean food except on two occasions; once eating a warm jam doughnut at Victoria Market, and one time eating fish and chips while on the Great Ocean Road.  Apparently, the fish and chips made him literally sick later on that evening.  He was also quite pleased that he could buy an ample amount of soju to wash down the copious amount of pork belly he was consuming.

Surprisingly, perhaps, they commented that my wife should not come back to Korea, and that they really liked Australia.  Maybe some of this is to do with how successful my wife has been (after a tough 2 years) in Melbourne.  They beamed with pride about how my wife works as a surgery room nurse in the most prestigious public hospital in Melbourne, The Alfred.  One of their few requests for places to visit was the hospital itself, and they made sure all their friends back home knew about this.

Among the things that impressed my father in-law about Australia was the sheer scale of the place and the abundance of open land.  On their trip along the Great Ocean Road, my wife said he gazed in fascination out of the window for most of the journey, even when there was little to see.  To be fair Australia's wide expanses of flat, baron land must be quite a difference to the lifetime of forested mountains he must have been used to, with cities and buildings squeezed into the flat spaces in between (he should cycle through the centre of the country for a real shock).

Of course, the thing that gave him the most joy was the cost of pork belly, which was quite a bit less expensive than Korea.  Apparently, the jam doughnut in Victoria Market was the only distraction from him salivating over the cheap choice cuts of pork belly at the butchers there.

My mother in-law was taken aback by the number of men she saw pushing prams and carrying babies.  She thought this was a great thing, and something she never really saw in Korea.  She was also very happy with how politely she was treated by the young men she came into contact with generally.  She was less impressed with the women, however, who she perceived as being a little more cold, self-entitled, and uptight than she expected.

Another thing that caught her eye was just how individual people were in their sense of style.  Melbourne is perhaps an especially noticeable place for things like this, with St Kilda where I live being a particularly eccentric place.  She was intrigued about how people mostly didn't give a damn about what they were wearing or how they were acting.

My mother in-law stayed on for 2 weeks longer than my father in-law, who had work commitments after one week.  She was able to go on an extra trip over to the Grampians, a range of unique-looking mountains a couple of hours North-West of Melbourne.  Unfortunately for her, this coach trip was also frequented by a large number of Indians, who were apparently smelling strongly of curry and body odour (I promise you these are her and my wife's words, not mine).  Knowing that my wife and my mother in-law are a pair of bloodhounds when it comes to their sense of smell (they have both put me to the sword at times for "Western smell"), and rather intolerant of unwelcome odours, this put a smile on my face while I was cycling through New Zealand.  Apparently they moved seats several times to escape the worst of the stench, but to no avail.  They were also highly critical of the punctuality of a pair of young German girls who were always late, and the last ones to get on the bus at the end of each stop.

Apart from the odd bit of culture shock, like this, however, I was pleasantly surprised about how well they adjusted to such a brave new world.  Amazingly, they encouraged my wife not to even visit them in Korea, but just to wait until they visited her in Australia, or even meet up somewhere else in the world.  My mother in-law, especially, has always wanted to go to Germany, a place where she dreamed of working as a nurse once (perhaps this is where my wife got her ambitions from).

Funnily enough, though, she doesn't have much interest in visiting England, and my hometown in particular.  Curiously, this has a lot to do with my mother, who she feels slightly uncomfortable intruding upon, and is convinced that her daughter is not a good daughter in-law as well.  Despite numerous attempts to allay her fears on this subject, she is convinced that because my wife did not cook for her and clean the house when we were there (and knowing her character generally), my mother must think ill of her for bringing such a rotten daughter in-law into the world.  The truth being to the contrary, that my mother thinks my wife is lovely, and surely wouldn't harbour such thoughts against her mothering skills, and would certainly be delighted to be a host if my mother in-law ever chose to visit.

The only problem for my wife is that her brother misses out.  He, like many thirty-something Koreans, is tied to a job with a scant amount of holiday time, if any at all, so visiting Australia, or indeed almost anywhere overseas except China and Japan is extremely difficult.  I think he really misses his sister.

It seems though, as if both my in-laws have caught the travel bug now, they are keen to visit again and to as many countries as possible.  With this in mind then, I am sure I will get my wish, and see them out of their comfort zone for myself in the near future.

Note:  This is a delayed post, as I forgot about it completely.

63 comments:

  1. What a great experience for them. I kind of like your MIL already.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's good value, definitely, a real character, and very nice. But you certainly wouldn't want to upset her, she has a real mean streak. Fortunately, she hasn't directed it at me yet.

      Delete
  2. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wholesale Sunglasses Shop in UK. Shop Elegance is one of the best wholesale sunglasses shop in UK provides cheap polarized sunglasses at affordable cost.

    Wholesale Sunglasses UK

    Retro Sunglasses

    Oversized Sunglasses

    Steampunk Sunglasses

    Fat Burning Cream

    Poly Gel

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hire trusted and affordable Packers and Movers Rajkot at doorstep delivery with best quality packing for your home shifting, office relocation, car carriers, bike transportation services within Rajkot locality, outside Rajkot city and international movers from Rajkot.


    Packers and Movers Rajkot

    Packers and Movers Vapi

    ReplyDelete
  5. Excellent Post...I must thank you for this informative news....This is my first time go to see at here and i am really pleasant to read
    all at one place. Housekeeping services companies list, professional housekeeping services in Mumbai, Affordable, Best housekeeping services in Mumbai @ housekeeping services in Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  6. GOOD DAY AND WELCOME TO STANDARD ONLINE FINANCE LTD
    Do you need 100% Finance? I can fix your financial needs with a lower back problem of 3% interest rate. Whatever your circumstances, self employed, retired, have a poor credit rating, we could help. flexible repayment, Contact us at: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com

    Apply now for all types of loans and get money urgently!
    * The interest rate is 3%
    * Choose between 1 and 30 years of repayment.
    * Choose between monthly and annual repayment plan.
    * Terms and conditions of the flexibility of loans.

    Regards,
    Mr. Abdul Muqse

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amazing post with lots of informative and useful and amazing content. Well written and done!! Thanks for sharing keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thermal Spray Coating | HVOF Coating | Polyurethane Rollers Manufacturers India
    Silicon Metallizing - Thermal Spray Coating Services, Plasma Coating and HVOF Coating. Get here listings of pu rollers, polyurethane rollers manufacturers, suppliers and exporters in Ahmedabad, India.
    Thermal Spray Coating Services, Plasma Coating, HVOF Coating, Polyurethane rollers manufacturers, suppliers and exporters

    ReplyDelete
  10. indian assignment experts
    The Indian universities are creating wonders not less than the other universities and colleges across the world are doing. The universities are creating education and brain monsters who work in the whole corporate world and the top 10% of those leave India in the situation of brain drain.  The Indian Education system is so irresistible in nature and the curriculum focuses on the overall ability of the student. Being the best professional writing services provider in India, we are known to be the best Indian assignment expert website in Australia as well. We never compromise when it comes to meeting the deadlines and delivery of assignments on time. Our writers make sure that all orders are submitted prior to the deadline so that you can proofread your paper before handing it over to your university or college tutor.

    ReplyDelete
  11. best ielts coaching classes in mohali
    British Career Group, Mohali pioneers in providing best IELTS coaching and test preparation to its clients across India. We have British Council trained staff members who have got over the years of IELTS teaching experience and our students have scored up to 9 bands in Listening, up to 8.5 bands in Speaking, up to 8.0 bands in writing and up to 8.5 bands in reading modules.British Career Group is authorized by the British Council to book the IELTS test dates for our clients and get them the study material for reading and writing sections and CD for the listening section.There are many of our Immigration students who have scored more than 7 bands in all the four bands to qualify for Australia immigration and many clients have got the perfect 16 points for immigration to Canada. We would like to welcome you to take Demo class for IELTS to know more about the quality of our coaching provided to our students.

    ReplyDelete
  12. climate change management assignment
    If you’ve chosen an environmental science course or a course related to energy, environment or climate change, then Assignmnent work help is the right place to help you out in your assignment and homework. So, no matter it’s a research paper which you want to write on climate change or a report, we are here to help you to take responsibility to deliver a quality assignment related to the subject. As everybody know that Global warming is a hot and burning topic these days and thus, a lot of things are happening in the sector, subjectively in terms of Carbon Trading, PAT, trading Environment Certifiactes or be at the Global Climate Change Action plan such as policy revisions or signing agreement under Kyoto Procotcl Extension across the world.

    ReplyDelete
  13. best online assignment services
    Assignment work help boast a dedicated team of professionals capable of crafting essay writings, academic papers, theses, case studies, research papers, theses etc for students. Our trait to make sure that we bestow online assignment help without any mistakes. Our team of quality checking, with its critique pair of eyes, scrutinize every word of an assignment solution. Thereby, trying to keep it as close as possible to the marking rubric format. Gone are those days when you googled who can make assignment. One of them is Turnitin which is used for scanning different assignment related files under our online assignment to help Australia packages! Scroll through websites no more! To acquire a top-notch assignment solution through availing of Australian assignment help from Assignment work help, a number of students have approached us asking us for How can assignment helps anyone or me better my academic performance and grades?.

    ReplyDelete
  14. best ielts institute in mohali phase 7
    The success of our students speaks for itself that we are the best IELTS training Centre in Mohali. Our result and success rate have built up our reputation of the benchmark in the industry. We have a pocket-friendly fees structure but excellent training. As we said our goal is to educate and help students to build their career path and we take pride in building their future. We receive an inquiry from all over Punjab for coaching and the people, who cannot attend physically, go for our online training. Opt for any kind of session but success is guaranteed when you join British Career Group. We are filling out fast, inquire today and take our FREE DEMO class.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Incall/Outcall Escorts Service in Mumbai at very reasonable prices. How much you can spend on a call girls its depends on you what kind of escorts service you want and what you want extra then escorts service through a call girls. When you select a girl for unlimited pleasure then you should know the quality of an independent mumbai escorts girls. Mahi Chopra will provide you high class escorts service within 30 mins. Just visit us or contact us for booking an escorts in mumbai.

    Mumbai Escorts | Call Girls in Mumbai | Mumbai Call Girls | Escorts in Mumbai | Russian Mumbai Escorts | Call Girls Service in Mumbai | Escort Service in Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  16. Awesome post. very good basic information of PPC Agency in Australia Adwords Management. We happy to introduce our selft of We Are Indan Agency who Committed to the Success of Your Small Service Enterprise and Ecommerce Business. With Web Service are Website Design in australia, SEO Service in australia, PPC Service in australia Manage AndIn more know Boost Ad ROI with Indalp. Australia PPC Management Helping For Small Medium Businesses Owners Australia ! You would hire a specialist white label PPC agency. Thanks Visitor Fever Shear Review at https://goo.gl/maps/bMmuDVScvJWRcSYr5

    ReplyDelete
  17. How to convert Litecoin to USD, you can convert lotcoin to usd dollars, it is use to dollars buy any thing. it use to get instant any thing in marketing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Adwords Management AustraliaProfessional Google Adwords Management in Sydney; Get More Customers and Grow Today. Free $100 Adwords Credit for All Accounts. Call Us Now.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Send flowers to Delhi to show your special one that you care about a lot. Flowers are the best choice when it comes to gifting. Gifts N Roses is currently everyone's favourite online Gift portal which provides flower delivery in Delhi. In order to send flowers to Delhi or across Delhi. So, send lilies, roses or mixed flowers to Delhi from Gifts N Roses to convey your feelings to your friends and family members living in the capital city.
    Gift N Roses Flowers

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gateway immigration consultants has emerged as the best and most trusted Immigration consultants in the Immigration Service Industry. We are the best Canada PR immigration consultants, Study abroad Consultants.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Looking for professional and licensed verified Packers and Movers at an affordable cost?
    Your search ends here... Hire the most licensed and verified packers and movers at an affordable cost and save money, compare the quotes with the top 3 competitors and choose the best one!
    100% Licensed & verified Transporters in India

    Packers and Movers India | Licensed Transporters | Hassle-free relocation
    Call now : 8886663106

    Packers and Movers in Hyderabad
    Packers and Movers Bangalore
    Best Packers and Movers in Vizag
    Movers and Packers in Kolkata

    ReplyDelete
  22. Agra girls escorts that well understood that how a gentleman is searching for their non-stop love. Our lady appears amazingly foreign and very hot after taking off her clothes. The woman will give you every thing that you will ask her to do. He will follow the guidance to make you fall in love with them and for more information visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Best Sexologist in Delhi NCR by Dr. P.K. Gupta and Sex Treatment Specialist Doctor and sexologist in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  24. thanks for sharing an brilliant informative posts.
    http://zapatillasrusas.blogspot.com/2014/08/four-years-in-america.html
    Escorts service in paharganj
    Escorts in Mahipalpur

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello! My name is ___johncrew____, I am an engineer and I used to provide technical services for all software related issues. I have expertise in fixing all setting issues in iPhone. I have 5 years of experience in providing the best quality solution who are in the search of better advice on their software problem. So, if you are in the search of blueyonder email settings for iphone, then you can connect to us. I will help you to get it fixed with minimal effort.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hiii everyone my name is saimeridan I am a technical I have been worked in biggest internet service providing service having a 15+ year experience in this field so, your cisco router creating a problems
    because of which you are very upset so don’t worry because we are provide cisco support service and cisco technical support service because we have many exerts who is available for everytime for your help…

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello everyone. I am Watsonand I work as a cryptocurrency financial advisor. There are a lot of customers who inquire about the status of "bitcoin pending transactions." In rare cases, the network may be overloaded, causing transaction verification to take longer than normal. As a result, one is forced to wait.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi all, here every one is sharing these know-how, thus it’s pleasant to read this website, and I used
    to pay a quick visit this weblog all the time.Also visit my site :: 인터넷경마


    JIYANG

    ReplyDelete

  30. 토토사이트
    안전토토사이트



    I think the admin of this site is really working hard for his site, for the reason that here every information is quality based
    information.

    ReplyDelete
  31. 토토사이트
    먹튀검증


    Greate article. Keep writing such kind of info on your page.
    Im really impressed by it.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hello, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing data,
    that's truly good, keep up writing.



    스포츠토토
    배트맨토토

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great information...i got the super information...thank you for posting....
    Sofa Cleaning services in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  34. A few popular types of massages include Swedish massage deep tissue massage sporting massages, Thai massages, as well as numerous others. The kind of massage you select is based on your needs and whether you're looking for ease of pain, relaxation or any other benefits specific to you.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Tension and tightness in muscles can contribute to poor posture. Massage helps release these tensions, allowing the body to return to a more natural and comfortable alignment.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is a wonderful post, I got a lot of benefit from reading this.

    ReplyDelete