The nearest I've got to Asia this past fortnight is through the copious consumption of
instant noodles; a poor substitute I would readily agree.
We have been buying these pots at various locations and each brings back a memory. Today's lunch will have
kim chi noodles as a base with some added vegetables and fresh ham. They remind me of the brief but very pleasant trip I made to
Seoul a few months ago.
The weather there was brisk as it is now in
Auckland at time of writing.
I found the streets of Seoul to be clean and the city a bustling hub of earnest
Koreans going about their business.
Our local supermarket is also bustling and pinched-faced retirees spend their pension money on the tantalising specials.
"Die Frau" served us again today. She is a checkout operator who stands out from the crowd with her ample proportions overflowing the seat beside the till.
I confess that I have not yet got used to the bovine action of her jaw as she nonchalantly chews a large wad of gum, pausing briefly to to dab her finder into the sponge finger bowl as she counts out the change.
The Germanic appearance is largely due to bottle blond locks that are platted of either side of her parting. A brown centre streak breaks the peroxide monotony.
The visible body piercings and tattoos suggests that, as with icebergs, there is more below the waterline than visible above it. A collection of white plastic and faux silver jewellery dangles from her ears and neck but it is her movements that fascinates the most.
She displays the motive delicacy of a bull elephant in musk, casting produce from the counter into the shopping trolley with reckless abandon.
Not that she is unfriendly, far from it.
After we have completed our payment the parting greeting of "
You's have a great doy" rings in our ears as we head for the car.
