Busan - The Smell of the Big City

Stop! Shopping-Time 🏬

Today, rain is forecasted. In a city like this, I could definitely do a lot. I decide to explore the malls before I have to work again in the evening.

I go to the bus, this time I took my Lucky Charm from the commuter card compartment. I am eager to learn and capable of learning. Ha ha! Think again! The card is once again blocked. How is it possible to develop an NFC card that is blocked by a simple plastic layer? 😫
While waiting for the bus, I come across another thing that Germany could learn from. The bus stops here are built like ours, but they also have an entrance at the back. So simple and yet obvious.

In general, it's clear and informative; not only does Google Maps cover aboveground locations, but it also includes underground ones.

I enter the high-end mall; as usual, the perfume shop is the first thing in the entrance area. Why is that the same everywhere? While wandering around the mall, I notice how my system starts to shut down and lock up. I feel uncomfortable, there is a lot for me to process, and my thigh starts to twitch again. It's a familiar warning sign from my body. The warning sign indicating that my system is overloaded.

Yummy, yummy, got something in my tummy 🍞

I go to the food court and get something to eat. Standing in front of the bakery, I'm unsure how to proceed here. I let an older lady go first. Monkey see, monkey do. 🐒
I get two pastries that look somewhat strange. But that's exactly why I'm here. 😁

Across from Starbucks, I get a Malcha Latte, which turns out to be Matcha Latte. Thanks to someone, I don't have to miss out on Matcha here. Even though the concentration of Matcha in this country has almost dropped to zero.

I sit down at Starbucks and try the black pastry. It's something sweet with an even sweeter pudding filling. It's as sweet as it is, it could only be a 'Native American'.
So, the onion thing. Shit, that's sweet too. Pudding pastry with onions. The combination is not bad. But not good either.

The Korean in and of itself

After a few minutes, a Starbucks employee approaches me. I suspect that I'm not allowed to eat here, so I start packing up. Nope, that's not it. I'm not allowed to use the takeaway cup here. Would she like to transfer it? Oh, yes, please. The friendliest vibes I've had since I've been here, and it's in Starbucks.

I look at the passing people. Basically, it's just like in our upscale malls. I imagine their heads without the Asian appearance and masks. It could be any mall in Germany. Brand logos on clothes, hurried pace, the average BMI is closer to the West than Japan.
I let the scene sink in. Or at least I try. But somehow, nothing resonates with me here. I'm looking for that slightly magical flicker of people in Japan, but I can't find it here. It dawns on me as I look into individual faces. There's something subliminal, and those are the best words I can find for this impression.
I still don't know what it is. Is it the mall? Is it the metropolis? Or is it the country?

The Smell of the Big City 🤢

Out of the mall, the smell of urine, rain. I guess that's why department stores have perfume in the entrance area. I don't have a home base scent. In such an environment, I have an even stronger desire for it.

Even on the bus, that smell again. Now I'm looking forward to work. At least there, I come into contact with some friendly English-speaking people and don't have to process any new impressions. My system will be happy.

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon

Those are my thoughts as I look up from my phone while sitting on the bus and look outside as the landscape passes by. I could make plans or make a little detour to GS 25 to find some familiarity in the language. As I enter the store, the friendly saleswoman from last night, with whom I practiced saying goodbye, greets me with a smile. Our encounter is brief but joyful. She says goodbye with the same wave and happy expression on her face as yesterday. I say goodbye to her just as happily. Until next time. 😃👋