What They Say

The rainy season has officially come to an end. What follows is a massive heat offensive that will bother the whole country for several weeks. At least that's what they say. It's funny when you think about the things you overhear sometimes. I'm not talking about paying extra attention, but things you catch inevitably, waiting for the bus or the subway, peacefully sipping coffee. 

The other day I was getting a quick dinner at the convenience store down the street, a Big Bulgogi Burger that came with a soda drink for 2800 Won. It was quite late and only one other plastic table was occupied outside the store. A group of three homeless guys, which by the way there's plenty of at Seoul Station, was having a late night drink. All three were drunk and they were talking about the weather.

I think, when you overhear something, you instantly begin a grilling process to determine the credibility of the being said. Considering the given circumstances, the place and the time, and a number of other factors, you will probably take a look at the speaker and make a judgement, weighing all the information that his or her appearance gives you, against the value of the contents of what he or she just said. 

For example, if a middle-aged woman in a sharp dress talks about the freedom of skating a crowded street at night, I would have my reservations. But if she's wearing roughed-up skate shoes, my judgement would probably be readjusted. Okay, bad example, but you get my drift. What I'm saying is that I believed the guys when they said it's gonna be super hot for the next few weeks.