Cab Ride

Today, I was late for my dentist appointment so I jumped in a cab.  It wasn't until I looked into my wallet that I started to feel a little uneasy.  I only had 7,950w.  Although I felt it would be enough to get me to where I was going, I knew that if by chance we hit traffic, I might need to bail early.  One thing I don't like about Seoul is the unpredictable traffic jams.  Usually, these are spurred on as a result of the incessantly annoying construction projects that pop up out of no where.  Anyways, I watched the meter with a tense bottom.  You know how it goes.  As each number changed the bottom got tenser and the sweat started to formulate on my brow.  At just about the 7,800w mark I quickly blurted/unintentionally screamed at the cab driver, 

"Ajushi, please let me out here!  I only have 7,950w!"

"Ehy?  7,950w?"  he said in his cherry old ajushi grumble.  

"Yes, I'm sorry, I thought it would be enough."

"Ehy, don't worry" he said said with a chuckle, "There was a lot of traffic..."

He then reached over and turned off the meter.  I was very taken aback by his kindness.  Seriously, I felt like it was the first time in a very long time that I had experienced a Korean doing something so kind.  It was in the moment I felt a little frustrated because I wanted to really express to him my gratitude, but I was limited to just a simple thank you.  

You know, there are moments when my heart feels so sad at how I see people treating each other here.  The coldness has brought me down at times.  I suppose this is partly a result of being a foreigner and not really a part of the society, but anyways....  I just wanted to say, that ajushi really made my day.  That's all...over and out!