The Ginseng Man

Carrie and I were planning to buy some souvenirs for family members early. And what better to get than world renowned Korean Ginseng to cure what ails you!?

As we walk, we see this local shop on our wanderings through our neighbourhood and this friendly man beckons us in. He asks (waves) us to sit down, gives us some candy and summons some of his English, "are you Christian?" To which I reply, "uhhhhh, sort of... you could say that... allow me to expl..um.... yes!" A half-relieved and non-fractioned look of excitement devours his face as he picks up the remote control and turns the volume up on his television.

I have no choice but to divert my attention to the screen which cements a scene into my retina that will not soon be erased. There are hundreds of Koreans dancing and singing the lords praises and I look over to see this kindly gentleman softly bouncing up and down on the sofa with a proud look on his face that communicates that he, too, is Christian.

Carrie and I exchange glances and she somehow escapes to do what she really came to do, which is take pictures of the alien-looking concoctions that are like pickled ginseng. It doesn't take me too long to register that this amounts to being alone with this fine, Christian gentleman.

After reciprocating a few awkward smiles a airy laughs, my new friend shows me some of the equipment he uses and attempts his English again. "Ginseng!" he exclaims. "Is good for..." At which point he resorts to hand gestures. First, he points at Carrie who is outside taking pictures, then makes a fist, coarsely puts his elbow in his crotch and makes the show of an phallus. "Uh... hey!" he says with the most serious look on his face, and slightly raises his brow. Finally, he breaks into a heartfelt smile and we briskly make our way, never to return.