Weaver’s Final (for now) Big Adventure Blog

Korea Top 10

So believe it or not, the Weaver family adventure in South Korea has come to an end. We have gone around the Sun three times since first setting foot here and what a trip it’s been! I could (theoretically) write a book about the friends we have made, the places we have visited, and the knowledge we have gained while living in this great country and in this most exciting part of the world. But, in the interest of time, I have resorted to one of the truly great literary innovations – The Top 10 List!

So here are my top 10 takeaways from living for three years in Asia-Pacific (APAC):

#10 – People are people everywhere

One of the greatest parts of this assignment has been the people we have met and spent time with. In addition to getting to know many Koreans, we have made friends with expats from all over the world. We have also made it a point to travel around the APAC region during holidays and have come to appreciate the diversity and complexity of this part of the world. Meeting new people on each visit, and learning about their lives, countries, and cultures first-hand has been a truly amazing experience, and we feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity.

#9 – Learning a new language is hard

To be honest, it’s so hard for me that I didn’t make as much progress as I thought I would. Mostly I figured out how to order food and give cabs basic directions. The Korean people are incredibly friendly and helpful, so I could get by with a few phrases and key words. And, of course, with so many Cook Korea friends just a phone call away, the language barrier was easy to get over. Still, I do feel like a slacker for not learning a bit more. Next time…

#8 – Spicy is relative

Turns out I love really spicy food, and can take pretty much whatever Korean cuisine can dish out. Most restaurant servers would look to my Korean friends with raised eyebrows when I ordered spicy dishes to see if I was confused, but finally they would bring the authentically spiced dish. My only rule for Korean (or any) food is that the food has to be dead. No live baby octopus for me, thank you just the same. (And not still moving, either.)

#7 – Traffic is relative

I will never complain about Bloomington traffic delays ever again. Ever. Again.

#6 – The stairs are a good way to start the day

I started taking the stairs up to the CMK office on the 11^th floor. A great, early-morning workout. Not sure what I’ll do in Park 48. Maybe run up to Regulatory over and over and over (x11).

#5 – Phones beat email, and a combination of the two is really powerful.

Communicating around the world in multiple time zones and languages can be challenging. Very often it seems easier to send an email (or 20) when a (possibly awkward) phone call would be much more effective. Better to just pick up the phone and talk to someone. The more often you do this, the easier it gets. Follow up with an email to make sure you both understood what was agreed upon.

#4 – The world is quite small

The expat community is quite small in Korea, so we became close with a number of people from various companies and countries. We were often surprised to find small-world coincidences where we least expected them. One American couple we met lived in Bedford/Bloomington for a number of years while working for GM. A Dutch couple who lived in Indianapolis/Carmel while working for Eli Lilly. A Japanese student who lived with my parents in Greencastle, Indiana, 20 years ago, visited us from a town near Seoul. We met a Guatemalan whose sister has a farm near Bloomington. And now we have Korean friends who have moved to Bloomington, and the world continues to shrink.

#3 – You cannot have too many coffee shops (but you can try)

As I reported back in 2012, coffee is still king in Korea. The addition of new cafes has continued unabated during our time here, and I will miss the diversity and ubiquity of these coffee shops. On the other hand, the coffee at Park 48 is free, so think of the savings!

#2 – Change is good (even if it doesn’t seem like it in the short run)

Nothing and no one can grow without change. Watching our children grow and change has been nothing short of miraculous for my wife, Pam, and me during our time here, as both our “little girls” became young women before our eyes. Perhaps we noticed it more being in a new place.

Similarly, watching Cook Korea and the people who comprise it grow and change has been very inspiring and exciting.

In both cases, the change wasn’t always easy or simple, but necessary. Now, we will again change where we live, the kids will change schools, and Cook Korea will start its next chapter. Time marches on, and change is good.

And my #1 takeaway from all of this is:

Continue to be open to new adventures!

Since my earliest interactions with Cook going back to the late 1990s, I have appreciated Cook’s independent attitude. Today, we would call it Ready, Fire, Aim, but at the time it was the sense that, at Cook, when opportunity presents itself and your gut tells you it’s worth a shot, take the shot! It’s a philosophy that creates great products, great stories, and great adventures.

To the people of Cook Medical Korea, Pam and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the past three years. We will never forget your friendly spirit, the passion you have for Cook, and your willingness to try new things. We will keep in touch, and look forward to seeing the great things to come for Cook Korea in the future!

We relocated at the end of June to Bloomington, where I have started working with the Purchasing team on our supplier relationships. But that is the subject of another Adventure Blog. Stay tuned.