Collage of summer's start

By Michael L. McManus

The back of our apartment is directly above a playground 16 floors below. From morning often until late at night we hear the little screams and sounds of children mostly having fun. Even when I take a daytime nap, it is pleasant. It reminds me of the sound of gulls on a fisherman’s dock. When the wind blows, it becomes the sound of the ocean. Yes, it is one of the sounds of summer.

Then there was the sight of two teenagers, boy and girl, embracing and kissing at one of the busiest intersections in Seoul. They were really waiting for the light to change so they could cross. I believe they had to wait for two cycles. Lost in a kiss! Yes, one of the sights of summer!

Water skiers on the Han River weaving through the water as they enjoy the sun; ah yes, the quintessence of summer sights and sounds.

This weekend, we enjoyed the Jamsil Stadium fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Behind us we heard the sounds of the display at Yongsan Garrison on America’s birthday, thanks to the Koreans who enjoy sharing festivities with their American friends.

Today we drove to the Han River Park where they have long-boat races. There were hundreds of families camping, playing ball and Frisbee together. There was the sight of the Rose of Sharon flower in full bloom and the smell of fresh cut grass. Lots of tents, lots of children, lots of happy faces — there is no doubt: Summer is here.

In the U.S., it is hard to say what date marks the official beginning of summer. Some would say it is Memorial Day at the end of May. It is usually safe to plant flowers and vegetables in gardens at that time. It is the time when all across America, flowers and trees are in full bloom. Driving through parks, you also see the tents, happy faces and you can always smell the barbecues and charcoal heating chicken, hamburgers and steak. It is a great sensory awakening!

Many would say it is this weekend of July 4 that is the real start of summer. Swimming pools open and are in full use. Grass is green and needs cutting. Gardeners love this time. They plant and cultivate as they try to make their gardens look perfect, with no weeds, straight lines of lettuce, onions, peppers and tomatoes. Some cities take pride and decorate with landscaping, and seasonal color, and others consider this too expensive for taxpayers to bear. Incidentally, I have rarely seen a city that has the quality of landscaping and care as Seoul.

Here in Korea, the beginning of summer means a big change in clothing. More young guys wear tee shirts and shorts and sandals. Young ladies break out their short skirts and abandon their winter tights and stockings. Korean young ladies in summer look their best and are proud of their beauty.

Last night, we had a fish-and-chips dinner at a British theme pub in Itaewon. It was early evening. Low humidity. Yet it was a comfortable warm temperature. We waded through tens of thousands of people, very international and very young. In this district, it could be just as busy on a winter’s Saturday night, yet for a July 4 evening in Itaewon, oh my! More beautiful young people per square meter than I have seen anywhere. Some couples, hand in hand, some small groups, and some alone looking for someone special to meet. Interesting observation: In Itaewon that night with all the people, I did not see one person with a protective mask. Yet again, who wants to wear a mask that could smear their lip gloss! On subways, still about one out of three wears a mask.

Summer is not heaven, though. It also has sadness with it. Last week I was in a taxi returning home from the university. We had just entered the short tunnel under Seoul Forrest. A car ahead of us threw a kitten out of the window in the tunnel. It was right in front of us. I could see its pain, and did not look back. It had no chance. No escape. Sudden and cruel death. The driver of that car knew exactly what he was doing to this innocent kitten. Yes, this could happen anywhere, any culture, any city, any time, any summer, but it happened, in fact, here and now.

If the driver is reading this, which is unlikely, you may know that this kind of act puts a mark on your soul. If you do come back to this earth after your human death, I wish you to be a mouse, forever chased by all cats of the world.

Mostly, summer, thank God, is a good time. Take all the pictures you can to capture its exuberance. Mostly the pictures from our memory of summer moments keep us hopeful and warm on cold winter nights, or other moments when we might lose hope. The sun rises every day. May our spirits in summer months get recharged and re-warmed for the long cold journey ahead.

Michael L. McManus writes twice monthly for The Korea Times exclusively. He enjoys living and working at three universities in Seoul, and sharing his experience as a scholar and writer. He welcomes comment at mcmismism@aol.com.