My Relationship with the Korean Grandmother

Most places I go in this country find me having interesting encounters with the locals. Most of these encounters involve astonished looks from younger Korean children shouting the word for "foreigner" as they run over to get the attention of their parents or friends in order to share the moment of unusualness.
Other encounters, however, involve very kind people who simply want to interact with somebody that looks different to them. I've spoken to many people who want to practice their English, ask where I am from, or sneak up behind me because they were dared to say "Hello" before running away giggling.
In my experience, more than the majority of people in Korea are genuinely very nice people, who treat others really well. Something that has been happening a lot lately has been chance encounters with Korean grandmothers. Korea is a country that lends itself to a hierarchy in terms of respect for elders. When you speak to an elder, you want to ensure you are using the honourific form of the Korean language. I've been studying a bit lately, but still don't feel too comfortable having extended conversations with the obligation to carry the honourific form. Sometimes you don't have a choice...
I was coming home on the subway with a friend when a couple of seats opened up on the train. A friendly looking Korean grandmother asked me to sit down. She then ensured that, although we knew exactly how we were to get home, she would see us off the train safely. This was one of my first longer conversations with a local, and was pretty difficult, as she spoke very little English, and I Korean. I gained an appreciation for the Korean grandmother with the kindness exuding from this woman. She was so patient with me as I tried speak with her.
This past weekend I went to sit down at a coffee shop to do some reading. A very friendly grandmother sat down beside me, and gave me a napkin to wipe my hands, as I was eating something rather messy (a greasy pretzel). Maybe she felt it was her job to take care of me while I was in her country. She went over to a counter, poured a glass of water, and brought it back to me before I knew what she was doing. She fished around her purse for some candies, giving me a handful. She also ensured I had enough wet naps for when I was finished with my snack... She ended up stuffing the whole pack of tissues into my hand. We had a short conversation, and I attempted to ask her questions in her language, but I think she was content just knowing that I was comfortable.
I've been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience the cultural differences that this country has to offer. Every time I leave my apartment something interesting happens. It always makes me smile when I get a chance to interact with somebody new, as I get to appreciate the truly attractive qualities of the Land of Morning Calm.