Waitress: What would you like to eat?
CEO: I'd like to have the fish stew.
Team member #1: Me too.
Team member #2: I'd like that one.
Team member #3: That sounds good.
Waitress: Okay, how many people are getting the fish stew?
N-1 hands go up. Waitress writes the number on her order pad, and turns to me.
Me: I'd like the raw beef bibimbap. But no mushrooms and that brown root thing. Can you also cook my egg over easy? And please bring my miso soup out as an appetizer.
Waitress leaves to place the order. No one is making any sound. I turn to one of the co-workers next to me.
Me: So, what's a good place for happy hour around here.
Co-worker: There are none here.
Everyone stares in our direction. Silence.
Me: Uhhh, is there anywhere in Seoul with a good happy hour?
Co-worker #1: Hongdae area.
Me: What are the drink specials like?
Co-worker #2: I don't know.
Awkward silence throughout table. I attempt to start a conversation with the lady sitting across from me.
Me: I found out that your last name is also Shin. What Shin clan are you from?
Co-worker #2: Pyeongsan.
CEO: There weren't that many Shin's a hundred years ago.
Me: Well, someone was keeping busy.
Wide-eyed silence. (Please note: No one has said a word since we sat down for lunch.) I turn to the CEO.
Me: I hear that next week is Election Day.
CEO: Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that it is a holiday.
Me: Oh cool. I guess I will do some sightseeing.
CEO: Did anyone explain to you about the Korean election process?
Me: No. Are you voting for the new president?
CEO: No, just the national assembly members. There are 12 parties that are fighting for the majority.
And we proceeded to discuss politics for the rest of the meal while everyone sat silently eating their fish stew.
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