Korea

A week and a half has past since I've been in Korea and so many impressions and thoughts of the country have come and gone. Here are several that I remember:

- Korea is much busier and dirtier than I thought it would be. This statement not only holds true for the larger cities (ie: Seoul), but also smaller cities as well. There are people everywhere, even late at night and maybe their late-night ventures leads to littering.
- The rest stops in Korea are wonderful. So much food!! Besides being able to do your business at the rest stops you are free to purchase small bites of joy for relatively cheap. So far I've eaten: walnut cakes, corn, dried persimmon, and half a corn dog.
- It's not true that everyone in Korea is thin and skinny. I've seen plenty of people (women included) who are voluptuous and I like it.
- I'm not a big fan of wearing slippers in the wet bathrooms. Mom thinks that it's genius that you can get the floors wet in the entire bathroom...and I agree up to a point, but I'm not a fan of having to slide your way to the toilet.
- The food has been good, but not great. I haven't eaten anything yet that has blown me away. In fact, I've tried to get some good pat bing soo (Korean dessert) for a while now and haven't succeeded.
- I think Korean clothes for women are super cute and reasonably priced. I went to Namdaemun with mom and just checking out the clothes was fun.
- The apartments are small compared to America and I don't think folks here need a lot (furniture, clothes, etc.) to get by. It feels a bit cramped, but maybe it's the affluent westerner in me talking.
- Driving in Seoul is nuts. Reminds me of the time Sun, Jenn, Dad, Mom, and I were heading to Manu's engagement party in New York and somehow landed right smack dab in the middle of New York City traffic.
- The weather is hot and humid and there is a slight haze in the weather that makes the country look a bit foggy (smoggy?). I miss the clear skies and brilliant stars of Konigswiesen.
- I enjoy learning about the olden days and checking out the palaces and temples that have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. I'm in awe of how things were done back then...from doing the laundry to collecting rice.
- I love meeting family...even if they are distant relatives. It reminds me that my roots go deeper than I know and I shouldn't forget to appreciate the family tree.

To be honest, I wasn't quite sure about Korea. It's been so long since I've been here and I've heard so many differing opinions about the country that I entered this place with a preconceived notion of what to expect and braced myself for what was to come. But, I must say, that so far I've been pleasantly surprised by the welcome smiles and openness of the people. Once folks find out that I'm from the States they are quick to tell me about someone they know who lives there or want to hear about where I'm from.

So far so good. Traveling with mom has been a blast if not somewhat tiring. But, like she said yesterday, we will look back on this trip and remember some amazing times. I agree and hope that my remaining two weeks here are as good as the first two.