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[Feb. 17th, 2009|02:15 am] |
Things I've noticed in Korea:
1. They have fake speed bumps. Speed bumps are painted in stripes, and there are random spots in the road that are painted the same exact pattern, in slightly raised areas that aren't quite speed bumps.
2. The helmet law is to basically own a helmet, it's up to you to wear it or not.
3. The laws of the road is, there are laws, but you can break them.. but if you cause an accident, then it's your ass that will be in huge trouble.
4. For that matter, any law out in Korea is more or less like that. As long as you don't cause harm to others, you can get away with most stuff.
5. Black boogers every night.
6. The country has an awful combination of extremely cold weather versus really hot rooms. Together with having to walk everywhere, I tend to bundle up every day then immediately strip down as soon as I enter a building.
7. You can order nearly anything online, have have it delivered within a day or two.
8. The best shopping if you're really thrifty is not Dongdaemun in Seoul, but rather the subway stations. You just have to have an open eye and not break the rules on the sign ("Don't ask why the prices are so cheap" read one sign)
9. It's still worth checking out Dongdaemun and Myeongdong for the shopping, just remember that whatever you find inside will be in the outside stalls as well, for over 50% markdown. Just remember Myeongdong is from 9 PM - 8 AM.
10. Korean lifeestyle is essentially work, drink, and sleep. Even a millionaire can't escape this horrid pattern, as he will just be going to more expensive bars and working even harder to maintain the Korean lifestyle.
11. One barber pole means haircut, two means happy ending. Don't be surprised like me when the lady tells you doesn't even do haircuts.
12. Taxi drivers here are some of the craziest drivers I have ever met. If you ask one that you're in a hurry, he will probably run every red light he can. Just remember to try and tip him.
13. Subtract 5 hours and invert the AM/PM and that's the time in California.
14. Noraebang will be fun even if you aren't much of a singer, just be a drinker. At the very least, join the group just to listen to them. I still can't do this every day like some people out here though. Ridiculous.
15. T-Money card will save you a lot of money if you plan on traveling around Seoul a lot. as you'll save 10 cents every time you use it on a bus/subway. That can cover the base taxi fee after 18 rides!
16. Soju prices went up since the last time I was here by 470 won. Which means it now costs a dollar with today's exchange rate.
17. The national chain (Lotteria) is extremely horrible. Ironically, the McDonalds (or any American fast food) is infinitely tastier out here than back home. Although maybe that's just because I'm just craving something American and that's all there ever is.
18. Heated floors are smarter than heated vents.
19. I still grow a half-staff every time I go to buy cigarettes and see the selections for the price. Dunhills for 2 dollars? Yes. Blackjacks for 2 dollars? Yes. Parliments for 2 dollars? Fuck that, too expensive.
20. Underglow (Neon lights) are legal here. Sometimes people will have red and blue lights to emulate a cop and just cruise through traffic. Punk kids and their hyundais.
21. The trick for squat toilets is to not use them. I am very efficient at holding now.
22. You're never more than a store away from Free Wifi.
23. Even the smallest, poorest, most podunk classroom contains an LCD flat screen.
24. Simultaneously feels like home and not home at the same time. |
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| (no subject) |
[Feb. 3rd, 2009|08:29 am] |
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So my plane didn't crash into the Pacific like I thought the whole time while flying. It's cold, I'm hung over, and my roommate talks in his sleep, but I don't care, I'm here. |
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| Let's drink and die. |
[Jan. 20th, 2009|01:05 am] |
Mashigo chukja.
I have 13 more days until I fly into Incheon International, spend 3 weeks of orientation in Seoul (while building up my tolerance and lowering my vomit threshold) before finally embarking to my government sponsored apartment in Ulsan. There are a myriad of things that have been romping around in the space between my ears, if this sudden change to a foreign (but I can't really call it that) culture that emphasizes hard work, perseverance, and diligence, things I am not familiar with here in California will pay off. There are nights spent tossing around under two blankets, wondering if this really was the right idea. I've lied to my parents, told them that I will be attending school while out in the ROK, when in reality I will be working 3 hours a day and spending the remaining 21 busking around for alcohol money and entertainment not only on my part but for the drunken Koreans that will inevitably watch. I sincerely believe that if anyone spent more than 15 minutes with me they would know that I am hardly eligible to tutor an elementary student, let alone an entire classful of screaming children. But 3 hours a day, spent on teaching colors and letters and basic sentence structures, how hard can that be?
But ultimately, an experience like this will be more beneficial than sticking around here, with days being spent wasting time, trying to score, and living day to day. I can't promise myself that this habit will change by simply leaving the country, but deep down I feel that in order to escape this daily grind, I have to situate myself to a different environment, and what better way than traveling to the opposite side of the planet.
I plan on riding motorcycles with a beer in one hand and a helmet in the other. I want to eat raw octopus without thinking twice. I want to spend time in a place that is different yet so familiar culture wise. Everybody is family in Korea, you just need to prove yourself in order for others to talk about you like you're their child. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jan. 7th, 2009|04:30 am] |
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I'm leaving on a jetplane.Good Bye America. I can't say for certain that I'm completely excited for this trip. There is this nagging thought, this little black cloud that keeps me awake at night. There are a few people that will be difficult to say good bye to. But I need a change of lifestyle. Get me out of this place. |
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