"Kimchi saved Korea from the avian bird flu"

There are a few things that I am quite fond of.One of them is to put sugar( preferable brown or natural cane) on the top of my cappuccino when it is freshly made.What occurs next is a simple act of science, in which the sugar melts and forms a creme brulee style layer of caramelized goodness on top of the velvety foam.With the spoon I then remove one small section of the foam , ingest, and then proceed to drink the espresso and milk that live below through the small foam less section.
A pleasure such as this is expecially enjoyed after an over priced, tiny meal of lamb curry, garlic naan, and basmati rice. After I decided to splurge on the mango lassi( because you HAVE to have the mango lassi) the grand total was 27,000 won
( about $25). When I think about all of the cheap Indian food that I have consumed back in the US, and I then consider my current geographic location in reference to India I become even more disturbed by this. My biggest shock, more so than the price, was when an Indian waiter explained to me " no,the curry does not come with basmati rice, you must purchase it separately."
I have to wonder how this man can sleep at night, knowing that he does not serve his dishes with rice but rather makes his patrons pay extra. All that I can think is " what the hell am I going to do with a crock of lamb curry and no rice?" Well the one place in the world where he could get away with it, would be Korea. So who am I to take that away from him.

This got me thinking about all of the bragging that I did to my girlfriends just before leaving. I would taunt Jess over sushi at The Fish Market about all of the cheap raw fish I would be eating once arriving in Korea. I said I would have it for every meal for dollars a day. I couldn't wait to get cheap manicures and massages. Instead what I have found is that if it isn't Korean, its expensive. Pad Thai is considered a special "foreigner food" that can only be found in the foreigner friendly section of Seoul(costing at around $12). Sushi, while more commonly found throughout the city is still only slightly cheaper than Pittsburgh(about $10 for a lunch bento box).While traditional Korean food, found every 3 feet,can be purchased for around $2-$5 or larger "family style BBQ" portions for around $10.

So when my friend Keyonna said that she was coming to Korea for 3 weeks and wanted to know what kind of spending money to bring I said " well you can survive here on $4 a day if you play your cards right." Which you can, but get a craving for something different, anything different and you will pay for it. Keyonna then told me about the brief article that she had read in which a Korean man living in Seoul was asked about what kind food he liked to eat and he said " um..I am Korean, I eat Korean food."

I have been sick since the 1st of December so I have been staying in on my time off and reading, a lot. Once of the books that I recently read was about the Korean War. One thing that I found most fascinating was that when the line was drawn and the North was separated from the South there was more than just a difference in common interests that were forced apart. When they were one peninsula, North Korea was used for industry while South Korea was used for agriculture.So when the line was drawn, the South was left with a few pitchforks and a post war mess to clean up. Now for those of you who are thinking " yeah sure sounds typical of every countries historical rise to the top", It's important to keep in mind that this was in 1953.A time when American housewives were baking pies in their new Whirlpool ovens, and kids where watching "Leave it to Beaver" after school.

What followed next was a series of government/military coups, and then finally some help from friends. It wasn't until the late 70's early 80's that South Korea was finally able to industrially support themselves. Glancing at the entrances to many a store front in Seoul you will see " since 1992", "Since 1995", or maybe an occasional " since 1987). South Korea was able to pay back its borrowed monies ten years before the due date in 2000, and Seoul is now one of the most expensive cities to live in; in the world. The Chonggechon river near city hall.

Seoul is a beautiful place, full of surprises. It is a large and fast paced city that makes you earn its respect- not unlike NYC. Although I haven't quite gotten used to the "old Korea" meets "new Korea" clashes that I have run into here.
Picture yourself shopping in Gangnam( the posh fashion district in Seoul). Gangnam is full of designer stores, designer restaurants, and designer clubs.

You go into the "well known" designer store and after picking up a few items ask to use the restroom before trying anything on. "No problem" the retail rep responds
" just make a left outside the front door, and other left into the alley.You can use the public restroom available there. The public restroom turns out to be a squatter toilet.

This one is friendly compared to some that I have experienced.
The smell is unbearable, there is no toilet paper, and no where to hang your coat. Not to worry though! The store will hold your merchandise for you until you return.After all, they are Calvin Klein!