First days and initial reactions to Korea
I wanted to type up a few thoughts regarding my first couple of days in South Korea. I am a bit tired, so please forgive possible typos or grammatical mistakes.
What we’ve done:
- Traveled to get here. A really long way. You forget how long and sometimes unbearable a 30-hour travel day can be when you haven’t done it for a while. Highlight was the four airplane meals, which included a shrimp cocktail appetizer. Nicely done, Delta.
- Took a self-guided tour of Gyungbok-gung Palace, home of the Joseon Dynasty from 1394-1910.
- Came to Gwang-ju, the town my friend Anne has been teaching and living in for the past seven months.
- Stayed out in a Korean club until 4:30 in the morning. Dancing is most definitely a universal language, even if the music is a bit outdated. Tupac’s California Love never disappoints.
- Bought a lot of tempura-fried food from a street vendor for a-bar grub (after bar, for you non-Eau Claire folks). Hard-boiled eggs, peppers, squid, sweet potatoes, is there anything that batter isn’t delicious on?
- Went to a pre-season baseball game of the Gwang-ju Tigers. Instead of hot dogs and cotton candy, Korean’s field-fare consists of fried chicken and ramen.
- Walked through a market; a scene just like in the movies. Fish, squid, chicken’s feet, seaweed all laid out for purchase.
My initial reactions – The thoughts that have crossed my mind the most as I’ve taken in the culture.
- Whoa, that’s a lot of people. And they are moving quite quickly. Better pick up the pace or I’m going to get trampled.
- Yikes, this is spicy food. I’m starting to sweat and tear up a little. Madeline, would be eating a lot of white rice.
- The juxtaposition between old world Korea, with its palaces and guards and the new world, with its skyscrapers and knock-off Gucci is something that is non-existent in the States. This country is obviously going through a massive shift of becoming westernized. Yet, its old culture is still scattered around the city.
- They really do wear those H1N1 masks wherever they go. It is almost as if it has become a trendy fashion statement, particularly for teens and young adults. Who’s excited to get their souvenir?
That’s all for now. Hope everything is going well back in the States. I’ll try to check in again soon.
Glad to hear you are experiencing a variety of fun and new things! I am curious to see the trendiness of these masks. Any new dance moves to bring back?
So glad to hear all is going well. Love your first impressions. will you try the chickens feet if they are deep-fried? Love ya much. be safe and have lots of fun!
Would other people think they were moving quite quickly, or is it all relative to Natalie pace?? I love you!! We hit 60 degrees at home today – would have loved to walk with you around Calhoun! Can’t wait til you get home!
I’m really enjoying living vicariously through you on your trip to S. Korea. I’m glad you are able to give us all some first impressions. You are right – I would not be able to last one day with that spicy food. Just thinking about it makes need a glass of water…
Safe travels!
Madeline
I am glad you were able to capture your initial reactions. Great stuff!
I can’t wait for my h1n1 souvenir mask, hopefully it is a gucci knock-off to boot.
Have a great time. I miss you already!
Kristin