First I want to say that I had a terrific time. The weather cooperated - and was perfect, the food was great, and the time we were able to spend with family and friends was time well spent. We had a small list of things we wanted to do, and managed to do all of them with a little time to spare. I wish more vacations were as enjoyable as the one we just had.
And with that said, let me add a few afterthoughts, observances, etc.
I feel in fair shape, and don't look that bad here in the USA. I'm working to get my weight down, and my clothes are fitting better these days (the same goes for Sue, as well). When I go to Korea, I feel fat. People there (on the average) are in much better physical shape than we are. They look thinner, and eat better. Don't get me wrong, American fast food is having its effect, and you are seeing a greater number of overweight people, but it is the occasional thing, rather than the other way around. Although there are restaurants every 100 ft. or so throughout Seoul (only a slight exaggeration), you wouldn't know it to look at the people. The only truly fat people I saw there were Americans.
The guys, even though the majority of them don't spend a day in the gym, they have a healthier and happier look, even the older guys. You don't see the expanded middle that has become commonplace in the USA.
And the women? Well, the average woman over there puts ours to shame. They are slimmer, dress way better, and care more about their appearance. You don't see the spare tire on them, that seems to be so prevalent here, especially on our younger girls.
I never knew I was such a leg man before. Certainly the women in the USA have drawn my attention away from such a very sexy part of the anatomy. Sorry, no picture examples for compassionate reasons.
Their English on signs, etc. is better displayed than in some other countries, such as Japan, where interpretation of English seems to be an expressive art form. I do spot the occasional goof or misspelling, but I think if they just asked for a little more help, this would improve. One restaurant I passed regularly on my travels, posted the sign outside that said "Self Barbecue House." I'm not sure what they intended, but it leaves a little to the imagination.
What's Hot and What's Not
Western culture is alive and well in Seoul.
The things that are most commonly seen there are Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, 7-11, Bennigan's, Starbuck's, Outback Restaurant, Papa John's (which is basically all delivery), Pizza Hut (ditto), McDonald's, Burger King, and The Coffee Bean. These are everywhere, and popular.Of course they have their own Korean twist to the menu, but basically they are no different than the ones here. It is comforting to find an oasis of familiarity in a sea of kimchi.
A few things that you won't see anymore are The Seoul Hard Rock Cafe, Benihana's, and the Seoul Apple Computer store. I don't know reason for the Apple store going away. They have replace it with an authorized Apple reseller, but it just doesn't have the same feel. There were plenty of people in it though. If you want to buy apple stuff in Seoul, you'll need to do it on-line.
Vehicles you won't see on America highways
75% or so of vehicles on the streets of Seoul are Hyundae. ere is no surprise in this. There are other makers of Korean vehicles, but they are less as apparent. American and European vehicles are occasional sights, but these are driven by the financially snobbish.
There are a number of vehicles I think would be good for the USA, but sadly, although they are commonplace in the Korea, these will probably not make to American shores any time soon. These are Kia Morning, Daewoo Matiz, Daewoo Damas, Kia Bongo, and the Hyundae Porter. Interesting vehicles and used a lot over there.
I suppose there are other points I meant to highlight, but this is a good swipe at them. It is nice to be back home and in our own bed.
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