Some observations

A list of random observations thus far on my journey.

1) The first signs of American invasion in the form of food: Dunkin Donnuts and Jamba Juice in the ariport (the only American places that I saw there though I am sure there is more)

2) 7-11 is on just about every corner here just as in the States.

3) I passed an Outback Steakhouse, I can get a bloomin onion if I can remember how to get there.

4) Have only seen 3 McDonalds. This actually surprised me, though I really wasn't in Seoul for long, just driving around it on my trip north to Pocheon. I know at some point I must try it. Speaking of Mc D, did you know that in France they have introduced the McBaguette? It's true, very sad, but also very true.

5) The beds are solid as a rock

6) The people here are really good drivers. I have heard quite a few horns honking while driving around but in general I haven't seen any typical road rage.

7) Water is pronounced "mool"

8) Frosted Flakes and Pringles are just as good here as at home.

9) I haven't seen one local in "grubby" clothes. Even doing yard work they are dressed fairly well.

Fuzzy

10) My village is VERY quiet. I have only seen the neighbors a couple of times outside doing yard work. The dogs make more noise than they do.

11) There are a lot of dogs and they are cute! Luckily my landlord has a puppy that is right next to my room, he loves to give doggie kisses. Not that it is s substitute for Mags, he will have to do for my doggie fix.

12) The houses do not have window shades/ curtains/ coverings. This seems to be fairly normal. Kinda makes me a bit leary though so I have fashioned a curtain out of one of my scarves. :)

13) I can fit: 1 bottle of Pepsi Nex, Mool (water if you weren't paying attention from the above #7), Rice wine, milk, OJ, a dozen eggs, 1 jar of strawberry jam, a container of butter, and 2 packages of cheese, 4 oranges and a pint of strawberries in my fridge.

14) Butter knives do not exist here.

15) Gas stations are called - Oil banks

16) Hyundai cars are actually pretty nice here and are popular as are KIAs.

17) My neighbors have a chicken

18) Grocery shopping was intimidating. Glad that I had my co-teacher Annie along or I would have come home with who knows what aside from Pringles, Frosted Flakes, and eggs.

19) I CAN use a Korean rice maker even with all the buttons in Korean. Feeling kinda proud right now. The next challenge will be using the washing machine... all in Korean... no dryer. WOOT! haha :)

20) It is really easy to keep the dishes clean when you only have 2 of everything and 1 mug to drink from.
It's been a fun first couple of days. Today though I was feeling quite jet lagged and my body was not happy. So, it was a day spent in bed napping and watching movies with an occasional walk out to pet Fuzzy (the land lord's dog. I dont' know his name but that is what I think I will call him. hehe)

Tomorrow will be my first day at school though I have to go take my physical and have blood tests. It should prove to be interesting. What a great birthday it will be! :)

Peace!  Enjoy some pics that I posted to my Picasa account:

Pocheon days 1 and 2

My first breakfast consisted of bread, strawberry jam, an orange, and PJ Tips tea that I brought with me.





Pocheon is known for its mushrooms. The lunch we had Saturday was a 5 mushroom pot with dumplings, then noodles and finally fried rice.