A Mind Blogging Day

Holiday Inn Seonbuk Seoul

What a day! Today I did so many different, divergent things, that as I try to recall them for you I find myself struggling for a place to start!

I think I will start by answering CaraLee's questions she sent me today. You wanted to know if there are a lot of cars. If the Koreans have public transportation, buses, and if I have had Kimchi yet. I can say YES to all of those. I will provide you with some pictures that will save at least 1000 words.

There are lots of cars and they drive very close together. Most of the cars I have seen are fairly new, but I haven't spotted many SUV's...exactly none.

Korea has a highly developed transit system. I purchased a card that acts like a debit card for both the buses and the subway. I have traveled for miles on the subway now...only two days and I could make it around Seoul fairly easily. The subways are clean and very nice. The buses, well they are crowded and really difficult to find a seat on. I nearly fall over everytime the bus driver slams on the brakes. No one else seems to have as much trouble as I do! (Except the other American teachers, that is)

I have had two meals here that are like nothing I have every had! And, yes, they both came with many varieties of kimchi. Tonight the dinner I had was amazing. There were so many things to try! Korean cooking is very different from any experience I have had. There are very many dishes put out on the table. For example, I counted 38 small bowls and plates on the small table that I shared with two other teachers. I enjoy the food here very much. It is very healthy food, lots of vegetables and a little beef and seafood.

As for the traffic and transportation, I am going to put in several pictures of the surrounding area for you to look at and see for yourself.

I have also visited a beautiful art museum, watched a demonstration lesson done at a Junior High School, visited the Korean Foundation, and this morning I met Mrs. Yeon Sook Lee as she talked about the changing role of women in Korean society. She is a very important person here in Korea...they call her the "Barbara Walters" of Korea! I was very honored to meet her and to get a chance to ask her some questions.

Well, now it is YOUR turn to ask more questions about what it is like in a culture so far away and so very unique. Each day I realize more about how very fortunate I am to have this opportunity and to meet all of these wonderful people.

I'll talk to you all again tomorrow!