My View of Our First Week in S. Korea

I think I know what if feels like to be famous. Because we look different than the rest, everywhere we go we're being stared at. The S. Korean kids come to us to try out their English by saying hi and then giggle a lot when we speak back. So far there are some things that I've noticed about the S. Korean culture. Here is my list.

1. According to the S. Korean women the men are always in a hurry and on time. This is so opposite from the South, where we're laid back and always late.

2. The food situation is another. Though Koreans eat a lot, they don't eat sweets or too much fat. Korean meals consist of a lot of side dishes of vegetables and desserts are usually soup and rice at the end of the meal.

3. Public bath is the thing here in S. Korea. Keep reading the blog and you'll find out more.

4. Koreans are a very proud culture and want you to know everything about their culture, so the time that we're with them has been well used.

5. Most of the family we meet seems to be a family of 4 (dad, mom and two kids). We were told that S. Koreans don't want a big family and so the family size is mostly 4.

6. Korean traditional meals are eaten while sitting on the floor. Most of our sleeping arrangements have been on the floor (very comfortable though). Some families have given up their comfortable beds for us, in which we're so forever grateful.

7. Green tea is the official drink of the S. Koreans. It can be served hot or cold. Kimchi and rice are dishes served for breakfast, lunch and dinner regardless of the menu. And watermelons and tomatoes are fruits for any occasion.

8. Always bow when you are greeting someone by saying; "An-nyung Ha-se-yo" meaning, Good Morning, afternoon or evening.

We've been to tea plantations, museums, and cultural centers, facilities where dogs, eels, fish and other type of things are being breeded for exporting or researching. We've been on top of mountains and seen beautiful views. The greenery space and the flowers and the mountains are all so beautiful and breathtaking. We've met mayors of cities and presented programs at local rotary clubs. From the school visits we found that Koreans are a very discipline society and they strive to achieve and be the best. The Koreans have been so hospitable and so accommodating. There are more places to visit, so stay tuned.