Things I've noticed about Korea...

So throughout my month of living in a new country, I've come to make a few very interesting observations. Listed below are some of the "fun facts" that I've compiled:

Transportation:

1. Koreans can't drive! They don't feel the need to stop at red lights and stop signs and they drive 100mph everywhere!
2. "No Parking Zones" don't apply to drivers here. They feel as though they can park their vehicles anywhere and everywhere...on sidewalks, in store fronts, in the middle of the street...anywhere!
3. "The Scooters don't stop!" (said in my best ELF impersonation.) Delivery men drive scooters on the roads and sidewalks and you best move if you here any kind of motor near you...because they won't stop!
4. The Scooters have built in gloves on the handle bars...it's amazing. You just have to see it!
5. Everything and anything you can think of, can be delivered to your doorsteps. Pizza, McDonald's, Donuts, Documents...These Koreans aim to please!

Food:

1. They don't have 3 distinguished meals throughout the day. For breakfast, all of the children eat kimchi (very, very spicy fermented cabbage) and fish heads. Yum!
2. Yogurt is a drink. Literally, it's called "Drinking Yogurt" and it's in a milk carton.
3. All food can be found on sticks. It's the land of Kabobs, I swear!
4. Children eat Ramen noodles like we eat a bag of chips. They just open a package of Ramen, break up the noodles, dump the seasoning in the bag, shake it around, and viola! Snack-time! (And yes, it is uncooked.)
5. "I'm too lazy to go get milk (or insert item here) at the store" is an excuse you will never hear because there is a convenient store on EVERY block. Think of Starbucks in NYC but way worse.
6. Koreans think pizza is a garbage plate. You can get anything on one. I've seen a pizza with apples, bananas, grapes, mushrooms, and corn. Oh! And corn and cheese pizza and potato and cheese pizza is the most popular of choices. It's like our cheese and pepperoni.
7. There is no such thing as tipping. If you leave a tip, they will chase you down the street screaming that you forgot your money!!
8. Magic Buttons are located on every table (Yugio buttons). You literally press it when you are ready to order, need a re-fill, the check, etc. They won't ever come up to your table to bug you. It's fantastic!

Fashion:

1. You know someone is dating or "official" if they are wearing the same shoes, jacket, shirt, entire outfit...whatever. No boundaries apply, even matching couples under-garments! So don't get caught checking out another Korean's man because she's clearly marked her territory!!
2. Tights, in every style and color, are worn on a regular basis by Korean women. It's like an outfit isn't complete without them. (Remember my yellow tights!?!?)
3. I'm in the land of SHORT SHORT skirts (which I don't mind so much because I'm a huge fan of the mini). But they have re-defined short here. And come to find out, it's because Koreans don't have hips or an ass so all that's left to show off and attract potential suitors are their long slender legs. Hey, whatever you've got to do!
4. Don't leave the house without your designer handbag. And that goes for both men and women alike!

Home:

1. Koreans have re-defined what a bathroom truly is. Notice the words that form the compound: Bath and Room = bathroom! Meaning: A room in which you take a bath. So the shower head is located over the sink and toilet. At least its easy to clean!
2. Heat rises. To keep your home warm, heat comes from the floor. It's actually really nice. I hang out more on my floor than in my bed!
3. I can't get kids to understand what a lawn or yard is because they don't exist in Korea. Everyone lives in tall sky rise apartment buildings. Makes me appreciate my rural upbringing that much more.

Now I'm not saying any of these "fun facts" are bad nor good. I happen to like many of them. They're just different that's all! And that is exactly why I absolutely love this country!!

More observations to come...I'm sure of that!