Final day in Korea so decided to head to the capital city after all. I've had a lot of fun with my friend Charlie but now its time to kick it to the next level AMUSEMENT PARK!!!! Happy dance!!
Jumped on the KTX (Korea's bullet train) and it going to take about two and a half hours to get there. The weather isn't looking all that great but I'd feel terrible not seeing the capital. Fingers crossed.
3 Apr 2012
2 Apr 2012
Definitely not in Japan anymore!
Ok another day pretty much over and I'm having fun but definitely seeing the differences between Japanese and Korean culture.
I'm know that every place is different and you shouldn't expect places to all have major similarities to what you've grown accustomed to but I can't help bus notice that Koreans seem less "repressed" than the Japanese. I'm impressed with the open display of affection for some reason. Even with the language barrier you can tell they aren't afraid to ask for what they what or what they expect. But at the same time I kind of miss the Japanese level of politeness I've grown accustomed to.
Of course they still have a good level of customer service but for reason the local population comes across a tad pushy. I spoke to the manager of the guesthouse and he said that's the culture of busan they are tougher than people living in capital. Well time to head to the capital and compare. One thing for sure they don't seem intimidated by my "foreign presence" which I like they don't hesitate to come to me and talk to me and ask questions. Well let the exploring continue.
I'm know that every place is different and you shouldn't expect places to all have major similarities to what you've grown accustomed to but I can't help bus notice that Koreans seem less "repressed" than the Japanese. I'm impressed with the open display of affection for some reason. Even with the language barrier you can tell they aren't afraid to ask for what they what or what they expect. But at the same time I kind of miss the Japanese level of politeness I've grown accustomed to.
Of course they still have a good level of customer service but for reason the local population comes across a tad pushy. I spoke to the manager of the guesthouse and he said that's the culture of busan they are tougher than people living in capital. Well time to head to the capital and compare. One thing for sure they don't seem intimidated by my "foreign presence" which I like they don't hesitate to come to me and talk to me and ask questions. Well let the exploring continue.
Korea so far
Ok. Day 2 and sitting a cute coffee shop and listening to John Mayor and finally soaking the fact that I'm in really in South Korea. The first day it felt like was still in japan just in different part of Japan. But some things definitely tell me I've left now.
First thing I noticed was the display I public affection, that was definitely something you don't see much of in Japan. Next thing was the lack of Japanese vehicles but the biggest thing was the outward distaste for the Japanese people. When I arrived at the guesthouse and I sat down with other local guests and I without thinking said something to my friend in Japanese one of the women said no we Koreans don't like the Japanese and the others nodded. It definitely shocked me I didn't expect to hear that so calmly said but even though that was said Japanese culture is here and accepted. Many of the guests had a basic understanding of Japanese so those with low levels of English spoke to us in Japanese. Well let's not judge an entire people by the words of the few.
Even though I had that situation I gotta say i like a lot of things here cost of living is much lower than Japan so money goes a lot further, there is a lot of things to see in busan to the point I had to cancel my trip to seoul because there is so much stuff I still want to see.
Time to get out of here and go and explore some more!!
First thing I noticed was the display I public affection, that was definitely something you don't see much of in Japan. Next thing was the lack of Japanese vehicles but the biggest thing was the outward distaste for the Japanese people. When I arrived at the guesthouse and I sat down with other local guests and I without thinking said something to my friend in Japanese one of the women said no we Koreans don't like the Japanese and the others nodded. It definitely shocked me I didn't expect to hear that so calmly said but even though that was said Japanese culture is here and accepted. Many of the guests had a basic understanding of Japanese so those with low levels of English spoke to us in Japanese. Well let's not judge an entire people by the words of the few.
Even though I had that situation I gotta say i like a lot of things here cost of living is much lower than Japan so money goes a lot further, there is a lot of things to see in busan to the point I had to cancel my trip to seoul because there is so much stuff I still want to see.
Time to get out of here and go and explore some more!!
26 Mar 2012
South Korea for spring vacay YAY!!
Spring vacation is here now so no classes and no sense in me sitting at my desk and doing nothing so time for a new adventure! As much as I love exploring around Japan it's time to start taking advantage of my geographical location and start seeing some of the nearby countries .. first stop SOUTH KOREA!! SOOOO EXCITED!! I've wanted to go to Korea since I was a teen when I started participating in Tae Kwon Do the Korean national sport and now I'm going to go yay!!
15 Mar 2012
JUST GOT AN AMAZING ASSIGNMENT!!
I know I'm always singing my base school's praises but it honestly deserves it. My principal has just given me an amazing opportunity! He is very interested in helping me promote Japan to Barbadian public and beyond and now he has given me permission to spend my summer exploring Japan so I can write about my experiences! I can't tell you how amazing this is! Normally we are expected to stay at work during summer vacation while the students are away and honestly do nothing ... a waste!! I love that Bob (my nickname for the principal) and I on the same page and we both want to spread the Japan message any way we can. So I've decided to spend about 2 weeks going around Japan! I CAN'T WAIT!!
5 Mar 2012
MEDS MEDS MEDS!
Anybody looking to move to Japan the 3 things you MUST NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT western strength toothpaste, deodorant and MEDICINE. Yeah sure you can import the first 2 but the last bit u might need to get creative to get it in.
These 3 things here are extremely weak and toothpaste doesn't have fluoride and the other 2 half the strength. Unfortunately I'm rationing my medicine from home since I've been sick a lot lately so it's pretty depleted. Yet again I used the medicine the doc gave me and it works while you take it (and prepare to be shocked by the insane amounts you have to take for anything) and as soon and the dosages are finished I find that I'm still sick! These things are more suppressants than anything else, frustrating. The mind blowing thing is that a lot of over the counter meds we would get back home are ILLEGAL in Japan!!!! Example NyQuil but if u have it at he airport and you found with it no worries it will just be taken from you no cuffs lol. Things like panadols are fine and some cough syrups are ok from outside.
I should have brought more meds from home. Ah well...
These 3 things here are extremely weak and toothpaste doesn't have fluoride and the other 2 half the strength. Unfortunately I'm rationing my medicine from home since I've been sick a lot lately so it's pretty depleted. Yet again I used the medicine the doc gave me and it works while you take it (and prepare to be shocked by the insane amounts you have to take for anything) and as soon and the dosages are finished I find that I'm still sick! These things are more suppressants than anything else, frustrating. The mind blowing thing is that a lot of over the counter meds we would get back home are ILLEGAL in Japan!!!! Example NyQuil but if u have it at he airport and you found with it no worries it will just be taken from you no cuffs lol. Things like panadols are fine and some cough syrups are ok from outside.
I should have brought more meds from home. Ah well...
2 Mar 2012
Home sick ... AGAIN
As much as I have come to love winter, I definitely don't love how often you get sick here. Fukushima is pretty cold, I can't remember the last time we were in double digit temps yesterday was 8C the warmest I've felt in months. Anyway, yeah sick again :(. This came on faster than normal, on Wednesday I went outside for a few minutes and came back inside with a sore throat and by the next day I had a high fever and dizzy with swollen tonsils to boot and was taken to the doctor. I missed my school graduation because I was resting in the sick bay.
Being surrounded by other sick people doesn't help either. One of my workmates is convinced she gave it to me and she feels terrible but I doubt if she had anything to do with it or is she's solely responsible. It's a harsh cold climate, taking precautions can only do so much. Anyway going back to bed, can't really eat because swallowing too much is out of the question. I can't believe I'm sick again for the third time in 2 months. Ah well ...
Being surrounded by other sick people doesn't help either. One of my workmates is convinced she gave it to me and she feels terrible but I doubt if she had anything to do with it or is she's solely responsible. It's a harsh cold climate, taking precautions can only do so much. Anyway going back to bed, can't really eat because swallowing too much is out of the question. I can't believe I'm sick again for the third time in 2 months. Ah well ...
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