Winter is coming

Things have taken an upswing lately. We'd initially fretted over upcoming holidays because we assumed hallowed times like Thanksgiving and Christmas just wouldn't FEEL the same in South Korea as they do back home. Fortunately for us, a work friend of mine planned a huge spread of yummy food and invited a bunch of friends over to dine together. I must say, it was nice to have real turkey meat. I haven't had turkey meat since we left the states, so it was a treat to have it again.

We also learned an interesting thing: A lot of American food/snacks/paraphernalia can be purchased at the army bases over here. Apparently, the nearest one is an hour or two away in a city called Daegu. My work friend frequently goes here to buy items like Doritos (real Doritos, not the sweetened kind that I find at the local shops here) Smart Popcorn, and so much more. In a way, that makes us happier about living here. When your food options change, your entire life changes. You have to ADAPT to whatever food is available. Cola-Cola is easily available here, much to my happiness. However, deli meat, such as my thinly sliced Boar's Head cajun turkey meat, just isn't a thing here. No longer can I make lazy sandwiches and take them to work. However, I will say that like other U.S schools I've taught and attended, there is no lack of edible items. Somebody is always bringing some kind of food item to share, whether it's a homemade cake, McDonalds (of course that's here, and they deliver to your door, wow!) oranges, persimmons, or little rice cakes that have some sticky sweet stuff lodged inside. Also, my co-workers are always ordering food, and the pungent smell of spicy kimchi, noodles, and other highly flavored vegetables, meat, and rice wafts through the air and hangs in my nose for a long time, firmly encasing memories in my mind.

We once talked of visiting the states over Christmas, but the vast time difference, lack of time off and flight costs are keeping us here. However, don't think we're marooned in Busan to sing Christmas songs alone. Pepper and I have planned a trip to the capital city of South Korea: the dynamic, modern, and yet wildly historic city of Seoul. This will be the furthest we've traveled since arriving here back in July. More pictures and words to follow.

P.S It's getting COLD here....as in, puffy-coat wearing, turn on the space heater, light the imaginary fireplace...COLD. Brrr! I'm kinda glad though.