Life's Just Exciting!

My Seoul

After 1 ½ years I feel I’ve lived long enough in Seoul to know everything I need to about the city – except, of course, the language. Quite a number of people I met here actually swear that to see Seoul is to see South Korea. They say it’s almost the same everywhere you go. A “great wall” of apartment buildings everywhere you look. Throngs of people in malls and subways, on the streets, and even on the mountains! The same mega-spicy food made even spicier by adding a generous serving of red pepper paste. Maybe I should really call this entry My Korea?

Seoul is not a popular tour destination for our kababayans, so I thought it might be interesting to share a bit of information about it and its people. Here goes:

- With a population of about 13 million, Seoul is competing with Metro Manila in terms of over-crowding;
- Don’t expect the men to stand up when a pretty lady rides a packed train car; but expect even the pretty ladies to do so when an elderly gets in;
- You don’t need a car to go around Seoul. It’s extensive subway system can get you anywhere in the city, plus some other nearby destinations;
- If you are a fan of street foods, you’ll be at home here (minus the free extra “seasonings” from vehicle dusts and smoke, of course);
- You’ll see patients roaming the streets – tugging their IV bags along – within at least 100 meter radius from hospitals and/or clinics
- Don’t be surprised either to see patients taking a break from their confinement by eating in nearby restaurants. You’ll even see some smoking in front of hospital entrances;
- You can leave your bags and valuables on top of food court tables to reserve a seat and get back after falling in line to get your food with everything intact (a miracle, indeed!);
- Vendors display their wares on the streets, and nothing gets stolen;
- You can leave your car unlocked in parking lots;
- The number of parking attendants can compete with the number of sales clerks in malls;
- Parking attendants can be mistaken for flight stewardesses (they’re impeccably and smartly dressed they can actually give the flight attendants a run for their money)
- The way they eat it made me think they’re scooping coleslaw…I was wrong. They were eating minced raw onions mixed with ketchup and mustard!
- Koreans are generally pustureras. The hairdo and make up of cleaning ladies in malls can compete with no less than Imeldific herself!
- Don’t fall for a Korean guy just because he drives a Mercedez. Most drivers here dress better than their expatriate bosses;
- You’ll need to visit at least 3 stores before you can complete your grocery list (at least if you’re a foreigner).
- Seoul is a good place to start a hobby, or get into sports. Choices abound, from mountain climbing, to biking, to speed skating, etc.

I could go on and on but I don't think it's a good idea to make this very long. I'll reserve the others for my future entries.

posted by lala @ 10:09 PM