First Update

In Seoul I am dependent on Starbucks for internet. Unlike my time in Europe, where I avoided Starbucks like the plague, here I colored all the subway stops that have at least one Starbucks nearby. Seoul is different from anything I've seen. First of all, the people are pretty homogenous (this is obvious, but it's the first time I've been in a place where there is so little ethnic diversity). Like most native Koreans, I can't help but look at anyone who is obviously not Korean because they stand out so much. This homogeneity is a problem for me since I look like a Korean (I technically am a Korean, but I certainly don't sound like one). So, when I open my mouth, people give me a puzzled look. In some ways, it would be easier if I was blond with blue eyes since then they would expect me not to speak perfect Korean. I think my Spanish pronunciation is better than my Korean pronunciation, so that gives you an idea how much I suck at Korean. Second, Seoul's huge! Madrid was tiny compared to Seoul, and I can't walk around like I did in Madrid since the places I need to go are so far apart. Third, Seoul is so advanced in terms of technology. For example, the people in Madrid's Metro read books to pass the time; the people in Seoul's subways watch TV on their phones (there's no phone service in Madrid's Metro). Of course, Spain's technology was a bit of a joke, but I'm astonished by some of the gadgets Koreans have. Fourth, English is really forced here. One example: I'm currently looking at an ad for a coffee shop that is entirely in English, including "Comming soon May." I love reading people's shirts (they probably think I'm a weirdo for staring intently at them) for the English phrases. I could go on about unique qualities about Seoul culture (man-bags...) but I'm tired :)

I haven't had the chance to fully explore Seoul, since my dad is with me for one more week. So, more updates later!

Susan