A few more interesting observations

The picture above is explained at the bottom of this post.

This morning I walked into a Korean bank to transfer some money. I hardly knew I was at a bank at all. Where were the bullet-proof windows? There were no ropes indicating which way to proceed. My jaw almost dropped when there were large wads of money just out in the open next to the teller behind the counter.

There are no child safety seat laws here. Or if there are, they are definitely not enforced. Many mothers drive with the infant seat in the front seat. After infancy, it seems like the the children are free to rove about the car as they please. It makes me hyperventilate a little. Safety is always my number one concern.

There is definitely a disconnect between indoor and outdoor regulations. Heaven forbid the sole of my shoe touch the floor in a restaurant, in certain shops, and living quarters, but it seems like second nature to unwrap a candy bar and toss the wrapper on the ground.

For as much talk as there is about health here, for example we are told repeatedly that Korean food is very healthy, that a certain smell is good for your health, or a certain tea is good for your health and so on, it amazes me that just about every single man here smokes. It seems like the government is just starting to come out with some anti smoking campaigns, however they don't seem very effective.

A couple of things I just can't get used to:

The spitting - it's really repulsive

Seeing raw meat everywhere. For example, in the US if a restaurant is advertising their beef or pork, they will have a photograph of the meat cooked and juicy looking. In Korea it's just the opposite. Apparently it's more enticing to see the uncooked version. The images are literally everywhere.

Now on to some fun Did ya knows?

Did you know that at the commissary the baggers bring the groceries to your car? (yes, it's like a little touch of Ukrops!!) They do work solely on tips and there is a tip box.

Did you know in a Korean restaurant you will not find a steak knife? Table scissors are used instead. You get used to this after a while and actually begin to prefer it.

Did you know they actually make chopsticks that aren't the wooden, disposable version? They are metal. It's their silverware. Something you don't think about when you are so used to metal forks and spoons and wooden chopsticks back home. Makes sense though.

And finally, did you know about this popular display? In the middle of large cities and even in the countryside are these huge multi-tiered golf driving ranges. (Picture above) It's quite a sight to take in the first time you see it, just erected between a bunch of high-rise buildings. Golf is very popular and seen as somewhat of a status symbol. I believe unless you are extremely wealthy here it is not possible to become an actual member of a real golf club. (sorry this is not such a great picture but maybe you can get an idea with the huge green net cages up in the air)