Are you having fun?

After a recent spot of feedback fishing ( I have to go fishing for it, you b아stards are a bit reluctant to just send it to me) I got the comment, “yes, but are you having a nice time?”.

I had to have a good think about that question. I have come to the conclusion that yes, I really am having a good time. There have been the occasional stressful event, and there are some things around me that I don't understand as well as the odd thing I don't like. All in all though I have been laughing a lot and really enjoying the quirkiness of the culture here in Seoul.

I love the fact that on my way to work I walk past:

• tray back trucks selling fish they have just driven in from the seaside,

• a few little men playing chinese chess on a handmade wooden bench, in the street,

• other men watching those men while drinking vending machine coffee in a can,

• the whole chess gang, still there in the afternoon,

• little old ladies sorting vegetables in the road,

• 6 little convenience stores all selling the same things,

• a tank of nervous looking baby octopii,

• a lady selling nonstick pans on the footpath, directly across from,

• another woman selling underwear in the street (including coupling panty, matching sets for couples),

• miniature arcade games for young children to play(the machines are 50cm tall),

• a toast shop, they sell snacks,

• two hairdressers,

• a school,

• a supermarket,

• a pharmacist (who was genuinely surprised that he had ibuprofen when I asked for it and curious as to what is was for),

• two shops that sell brushes and things,

• a store where the lady seems to be asleep half of the time, and

• a large number of bars, restaurants and nori-bang (karaoke rooms).

That is all just in the 3 minute walk to the end of my street.

I am digging the food too. Almost too much.

Korean food is so much more than Kim-chi.