A few observations on life in Seoul
1. While it is technically possible to drag one's bags through the streets to your hostel, you'll feel rather foolish doing so, as the sidewalk is frequently blocked by large utility posts, cars, and other miscellaneous obstacles.
2. If you do manage to reach the hostel with all four bags in tow (and without calling for help), the owner may give you a brave/strong woman discount and a free room upgrade. (Score.)
3. More green space than Tokyo, I think. The mountains are gorgeous.
4. So far, no Mister Donuts, only Dunkin Donuts.
5. Mornings here are also plagued with screeching birds, but screeching birds of a different variety than I encountered in Japan. These sound rather like someone is trying to use a squirrel as a machine gun.
6. Korean language textbooks are way cheaper in the local bookstore than they are on Amazon.
7. Surprisingly enough, walking to the ticket window and saying "ca-do" really is communicative enough to get you a debit card for the subway system.
8. My tongue does not think the food is too spicy, but my stomach begs to differ.
9. When standing in line, do not wait at a polite distance. Old women will not think twice about shoving in front of you if even an inch of extra space remains.
10. MUST LEARN THE LANGUAGE. There are not as many English-speakers here as I was led to believe. There is, however, more English signage. The subway system is still more navigable than New York's.
2. If you do manage to reach the hostel with all four bags in tow (and without calling for help), the owner may give you a brave/strong woman discount and a free room upgrade. (Score.)
3. More green space than Tokyo, I think. The mountains are gorgeous.
4. So far, no Mister Donuts, only Dunkin Donuts.
5. Mornings here are also plagued with screeching birds, but screeching birds of a different variety than I encountered in Japan. These sound rather like someone is trying to use a squirrel as a machine gun.
6. Korean language textbooks are way cheaper in the local bookstore than they are on Amazon.
7. Surprisingly enough, walking to the ticket window and saying "ca-do" really is communicative enough to get you a debit card for the subway system.
8. My tongue does not think the food is too spicy, but my stomach begs to differ.
9. When standing in line, do not wait at a polite distance. Old women will not think twice about shoving in front of you if even an inch of extra space remains.
10. MUST LEARN THE LANGUAGE. There are not as many English-speakers here as I was led to believe. There is, however, more English signage. The subway system is still more navigable than New York's.