Snack Time

When I first came to Korea, I was bombarded with so many unexpected cultural differences. In some ways I truly expected the differences, but I guess what continuously surprised me was how the differences were often in things and places for which I had never thought to anticipate. The same goes for the similarities. For where I had expected stark contrast, I quite often found congruity.

At first I was a little surprised by the snacks my preschoolers enjoy. These have included: cherry tomatoes, boiled eggs (with salt), sweet garlic bread sticks, and roasted chestnuts. I didn't even realize that I might like roasted chestnuts! Sometimes you can buy them on the street here, and they are actually quite tasty.

I've said this before, and it still holds true; my favorite place in Seoul is Insadong. I adore the .charming little streets with their many art galleries and traditional shopping, the delightful street food and the cultural mix of people milling about the area. And yet, just at the end of this main street is the likeness of downtown new york city (think: neon lights, skyscrapers, high-end shopping and night clubs).

For now, Korea is in such an interesting moment of transition between "tradition" and "westernization." I love that within 5 minutes of my apartment I can eat galbi, sitting on the floor of a traditional restaurant, grab KFC or even some Asian-fusion. I love that just outside of KFC a hajima will sit on the ground selling her her dried herbs and vegetables spread across tarps laid down on the sidewalk. I love that young mothers parading around in stilettos will buy these goods and businessmen huddle around the little claw-game machines at the convenience stores, cheering and hollering like over-excited kids.