Korea, I hardly know thee!

Having now been in Seoul for a whopping 5 days, I feel qualified to make overarching generalizations about the entire country.

My Korean experience is probably rather different than the average tourist's because I'm already conditioned  to a large amount of Asian culture. So, instead of temple hopping I have been taking advantage of the western aspects of soul.

About 30% of my meals have been Korean food, the remainder have included: burritos, pizza, buttered popcorn, burgers, and Indian food. This has been a welcome chance to enjoy some culinary diversity from my standard noodle/rice/duck head meal.

Yesterday I also had a chance to ride up one of the tallest buildings in China in an elevator. It is truly amazing the growth East Asia has produced during the past 60 years.

Korea

Two days in Korea have been amazing. First, the internet speed is exceptional. I am conditioned to consider 200 kb/s as a standard rate. Here, I can download mb/s.

Second, I feel that S. Korea is exceptionally clean, polite, and quiet. I look forward to a fuller update later in the week but so far, all positive reviews for the city and its peoples.

Shanghai and Jinan

Just two short videos I forgot to post.

The first is a shark tank housed in the center of Shanghai. I think it is on Nanjingdonglu but I honestly forget.

The second is fountain in Jinan that was broken and squirting water into the crowd. The children enjoyed it though.

Korea and Japan Maximization Plan

Two awesome events start tomorrow. First, Blackhat comes to an end and Defcon kicks-off in what is always an enjoyable two weeks for security professionals. Second, also arguably more important, is I depart for a little leisure time in South Korea and Japan. Listed here are some of the events I have planned for my East Asia Tour.

1. Maid Cafes - Japan

Japan has cafes full of girls dressed as maids. Some have strict Victorian themes. Others go for the cute aesthetics where girls chant over your drinks to make them taste better. Frankly, I can't imagine a more entertaining way to spend an afternoon.

2. Authentic Korean BBQ - South Korea

Korean BBQ is popular in China but I wonder if it is authentic. Soon enough I will find out. This combined with Kimchi and other delicious dishes will be a small part of the culinary adventure that awaits in both countries.

3. Vending Machine Tour - Japan

Though I found a claw machine in China that dispenses cigarettes and plush toys this week (eat your heart out underage US smokers). It is nowhere near as captivating as the tales of Japanese vending machines I have heard. Expect a photo montage of me next to all sorts of vending machines in Japan ^.^

4. Screaming fast internet - Both

Not much to say on this. Just a simple fact.

5. Tea Service - Japan

One of the sad changes in China over the past century has been the loss of culture that originated early in the country's history. While China still possess a deep reverence and love of tea, the ceremonies associated with it have become more of a Japanese specialty. Though, in China's defense, they have stolen other countries traditions quite effectively. For example, ping pong was invented by the British but is dominated by Chinese and their national sport.

6. Soju, Sake, Japanese Whiskey, local beers. 

I look forward to spicing up my alcohol choices. Baijiu has never earned a place in my heart but Soju and Sake can be quite enjoyable. I will try and document the local drinking cultures which will inevitably be encountered in Seoul and Japan.

Wow! Time Flies.

I'm preparing to do some travelling later this week in East Asia. It will be a blast and certainly produce some blog worth content as I explore two new countries!

During the past two months I have launched a new website : ForeignGlory.com. The site aggregates interesting news from China, Japan, Korea, and regional policy of the US. If you are interested in helping provide analysis or a feed for a country let me know. The goals is to help people interested in a the region stay up-to-date with current events.

Spring in Bloom

The last two weeks have been very beautiful with all the trees and flowers blooming. Currently, a layer of tree stuff (cotton) blankets the ground like a light spring snow. My apartment has also been quite pleasant with windows open 24/7 and a light breeze wandering about.

Street BBQ 

This is a street vendor who sells popcorn! I will get a video of the process and upload it. But basically they use the pressure gauge to tell when the corn is ready and they let it explode into this giant basket.  

Taxi Driver Chats

Did you know a car is sold in China every 2.3 seconds? Well, that is what I learned from Top Gear last season. I also learned that some people think Chinese made cars will dominate the market in 5 years.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure to enjoy a taxi ride with a driver who loved cars. We spent the entire trip chatting about prices in China vs. America and what countries made the best cars. We both agreed Germany was pretty stellar.

When I told him that some people believed China would be making most of the cars in 5 years he just laughed. I'm sure one day, it will be the case but the country has such a short history with cars, it is a bit presumptuous to imagine they would possess the experience and expertise to dominate the market at this time.

Though the history of cars in China deserves a full report (it really is quite fascinating) I will simply leave you with one more tidbit: Initially, the lanes were arranged in the fashion  of Britain/ Japan where you drove on the left side of the road. However, that changed during WWII when under American persuasion the driving side was switched with the expectation that it would aid American Drivers and reduce accident rates in the war effort. Though, if I recall correctly, the change didn't occur until after completion of the war.