We're back (for now). It's been about 3 weeks and we've settled in a lot faster than expected. It took Jamie a full week to get over the jetlag, but once we got back into the swing of things we quickly started sleeping in until 10AM to take full advantage of our laid-back lifestyle.
It's been real fun being back. Seeing friends, visiting family, drinking easily accessible tasty beer, visiting package stores, wandering around Boston. Everything has been wonderful.
People keep asking us what we miss about Seoul:
The Subway
These days we really miss the public transportation and the taxicabs. Not having a car these days means we're relying on public transportation which, in Boston, is a bit pricey at 1.25 a ride. Also, the train lines are short and old. Not that I don't love Boston and don't appreciate that this is the oldest subway system in the country and that it's, in truth, gotten us everywhere we want to go. BUT-we're coming from Seoul. 9 major lines, busses EVERYWHERE, speedy, clean, expertly labeled. So, you get the picture. We miss the subway.
Taxis
We also miss taxis. The other day I took a taxi for about 5 minutes and it cost $16 because we had an extra person (in a van!) and it cost $6 for the extra. WHAT?! Ugh. So, taxis and subways. We've been missing that.
No Tipping.
I don't even need to explain why this is lovely.
Things that have been fun, exciting or interesting about being back.
PEOPLE ARE NAKED!
We were in the park the other day and a group of college women ran past us- IN THEIR UNDERWEAR. Well, really, it was appropriate running wear for a hot day but having come from Asia where people of all sizes swim in teeshirts-I was a little uncomfortable with all the skin.
As an offshoot of this one: people wear short sleeves! When we arrived in boston the warm weather followed us. But it hasn't' been THAT warm. One day when it was still quite chilly there were tons of people walking around in shorts and short sleeve shirts. I was shocked. And then I thought about how annoyed I was that my co-teachers were constantly remarking on my short sleeved clothing choice and I hung my head in shame.
Diversity
It has been so awesome to ride the train and go to the supermarket and see so much diversity. Really, I had forgotten - people from so many different backgrounds everywhere. Different languages everywhere. It's remarkable, and having come from one of the most homogenous countries in the world, it's so exciting and wonderful. Good job America.
Chatting
As soon as we landed in LA, our first hour in the US, people started chatting with us. We've had more random conversations with people in the past three weeks than in 2.5 years traveling. The man in the Airport who claims to have started the radio station WAAF and who was on his way to Cuba with his wife for an art showing. The lady who's cousin, 65 year old retired physician, hiked the Appalachian trail while his wife followed along in an RV. The anarchist taxi cab driver who's one son is a conservative Police Officer. It's been really exciting chatting with people.
Hiking
In the woods without other people. Awesome.
Well friends, this is just a start. I can't wait to see what other gems we discover along the way.
p.s. We plan to leave for the trail in early May!
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