I asked my brother whether Korea was considered a first or second world country, because, frankly, I could be in NYC except that everything is in Korean.
This is the view from my parents window. Christian stands at the window and loves to watch all the buses pull in and out of the terminal.
He thought first –
but then made it clear that talking about countries as first, second, or third world countries, is no longer pc. Countries are either “developed” or “developing.”
Christian asleep in the guest room. Considering getting rid of our own bed at home and getting sleeping mats that can be put away during the day, old-fashioned Korean-style.
As a rule of thumb, countries where we send Peace Corps volunteers are still developing. The US no longer sends Peace Corps volunteers to Korea, in fact, Korea has its own Peace Corps-style organization to assist other developing countries.
My mom with Christian (don't worry Chad, that ledge is very wide). The Xii apartments, where we're staying, are in the background.
Heck, I consider a country where an espresso costs me $4 and small fresh-squeezed orange juice costs me another $8 in a stylish cafe where I am the only one not in designer heels – as definitely “developed.”
Watermelons at Kim's Club - think of a regular grocery store, but the size of Costco. Here, even something as familiar as watermelons look different to me.
The subway system is one of the most extensive I’ve ever seen. And you can get almost anything you want in the grocery store, except for good cheese.
Signage is big here. I took this picture my first day here, but have since recognized that is a common sight.