At first glance...

Today will be the third day that I have been in Korea. It is such an experience. Really reminds me of NY except I think people drive better here. Crazy, better, hectic, you name it. They squeeze a car through anything. Drive on sidewalk at times and the scooters...oh man, big props to them. They have great skill in maneuvering. I trust these drivers more than any other ones ive seen in america. Everything's great, except the heat. This humid heat is really taking a toll on my energy. Every little stop is a huge relief from walking in this heat. I know I'll get used to it but WHEN? Im tired of sweating. How hot is it here, you ask? As im sitting here typing, im profusely sweating. Im in a sauna. It seems like nobody sweats here though. Its mind boggling when I step into a subway car and no ones sweating except me. But the most surprising and learning experience thus far is the people. I didn't know Koreans can look so diverse within a single race. My friend joked that it's the plastic surgery, which I can see how it adds to the diversity. But not that it doesn't make sense and I shouldn't be surprised, but fobs in America are pretty different to natives here. they adjust themselves to Americas lifestyle and fashion but here it flies. Man bags, caked on make up with regular clothing, vice versa, guys holding hands with other guys, etc. girls are dressed up in part due to the strict dating "policy" before college. Once they hit college, they get plastic surgery, very fashionable clothing and walk in the city with heels. Heels!!! The known shoe that is the most uncomfortable in the world. But it's understandable. For some reason, there seems to be more girls walking around than guys during the day. Its as if only guys work around here. Friend says they only come out if they're dating. Theyre either at home, or at pc bang, or work. I suppose...but nonetheless, my friends the Sunwoos have been of a great help taking me to places with great food and dessert. My favorite place is 가로수길 (Garosu-Gil). Very classy area in the middle of the city. There are artsy people, nice cafes and it's like a small street of shops...like Riviera village in redondo, or balboa island's Jamboree. I'm still lost though due to being guided wherever I go and in part because the subway system is pretty confusing. I'll just have to study it. There is much to do and I'm afraid that I won't get everything done within a year. I still need to find a job and realized that despite this iPad, life is proving inconvenient without technology. I have no phone, no Pc computer to apply for a job (need flash), and I need to get this ID card for me to get a phone and a bank account. Other than that, it's been a vacation so far. I hope to see more familiar faces in places I haven't discovered yet. 화이팅!! Hwaiting!!!