After finally figuring out all the buttons on the fancy Korean toilet/bidets I have been presented with a new set of options at our hotel in Seoul: a series of icons that show a man and woman, a person with a cane, two children side-hugging, and a whirlpool/starburst/firework. Now the question is: do I dare push them?
UPDATE: I pushed them.
What is it about creating to-do lists while the hubs is away? It’s like making New Year’s resolutions: a)time after time the same stuff keeps appearing on the list and b)those items never get done. While the hubs was away on a business trip I had the audacity to draw up another to do list which included, among other things:
– go swimming/gym
– pick up cat food
– mail letters
– complete some online Korean lessons
– go downtown to stationery / gift store
– swap out winter wardrobe for summer + organize closet
– get hair cut
– organize online photos
– research pet sitters
– research upcoming trip options / plan some summer getaways
One of the best things about living in “the most wired country in the world” is that people understand how to use — and fully embrace — technology. And trust me, having worked in the tech industry for years this refusal to learn anything tech-related/digital — even things like one’s own phone, camera, microwave, or computer — is not limited to any particular demographic. In Korea people don’t just stand in front of the automated ticket machines staring off into oblivion, trying 50 credit cards (none of which work), taking hours to decide what movie/time to choose while ignoring the line of people behind them. Even during the busiest times the lines move quickly. If anything we are the ones holding up the line staring at the screen trying to figure out what to do while people (politely) wait behind us. Korea: 1, US: 0
JEJU ISLAND KOREA
BEST OF JEJU ISLAND | A Guide to Our Top 6 Favorites Off the Beaten Path
Posted on June 9, 2015
Jeju Island was way bigger than I expected and way more sprawled out — we didn’t even scratch the surface in terms of things to do. Because we ‘planned’ everything so last minute we weren’t able to rent a car, which would have been a lot more convenient than taking the bus everywhere. We chose the location of our hotel based on its proximity to the water and, because we had an early out bound flight, its proximity to the airport in Jeju City. Besides Halla-san (a nearly 2 hr bus ride, followed by another 30-45 min hike TO THE START OF THE TRAIL), we tried to plan our excursions around where we were staying on the Northwest side of the island. While I don’t know if we checked off much, if anything, on the proverbial Jeju Island must see/to do bucket list, I felt like we got a pretty good feel for the island, met a lot of friendly people, ate a lot of good food, and explored a quieter, less-traveled side of Jeju-do. Continue Reading
