OK GANG, here's the deal. I've been on two photolicious trips since last time I posted, and those photos are forthcoming. For now, content yourselves with the following, less adventurous problems of Our Hero, and perhaps glean from it that he is settling into this strange land with some success.
* Spaghetti in a styrofoam bowl -- proof that it's not "the thought that counts." The concept, though horrendous to you true Italian gourmands out there, seems feasible enough: noodles+spaghetti sauce = spaghetti. In a part of the world renowned for the ability to make, dehydrate, and package noodles, there's only so much room for error in this equation, right? Unfortunately, Korea is also known for its proven ability to seize upon the tiniest space and develop it into a glaring monstrosity. Hyperbole? Me? Never.
I'm just of the opinion that, given the strength of Korea's global network of commerce, especially as regards the West, that they might, you know, find a way to put actual spaghetti sauce in a plastic packet. They can dry-goodsify damn near every other foodstuff, including several hundred species of gooey undersea creature, but when it comes to the marinara dessicante, Korea magically infuses the resulting powder with hot'n'spicy, straight from the spice-weasel. Not that I don't like-a the spice -- in fact, my palate has gone from Near-Swedish to More-Chili-Paste-Please! in a few short months -- but it's the principle of the thing. It's like biting into a slice of pizza to find a layer of Cocoa Puffs: two flavors, both tasty, but never the twain shall meet.
Enough whining. The food here continues to boggle my mind, but usually in positive ways.
* 12/21/2012 vs. the Korean Won.
Alright. If you haven't heard of 12/21/2012, then you should know two things: first, the Mayan counting system is base 20, and its calendar throws in a 13-cycle just to be a little funky, and this somehow conspires to make a calendar that can only count up to December 21, 2012. Second, it's complete and utter bunk. Modern Mayan scholars give it no credence, and the date might not even be correct.
What is scarier than this shiny new example of New Age Nostradumbassery is the fall of the Korean Won, as well as the climb of the US Dollar. Now, don't get me wrong; I'm glad we're getting our economy back on track, but would it kill the US to take N Korea off the terrorist list? From the little I've been able to discern, their reluctance to do so has spurred the North to stop dismantling, and perhaps start reconstructing their nuke facilities, and this somehow makes the South's money worth less than before. C'mon, guys. Poppa needs a brand new student loan payment.
* sickness.
When I started this post, I was sick. I have since recovered. The cure seems to have been a mixture of sleep, The West Wing, and various alcoholic potables.
* a preview of the trip to a mountain
Here is what happens when you don't know how to say "We want to split this large, somewhat pricey meal."
Step 1- The Food.
[not pictured. refer to next image, but halve the quantity of foodage.]
Step 2- The More Food.
Step 3 - The "Aren't There People Starving Somewhere Who Could Maybe Live Off This For A Few Years?" Food.
Step 4 - Food Coma.
And that's all for now. When I have more time/energy/willpower/monetary incentive, I may post again.
Tootles!
- K
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