A little piece of America

So I went to the US Embassy to get some documents notarized today. I was amazed at the security and location. When I got off the subway the signs in both English and Korean pointed out the exit that led right to it. The amazing part is its location, right in the heart of Seoul. All around there were statutes, concert halls, and even tourist attractions.

In my opinion, the US Embassy was located in a very convenient location but all of the security took away from the surrounding scenery. There were Korean police buses with officers all around. Then when we entered the guard house we had to empty our pockets, show our passports, leave all electronics, and get I.D badges. I even got a pat down because of my belt. Every door that we had to go through could only be opened after it was bused open by a guard.

By far the highlight of the visit occurred after we left the Embassy. There was beautiful and historic statues as well as magnificent buildings surrounding the embassy . There was even an ice skating rink that was temporary built across from the embassy.  Two statues are located right outside the embassy, King Saejong and General Yi SunShin. 

No visit to the US or even US embassy can be complete without a stop at McDonalds. Yes , there is one conveniently located within walking distance of the Embassy. While you can find one throughout Korea, my little visit to America would not have been complete without my egg McMuffin. Let it be known of all the American restaurants I have visited in Korea, McDonalds is the only one whose food tastes just like back in the states.

So if you visit the US Embassy, make sure to enjoy all the surrounding sites, bring your passport, and stop at McDonalds to make it complete.

The world from 18 stories up

I must admit that I have lived a sheltered but low life. Looking back I have never lived in any home, apartment or even dorm that was higher than the second floor. That being said I now live on the 18th floor and I have yet to get a nose bleed.

So what is an apartment in Korea like? If I was limited to one word, I would have to say comfortable. We moved in with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They have 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms . One interesting fact about Korean homes is that they are heated through the floor. Yes, the floor is heated and the air above it warms up. There are many large windows which make the need for lights in the day very limited. ***IMPORTANT*** Just make sure that you take off your shoes before you enter. Most homes have a sort of walk-in room as you enter that you need to leave your shoes at.(So please do not wear old, worn out socks to a Korean home.

All the normal appliances can be found here. Form the TV to the toaster. However, you will see a few new ones like the kimchi refrigerator, rice maker, and kitchen radio that also says announcements from the apartment community and rings when someone is at the door.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the door. It has a lock that has a mind of its own. The key is just a watch battery shaped object and it also takes a password. The main problem is once you are inside. I believe that any foreigner should be made to take a class about how to lock the door. There are buttons, levers and even green and red indicators. I can say that I feel safe.

Just make sure that you know when, where and which container the garbage goes. There is a couple of different kinds of recycling and other places for different kinds of trash. To be honest I really am not quite sure what to do and still need to ask where each item goes. I will report back when I have mastered taking out the trash.

So how is the world from 18 stories up? The view is great and life is good.