Living in Bucheon, South Korea with my two children: December, 2008
Early morning in our neighbourhood - the entertainment district, chockablock full of restaurants, street vendors, shopping malls and bars that catered to Koreans and/or westerners. We lived on the 10th floor of Triple Tower B and walked to our schools daily. When we exited our apartment building's lobby, we could access a Blade Runneresque cacophony of sights, lights and sounds.
A huge park near downtown - the hub of much activity throughout the year - picnicking, cooling in the water fountains, running, exercising on the machines at the outdoor gym, playing soccer volleyball and celebrating events.
One day after work my Vice Principal took us out to this restaurant and we met his oldest friend there. This became our favourite bulgolgi restaurant - barbequed pork eaten with sesame and lettuce leaves stuffed with garlic, pepper sauce, onions and kimchee. Best to only wrap as much as you can eat in one bite! Always keep your elders' glasses full by pouring soju or makju or whatever they are drinking, holding your sleeve and arm of your pouring hand as you pour. Women are expected to hold their glass with both hands and turn away from older men as they drink. This convention is not common among younger university age South Koreans, rather their parents' generation. The teachers at my schools did observe this tradition and I was expected to demonstrate respect for men in the same manner.
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