Top ten things I like about Korea

I can't believe I have been here for 3 1/2 months!!! Over the last week I have started to compile my thoughts into a top ten list. People always ask what is the same, what is different and what I like and dislike. This is the first installment in my Letterman inspired series, so you will have to stay tuned to find out the "Top ten things I dislike" and the "Top ten things that are the same". Here goes:

10. Hot water is not “on-demand”. You must hit a switch to turn your hot water on. This is very energy efficient because there is not a huge tank of water constantly being heated in your empty house.

9. Many bars and nightclubs are open 24 hours a day. I have taken advantage of this on too many occasions. Please note: this is a little dangerous :) Plus you can drink booze on the streets, which is fun.

8. Major recycling. They have collections in front of every apartment for cardboard/paper, plastics, bottles, and compost. One of my coworkers got in trouble because he put some cardboard in with his trash, which his landlord found and traced back to his apartment through the address on an envelope that was also in the garbage bag. She proceeded to scold him for his negligence, to the point that he was scared to ever do it again.

7. Almost everything you need is at your fingertips. Most stores are mom and pop operations so you get excellent service and they remember your face (even if it is only because you are a foreigner). Plus I have about four 7-11s within a 10 minute walk which is quite convenient. 7-11s have everything, including groceries, Korean style fast food and beer.

6. I often see teenaged Koreans holding their grandparents or parents hand in public. At first, it looked sort of strange but when I thought about it I realized that it is nice that this is not something that would hurt your “image” in Korea or even if it was, the Koreans do not seem to care. They seem to have a great respect for their elders, which I think is enviable.

5. The ease of living without a car. I have no wheels in Korea but I do not miss having a car at all. They have an awesome public transportation system, with subway and bus stops all over the city (and country, for that matter).

4. This country is trying very hard to promote English as a second language. As a result, things such as street signs, subway signs and maps, and many store signs are printed in both English and Korean. This has definitely been a pleasant surprise for me.

3. I feel safe wherever I am, no matter what time of day it is. There is not a big problem with crime in Korea and it is amazing to see shopkeepers leave stuff outside overnight and not having to worry about it being stolen

2. The weather. I am not going to lie to you, I am enjoying the fact that as of today(November 14), the coldest it has gotten in Seoul is -1 but it is still usually getting to a high of 15 during the day.

And the number one thing I like about Korea....

1. The majority of the food is fantastic…kimchi, galbi, and bulgogi are right up there with steak, spaghetti and tacos in my yummy books. Sundae is not.