South Korea Updates......

I can't believe we have been here for almost 3 months!  My feelings about Korea might be tainted by the fact that we just left one of the most beautiful, delicious places ever.  It might not be fair for the AF to send people to Korea after 3 years in Italy :-).  We have had a really rainy, humid summer - I think we've only had about 15 days of sunshine since we have arrived.  Driving in Korea is pretty much crazy - even more insane than Italy.  There is lots of ignoring of traffic signals, stop signs, lines in the road and other normal road rules.  They are also really into using their horns and I've now used my horn more in the last 3 months then I have for the entire time I've been driving!   Sadly, I'm not exactly in love with Korean food either I feel it has really strong flavors (of the fermented onion and garlic variety) and they stick with you for like 3 days.  We haven't really seen the natural beauty of South Korea yet (we must need to get out more ;-).  I also feel so strange and helpless about our proximity to North Korea.  I think constantly about the terrible conditions and immense suffering of people that are really just miles from us separated by some random line drawn in the sand.  GEEZ! I sound like Debbie Downer!  Now for some postives, we found Carlie a really nice preschool that she enjoys going to 4 mornings a week, we have a nice, comfortable apartment and the best thing is that we are all together!!!! The South Koreans we have encountered have been so helpful, kind and gracious. They are also very efficient and really value customer service we had an apartment, Internet, and phone all set-up only a week after we arrived - unheard of in Italy!

Carlie showing off her Hello Kitty Krispy Kreme (only in Korea)!

We stopped at this information center in Seoul for directions and they enthusiastically asked us if they could dress us up in traditional Korean clothing.  I think they were more excited then we were but, Carlie and I had fun.  The wanted us to pose for pictures and were very kind.  Here they are getting Carlie ready....

Outside the gates of a big temple/park in Seoul.

Standing outside of our apartment all dressed up for story character day at her pre-school - the cutest Little Red Riding Hood!