Some interesting items we've run into during our trip...
Korean hotels don't offer washcloths.
Coffee is very popular in Korea. Seems like there is a coffee shop every block (sometimes three right next to each other). However, they open much later than coffee places in the states. The hotels only have one cup espresso machines which usually have a line of four or five people. It's been tough getting enough coffee in the morning. Also, instead of having coffee machines in their homes and hotel rooms Koreans have little packets of instant coffee. Instant coffee packets is one of Korea's largest exports. They import all of the raw materials and then export the instant packets to countries in this region (at least according to Mr. Kim).
In the hotel room you have to place your card key in a slot to keep the room lights, power and air conditioning running. I guess this is their way of saving power. We've resorted to slipping an old JC Penney gift card in the slot to keep the A/C on when we are out and about. Don't ask me why we have an old JCP gift card with us, but it has come in handy.
Seoul and Busan are very dense. Seoul has a population of 25 million in a 50Km radius according to our tour guide Mr. Kim. Busan has little room for highways, so they created a double decker highway over one of the bays.
The streets are very clean and free of garbage which is really surprising since it is nearly impossible to find a public trash can when walking the streets.
Stairs can be tricky in Seoul as many do not have handrails.
Most Korean restaurants are known for one dish and that is the only or primary thing they serve.
In Seoul we have seen many people with dogs in strollers or in carriers on top of their luggage. All the dogs have been small and white for some reason.
Toilets in our rooms are made by American Standard, but have features to warm the seat and bidet features to clean your nether regions.
It has been hot and humid. I (Kurt) walk out of the hotel and am immediately "glistening". Koreans seemed unfazed by the heat and humidity. The majority wear long pants and shirts without seeming to sweat.
Koreans really buy into the notion of hot soup on summer days cools you down. We've had soup at over half of our lunches. It has been a little tough getting used to it, but it really does seem to work.
Love hearing and seeing all the details about your trip. Does Beanie have a new Korean outfit in her future?
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