I am beginning to notice some similarities in Korean and American culture. I live in housing provided by the Institute where I work. A very nice, three-bedroom apartment that is currently lacking furniture save for two chairs, a TV, and a bed. The Institute is basically a gated community with the fencing resembling that found at U.S. prisons. I was beginning to think they might have as low opinion of scientists has the U.S. does. Fortunately, behind the complex is a playground that I can see from my kitchen window (I live on the fourth floor). I guess they are not completely afraid of us. Yesterday, as I was leaving to buy some dishes, I saw a four-year old boy taking a leak into the sewage drain. The look on his mother's face was classic. Busted! I guess kids having fun wait until the last possible moment no matter what country they are in. Reminds me of my youth when I used to... but I digress.
A sad thing happened to me yesterday. I went to register as a legal alien. That went fine. Our Center has the best support staff one could hope for. I would like to think I could have done that by myself. I'm glad I didn't have to find out. Then we went to a phone company that sells internet service. I have internet in my apartment that is not very good. There is a fix. This phone company sells a service that will boost the connection for a monthly fee. Fine. I need to Skype. The phone company told us they don't do business with foreigners. Yes, I am beginning to notice several similarities between these two cultures. Not all of them are good.
No comments:
Post a Comment