Life in Korea is Such a Cliche

We've been in Korea for 6 months now!  Some days it's hard to believe six months have gone by and some days I can't believe it's only been six months.

Some of my more advanced classes are learning idioms so this entry will be full cliches, euphemisms, and figures of speech about things I have experienced, heard about, or witnessed.  Besides, truth is stranger than fiction!

All dressed up and nowhere to go

Fashion is a huge part of Korean life.  Women even go hiking in heals...

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Maybe not an apple, but take your Vitamin C and drink some hot tea and you are good to go.

An arm and a leg

Trying to eat American food instead of Korean food can cost an arm and a leg.

At the last minute

This happens at school.  Sometimes the schedule will change but you won't be told until the very last minute.

Bass Ackwards

I can't think of a particular example, but are times when I think things can be done in a totally different way. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Apparently if you don't have an egg-shaped face, big eyes, high nose, and white skin (no tan), you are not beautiful...

To have a bright future

This is the reason I have a job in Korea.  Parents want their kids to have bright futures so they send them to hagwons (after-school schools).

Close call

I think this every time I am in a taxi.  I am surprised I've never been in a wreck.  It can get pretty scary at times especially when running red lights.

To come out of the closet

Homosexuality "doesn't exist" in Korea.

Drunk as a skunk

...at 7:00pm.  Drinking is a hobby here.  I have seen so many people staggering down the street before the sun goes down.

Home is where you hang your hat

I consider where we live home.

A hop, skip and a jump

You can get anywhere in Korea within a few hours.

I can't stomach that

Some of the food here I don't think I can even try.  I've eaten octopus but I don't think I can eat live squid.

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times

"Don't speak Korean!"  I say this to my classes over and over and over...again.

If the shoe fits, wear it

Because you probably won't find another pair in your size for a while.  :) 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step

We took that step and are glad we did!

The more the merrier

If you're going to a Noreabong (Korean karaoke room).

None of your business

Unless you are asked your age or blood type.

Nothing to write home about

Those of you at home are probably thinking, "that's a big lie.  You are in a different country.  How could you not have things to write about?"  We'll, this life has become my norm and not everything is a huge deal...

Old habits die hard

I desperately want to tell people "bless you" when they sneeze, but they just don't do that here.

Stop on a dime

Buses do this and that is why we take the train when going to Seoul.  I get motion sickness. 

Take a leak

...wherever you please.  I've seen my share of men peeing in broad daylight on busy streets.

Take a picture, it will last longer

We get stared at a lot! 

The best things in life are free

There is a term here called "service".  If you order a pizza, you might get a Coke for free.  Order lots of alcohol at a bar, you might get fruit.  Odd bar snack, I know.  But, it's kind of nice!

There ought to be a law against that

Scooters and mopeds should not be allowed to drive on the sidewalks!!! 

The time of your life

It's what I'm having!! 

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach

Bring food to share at work and you are loved by all. 

What's up with that?

A question I ask daily! 

You lost me

How I feel daily.

It's been a great six months and I hope the next six months are even better!