Japan & Korea

We have been in Korea a little over two weeks, and having a great time so far! My in laws just left and that was so hard saying goodbye! We all cried, and really hard on Stella. The older she gets the harder it is now that she is really understanding they live in Florida going home, and we are staying here. I know it will take a few days for her to stop asking if they are coming back. We had the best time with Robin and Earl. They were beyond helpful getting me out here, and the first time my mil has been out of the country!! She did the best of all with jet lag. They truly enjoyed Korea. They loved the people, and safety factor. Our kids really hit the jackpot with both grandparents because our parents will do anything to make this life a little easier for us, and I am so thankful for this time I got with them here, and to experience asian baseball/culture since they didn't get to last year in Japan! They start their 24 hour journey home. I'm so thankful to call them mine and all they do for our family! We will miss you both.

I wanted to post some differences and similarities of Japan and Korea. Our blog did get out there in Korea somehow, and just want to say this is my personal opinion.  We loved our time and chapter in Japan it was incredible, but some hard things like being pregnant and so sick. We are loving our time in Korea, and some challenging things as well. 

One of the biggest differences is Taxis!! Taxi rides are a huge difference in price! Korea is a lot cheaper. Its a lot harder to get a taxi here and for multiple reasons... we think first because two children, and don't want to deal with that, and I also think Americans sometimes. We have been loaded up stroller kids everything, and the driver will throw a big X up for us to get out.. really?? couldn't you tell us that before we did all of that? Like today you aren't supposed to have more than 4 people I guess and the guy yelled at us the entire way to the field...we tried getting out and he said no, and kept saying no and yelling at us.. lol that would never happen in Japan. 

Trains are very easy like Japan, but people are kind of rude. I had one old lady push me in the ribs on purpose the other day while I was trying to get the kids situated. You are supposed to fold the stroller up, but so sorry two kids young children not happening. Strollers are very challenging here like Japan. Not as bad as Japan my double side by side fits in most places, but so many escalators its tough. I will have to wear Cope a lot when I'm solo which is everyday. I have been looking at getting another stroller, but going to see how it works alone and how difficult it will be. 

I think some food is more expensive here, or cheaper depending on what it is. Watermelon was over $100 in Japan here it is maybe $20. Still expensive compared to states! We have a ton of grocery options in our building, or even a couple blocks away. I had to walk so far in Japan. They sell lunch meat here, they did not in Japan. Lunch meat for about 15 slices is around $20, but that is what I eat every single day so just part of living overseas. Both places you have to bring your own grocery bags, they do not have them. Korea does have shopping carts, and I found in Japan most did not they would have small baskets to carry. We are so spoiled in America with our huge SUVS target where you can get anything and everything and then some (talking about me) here you buy what you can carry home in the scorching heat. Great leg work out though! 

People will not move in the elevators if trying to get in with stroller, they literally just stand in your way.. so I just have to keep pushing slowly to get in. I will say I don't think they are being rude or anything I don't know why they do this, but overall a very kind country just small things I'm noticing like hoping on elevators first even if standing there for a few minutes, or not moving..

No tipping anywhere in both places, you do not tip waiters, cab, hair nothing! It's awesome! 

At restaurants they want you to order everything at once. The other night on our date they brought us 3 different bills, but we only wanted our appetizer, then meal, dessert..They will only give you 2 small paper napkins so use them wisely. lol thank you baby wipes

The grossest thing to date.. we found out the hard way with a plumber.. they do not flush toilet paper in the toilet!!!! He told us nothing in toilets at all! ummm sorry...not changing that.. 

We live in a 30 story building in Mokdong a very nice town and our apartment is for sale right now for $1.6 million... I can't wait to post pictures because it's insane the difference of living in a huge city such as Seoul, and what you get for the money. My mouth dropped when I heard the price. Our building is the largest residential building in South Korea.

The trash is a big deal here, same with Japan but we never got in trouble so never bothered splitting it up (sorry Shu if you're reading this lol) Here they don't mean maybe... You have to empty all food in one small green bag and we freeze it so doesn't smell... then another bag is plastic, paper, metal, glass, and then random bag of small things you can sort...It really was so challenging at first but we don't have garbage disposals and even that we have to put a cover in it and throw in food bag daily so it doesn't smell. There is a trash guy who stands down there to make sure you are sorting correctly in the garbage room at our building.  So mom and dad.... No cutting corners when you get here! I can't WAIT to see my dad's face when I explain you take the food off your plate and put it in this bag in the freezer. haha 

Everyone was obsessed with Stella in Japan. Her curly hair, and being American of course. Here they barely look at her and are crazy over Cope. They will stop to turn and talk to him or touch him and he always smiles so that makes them want to talk to him even more. I know its the baby factor too, but everyone wants to see him. 

Living is a lot easier in Korea. It's very americanized, and a ton to do right in our building alone or the next block over! Yes groceries are challenging finding things or if following a recipe, but night and day when it comes to food choices from Sendai. We didn't have one American restaurant. We have a couple right by our building here. 

We went to church on Sunday.. It was great until the last part of it, and unfortunately will not be going back, but it was so so difficult with the kids. I think I may end up giving up trying to visit since Jake can't go with me anymore (he came because off for all star) and just watch ours online...it was quite the experience though! It was the closest and "only" 10 minutes away which took over 20-30 because of traffic.

I think with baseball it's pretty similar culture wise. The expectations are harder here I think because they do release so I think the pressure is a lot. The atmosphere is the same both die hard fans even if its 14-1 they will still cheer the entire game. We are in 4th spot as of right now and are going to the playoffs. That would be exciting first time since 2012 since Jake has been apart of a team to go to the playoffs. I love the baseball games! They are so exciting and love the fans! People come talk to me throughout the game, but I really love it and interacting with the people here. 

We got to go site see over all star break and explore Seoul. It is crazy hot here like Florida, but walking everywhere is something we have to get used to! We have really enjoyed Korea and trying to make the most of it while we are here.