DMZ

Aside from catching up with Eric, hiking, touring Seoul, visiting Changgyeonggung Palace, feasting on the delicious, spicy, meat accompanied with fresh vegetables (interestingly enough Koreans use metal chopsticks because they view wooden chopsticks as unsophisticated), and experiencing the nightlife, Duffy and I visited the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. For me, this was a highlight of my trip to Korea. To see the DMZ, step on North Korean soil, feel the intensity, and hear a bit more about one of largest conflict areas in the world was incredible. We were able to visit the building where the armistice agreement was signed, a small building spanning both North and South Korea. We learned of how a North Korean once tried to drag a South Korean to the North, and while the former South Korean and US presidents were meeting elsewhere in the world, North Korean soldiers took the flag sitting on the table and one blew their nose in the US flag and another solider shined the bottom of his shoes with South Korean flag. We also were able to view the bridge of no return where POWs from the Korean war were able to go North, or to the South, but once they made a decision they could not go back. We hiked down a tunnel that the North Koreans dug under the DMZ. While we are virtually certain that this tunnels purpose was to be used in a ground attack against Seoul, the North claim it was used for mining coal. The North went as far as to paint rocks black to make it look like coal.

Visiting Eric in Korea

Oct. 27, 2007 Last week I visited Eric Duffy in Korea. With Japan’s long occupation of Korea, I found many similarities, yet some striking differences. The two biggest differences was the cleanliness of the streets, and reception we received as westerners. Korea’s streets were certainly not as clean as the streets in Japan. I think this is more of a tribute to Japan’s cleanliness than anything else. I also experienced a rather cold reception as a westerner in social situations. From what I understand, Korean men don’t look at western men too highly, and the Korean women are looked down upon if they interact with western men. I am not certain why this is but my guess is the combination of western men treating women with a bit more equality, as well as the large US military presence in Korea. And just how does Korea feel about the US military presence? First things first, Korea views North Koreans like their brothers and sisters. Of course they despise Kim Jong-il, the current dictator. As for the US military, I think the Korean culture is nationalistic in nature. That being said, I believe the older generations appreciate what the UN, lead by the US, did during the Korean war. At one point, the vast majority of South Korea was controlled by the communist North, supported by Russia. The UN pushed them back past the 38th parallel and almost overtook all of present day North Korea. The present border is at the 38th parallel, agreed upon in the armistice agreement. It seems the younger generations desire a bit more autonomy from the US. This view is understandable, however with an unpredictable dictator to the north, South Korea is not strong enough to defend the DMZ alone.

Hiroshima

Oct. 17, 2007 Last weekend I visited Hiroshima. I am not even sure where to go with this post. I do believe everyone should visit Hiroshima (Japan has been trying to bring part of the A-bomb museum to the US for a number of years but the US government as rejected such requests. Europeans have accepted, and part of the A-Bomb museum can be seen in Europe), just as everyone should visit Aushwitz. The devastation that took place in Hiroshima is mind-boggling. The immediate deaths, and the slow deaths that occurred was astonishing. The memorial, museum, and peace park did a tremendous job in both immortalize the deaths, and educating visitors on the destruction and devastation caused by the bombs. Yes, there were hints of the atrocities that the Japanese carried out during the war, and in previous years. However, it also hinted towards the politics behind dropping the A-bomb. None more surprising than the Russians coming close to declaring war on Japan, and the US wanting to end the war quickly in order to have the most leverage in the area.

Retire now, or later?

A few months back an older relative asked me if I continue to travel now, what am I going to do during retirement? Ha. I didn’t know how to answer, and frankly I still don’t. But I do kind of like living the “retired” life now because I know that I am healthy and may not even live to see “retirement,” as it is typical defined. I also believe that I can better use and apply the experiences that gain now, throughout the rest of my life. Carpe diem!

Displays of affection in Japan

Today I spoke with one of my Japanese colleagues, an English teacher, about the differences in displaying affection in the US and in Japan. She told me that most couples in Japan do not hold hands, hug, or kiss in public. She has never even seen her parents kiss. Imagine their reaction when I told them that in Panama they kiss on both cheeks! Recently a picture surfaced of former Prime Minister Abe kissing his wife in the “progressive country” of the United Sates of America. This came as a shock to most Japanese people. My colleague told me that most voters did not even know if a Prime Minister hopeful’s wife was alive or dead. Can you imagine not knowing the personal lives of President George Bush or former President Bill Clinton? What would the press talk about?

Family pictures at work

Family pictures in the work place Personal lives are kept separate from work lives here in Japan. Yes, the same can be said for the US culture, but to a lesser extent. While I did not have pictures of my family on my desk at the time (sorry Mom), I was told, and then saw for myself, that no one in the office had pictures of their family or friends on their desk. Displaying these pictures are viewed as selfish, not modest, and could potentially hurt others. How? I was given the hypothetical question that if a colleague had a picture of their baby on their desk, and I walked by after having just lost my new born, how would I feel? Or if I had a picture of my wife (no Mom, not yet), and someone else was alone, wanting to find a wife, how would that make them feel? Certainly an interesting perspective.

Interesting facts

Interesting facts • I drink about 8 cups of green tea a day. • After purchasing a phone, I was given fireworks as a “gift” from the service company. • Just after we met, one of my soon to be female students asked me if I wanted to fight. • We recycle here- burnable, paper, large items, metal etc. are collected on different days. • I have used chopsticks at every meal since arriving here... ok, except for one. • Some streets have arrows painted on them depicting where to walk and in what direction. • Grown men read comics. • I can never pour my own beer, I always have to wait for someone else to do it for me. Thus far, this has not been a problem. • The Japanese do love their Karaoke. • It is not customary to eat an/or drink while walking, but drinking alcohol in the streets is legal. • The same strict laws apply if you are driving a car under the influence (zero tolerance) or are riding a bike under the influence. • The Japanese have three writing systems – Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana. • In Japan, drivers drive on the left side of the road.