We spent the month of December with family back in the States. It consisted, on my part, of binge shopping and restaurant hopping. I was able to buy some things I cannot find in Korea and some things that companies won't ship over, but mostly I indulged in the typical American tradition of over consumption and over sleeping!
After living in Korea for the last 2 and 1/2 years, my perspective of the States is obviously different than it was. I'll just throw out some random observations. If you don't like criticism, you might want to skip the rest of this post. You've been warned.
1. Wow, Americans really are fat (and statistics back me up). I'm truly sorry if this offends you, but it was honestly one of the first thoughts that came in my head when I walked into a store. It's not just that one person here and there was big, but so many people are. And no, it's not that Asian people are just smaller. They're actually not. What they are is healthier. They walk more and eat less. They don't get oversized portions for their oversized stomachs and then complain that they have to walk an extra 10 feet to their oversized vehicle because they couldn't find a spot close to the door. Like I said, I am really sorry if your feelings are hurt by this, but maybe you could learn something from the Koreans.
2. Service in America is appalling. I don't even think it can be called service. If you can't even look at me when you are speaking, yes, I consider you rude and I'm probably going to point it out. When you go in a store here in Korea, they are johnny-on-the-spot to find out what you need. Sometimes the hovering is irritating, but it shows they are attentive to your requests. We've even had people walk to another store for us while we waited to get us what we were looking for. Restaurant service in Korea is different from the States; here they don't come unless you call either verbally or by pushing the bell on the table. But when you do call, they are prompt and seem genuinely happy to serve you, not irritated by your request for them to perform the duties you are paying them to do anyway.
3. Dress appropriately fellow Americans! (And I'm not just talking about decency here, although I am sick of seeing your muffin tops and cellulite thighs. It's one thing to have them, it's another to flaunt them.) I'm mainly referring to people who think sweatpants/pajama pants are acceptable daywear. Unless you inhabit a nursing home, they are not. Real pants are a must if you don't want people to think you're low class. Also, no slippers. I don't care what the sole is made of, they are house shoes only. Once again, if you want to be treated with some respect, dress like you are worth it. As for spandex, save it for the gym, and even then, you might want to think twice.
4. I am really glad to be out of country for this election cycle. Other than the general lack of statesmanship or just plain manners among politicians, I will be happy forgo the sea of signs, unimaginative radio ads, and those endless horrible tv commercials that point out someone else's flaws while revealing nothing substantial of the candidate.
Despite all that, I still love America. After all, it is MY country.
