Awful Monkey

I'm posting this one a little late because I have been too busy about the ship. Busan, Korea was another excellent experience on this patrol. It was a little more easy going port call with a greater amount of liberty. The vast difference in cultures within such a short distance was astounding. The people in Busan were very friendly and approachable and always willing to help. They welcomed us wherever we went(almost always...). There were a few establishments where upon entry we were informed they were closed, while other patrons were seated. The Russian districts down town were also not very inviting but they didn't seem to welcome anyone except other Russians. We were often mistaken as Russians and welcomed with open arms, but the moment we spoke English we were quickly eschewed. But the majority of the time we were treated very well by our host country. Our patronage to the bulkogi(open grill in the table) restaurants were very inviting. Often times the staff would crowd around us for the entire meal and went so far as to even feed us(even so far as putting the food into our mouths) often times ignoring the rest of the guests(the other patrons didn't appreciate it very much).

One of the most stark contrasts between Japan and Korea was the cleanliness. I won't go so far as to say Busan was filthy, but it certainly wasn't pristine. It was on par with San Francisco, even the climate and city lay out were very reminiscent of the Bay Area. The most notable thing when traversing the city was the vast array of odors. The frequent and random smell of open sewage was found wherever we went(even indoors). I didn't have a chance to experience their subway system, which I'm told is almost as impressive as Japan's, because the taxi services were extremely affordable. The equivalent to $5 American (approximately 5000 Wan) would get you anywhere in the city and VERY quickly. The taxis were always very clean, and very fast. Often times you are weaving in and out of traffic at 100 KPH gripping the handles and hoping to make it to your destination alive. I guess that is why Korea is #3 in the world for vehicular mortality rates.

Everything in Busan was extremely affordable, and if you ever wanted to buy ANYTHING for below market value, this is the place to go. Dozens of people walked away with hand tailored suits for menial amounts. The international market place was bustling at all hours of the day with little shops and stands peddling every type of wares you could think. Many counterfeit items, many local cultural items, and almost every grocery item you could fathom. I spent a large amount of money on a large amount of items, so I will definitely be leaving this place with some great souvenirs to remember it by.

I have to sign off now as work is calling. I should have some pictures to post shortly.