There were lots of buddhas, lanterns, the best Mexican food I've had since I moved to Asia (Vatos in Itaewon) and no visit to the DMZ! If you want to visit the DMZ you must clear your passport/identification information in advance. We did not plan ahead. As many of you have been reading in the news, the situation is a bit precarious so I wasn't too upset about the lost opportunity.
In broad strokes, people in Seoul dressed down, smiled more, said hello, and were much more open. You know you've gotten used to Tokyo when you see a sober couple holding hands or cuddling in public and find it remarkable. Seoul seemed to sprawl with long distances, wide roads and (happily) cheap cab fare.
I've been back in Tokyo for over a week now. The cherry blossoms are almost entirely gone (more on sakura later) and the weather is warming up a bit.
2 comments:
You're close to the midpoint of your stay, no? Is the endpoint a date certain or subject to circumstances?
Yes, as of this weekend I have exactly six months left in Tokyo. We established a firm endpoint (there are tax advantages to staying just under one year), but it is very common for associates to be asked to stay beyond their original commitment. So far, that issue hasn't been broached.
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