Yawoori

Welcome to Cho'nan! Last night Julene and I went down to Yawoori, the buzzing center of the city, for a photo shoot. Yawoori is packed full of huge department stores, a sculpture plaza, movie theaters, and shops of every kind. And, of course, it's where every American goes for the comforts of home. Comfort foods, at least. It's got your Outback Steakhouse, Chili's, T.G.I. Friday's, and Pizza Hut. Unlike home, however, you're talking $20-$30 per meal. But sometimes food is just that important.

Take me, for instance. That very night, I spent $4.30 on a short (read: really really little) peppermint mocha from Starbucks. Yes, they've come to Cho'nan. And all I can say is, thank goodness! Because while I write this, I am drinking the "coffee" that is most common around here: a little packet of instant coffee crystals with powdered milk and sugar inside. And in my opinion, that just doesn't cut it. So, as soon as I move into my permanent apartment, I'm going to spend $20 on a pound of Gold Coast and I'm going to enjoy every last, penny-pinching drop!

Before you worry your little heads about my monetary debauchery, know this: I usually have a great Korean meal for $2-4. Eat local! It's fantastically cheap, and equally delicious. My favorite so far is mandu-gook, a soup with egg, and meat dumplings (mandu)....mmmm....

It's still good to know that Chili's is just a few minutes away.....just in case.