What We Miss

I had to make sure I asked a few friends in Korea on this one to give a true perspective. These are in no particular order except the #1 of Family and Friends.

• Family and Friends. Yes, this is the obvious one, but it is hard on all of us here. Sometimes it feels like things are rolling along, meeting a few people and such, and then you have something go wrong, and you really crave the comforts of home. It can also be as simple as enjoying time somewhere in Korea, but even the happiness makes you think about the great times with your friends back home. Missing special days such as Christmas with the family is tough. We also know how hard it is on our friends and family. The best way to combat this is a regular blog for family to feel like you are staying in close contact with everyone.

• Driving a car While it is an option for us in Korea, few of us decide to justify the expense. The seemingly crazy drivers also make it less tempting.

• Playing golf Also an option here, but the prices can be steep at most nice courses.

• Cheese The quality of most cheese here is quite low. Better cheese can be bought, but the price is high.

• Easy communication Although we can get by, I often just wish I could chat with the people in my neighborhood about the Korean culture (or weather, or anything) more easily.

• Kraft Dinner We can get a no-name macaroni and cheese at Costco, but I still miss the real thing.

• Good quality bread We have recently found a bakery, with one nice bread we enjoy, but for the most part, Korea has white corn bread. It is ok, but not like a nice multi-grain bread.

• Steak on the BBQ With the price of beef here, it is not too tempting. A trip to Costco can help fix the urges for better value. Outback Steakhouse also does a great job, and the prices are the same as anywhere back home.

• Canadian sunsets, especially on the lake.