The Worthless Won

I am soo very scared because the value of the South Korean Won has dropped about 10 cents (per US dollar) in the last week or so. Although this is not the first time for this to happen, I feel very worried about being here in this country for the first time. Basically, with the current exchange rate, I am making less dollars here than at my former factory job in Iowa City. Considering that I still have bills to pay back home, this totally sucks!

The other worrisome thing that has been on my mind recently is the developing tensions between North and South Korea. North Korea is putting together an army as we speak. North Korea has torn up all peaceful agreements with South Korea, siting hostile intent. Government officials have stated that the two Koreas are "on the brink of war."

This leaves many questions on my mind concerning the safety and well-being of a person currently living in Korea. At what point should the country be considered unsafe and should we foreigners bail out on the country? Is the pitiful amount of money I am making enough to keep me here?

Yikes!

Oh my Won!

Lately, I have been feeling lonely, boring, and sad winter days at home, what with being sick and Will being gone. Korea is nothing new or exciting to me anymore so I am just going to rejoice in the simple things here that make me happy. I have to try not to forget those simple things!

One thing that I always enjoy about this country is the act of withdrawing money from the ATM at the bank. The bills are always crisp and new, and the largest denomination is 10,000 Won, something like a $10 dollar bill! So even with the smallest amount of money, you feel like a rich cat as you fan in out and dream big! Ha ha!

My New Doc Martin Mary Janes!!!!

Seeing as I have basically worn my former pair to dust, I have been in the market for a new pair of Mary Jane's for a while now. I went shopping today with the intent of buying the sweet pair of Doc Martin Mary Jane's I have had my eye on for some time now. I was about to shell out the 150,000 Won for them when these sweet puppies caught my eye.

For only 70,000 Won (about $50 USD), I picked up this cute burgundy pair instead. As luck would have it, this was the last pair, on sale, and my size! They fit like a glove and don't even hurt like heels usually do. The inner tomboy in me nods its head at the comfort factor, and the girlie girl within giggles with delight.

The are very cute, yes?

Cute Eats

I wanted to share with you these very cute kitchen goods. The little fork and spoon collection have pictures on top of a turtle, octopus, fish, and penguin. The little containers can be used for soy sauce or salad dressing for picnics or lunches. You could even put your favorite lotion in one for travel. And at only 1,000 won each, its a steal!