RE: Red Light Green Light

Today I explored the subway system and DIDN'T GET LOST! It is actually pretty easy to get around, once you figure out the system. The stations are numbered and color coded. I went into Itewon, the "official tourist district," to purchase a cell-phone. Cell phones, bought new, are ridiculously expensive (about $700-$880 US), but I bought a used motorola (with a camera phone!) for, altogether (charger, minutes, voicemail) 200,000 Won ($180). When you run out of minutes, you simply buy more; no plan, no contract, no sweat. I like this system.

Itewon is a haven for American and Korean G.I.'s, as the"focky focky" shows and bars can attest to. I saw quite a few other "foreigners" (us!) wandering around. I got hopelessly lost and turned around at one point, and went out the wrong gate! I had to turn around and backtrack. I stopped at an Italian restaurant for lunch, and it was a good meal. The area has a slightly sordid air even during the day; here, women smoke on the street (they don't in the rest of Korea; it is vulgar), and some of them have Eurasian children. I saw many Caucasian men with Korean women, and the occasional hippy. Her, it is apparently ok for the cultures to mingle.

There is a part of the district known as "Hooker Hill," but I didn't go that far. My favorite "show" was the loudly advertized "HaHa - HoHo Show;" I guess that is where you go to see the "he-hes." I took some pictures with my new camera phone, but I am completely clueless as to how to get them out of the phone and into my computer.

I have been told it is pretty safe to wander at night; but it is not the locals I am concerned about, it is the other foreigners.

I browsed through the rather extensive name-brand knock off tents. I am on the lookout for the cheesiest tourist souvenir, but most of the things there are predictable, but rather classy. The "Prada" bubble hair elastic bands were sort of amusing. I bought a simple jade necklace; the lady spoke excellent English and was willing to bargain with me because "buisness was bad" due to all the rain today. I also got a garnet necklace.

I am dead beat right now, so I think I will go back home and rest for the evening.