My Bologna Has a First Name........And It's Oksu.

Korea produces three things: rice, potatoes, and tea. They have easy access to one thing: seafood. If you want anything other than rice, potatoes, tea, or seafood, you're going to pay a heavy price. In some cases, a shocking price. This past weekend, my coworkers and I took a little trip to an American grocery store down in the heart of Seoul. I am not one for the American junk food and snack craze, but a Thanksgiving feast is very distinct. And I was bored. So the four of us set out on Saturday and discovered the true underbelly of Korea.
I'm not sure if I should be dishing out labels to the selfish Americans or selfish Koreans, but somebody is getting rich off a $15 box of Rice Krispies. I have a rather difficult time believing it costs that much to import Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Or Aunt Jemima for that matter. I nearly did a cartwheel when I spotted the Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups(the first time I have ever seen them over here), and then cursed when I read the price tag of $8. You think a pint of Hagan Daaz is expensive at home? Try $11. Its not like they're trying to save your soul and sell penance; we're talking some milk and sugar. Kudos to those who realized the Asian strive for "Westernness" and tacked a $25 price tag on a box of Nature Valley Granola Bars. Yes, $25!!! Who has that kind of money? I'm not even paying rent, but to drop 10 bucks on a can of Country Time Lemonade would mean I'd have to cut out toothpaste and laundry detergent............
Someone is chewing their 50 cent Snickers bar or slurping their 99 cent can of Campell's chicken soup and smirking at all the shopping carts full of American made products, thanks to not only all the Koreans, but the thousands of English teachers over here.
But here's what I really don't understand - in relation to the United States, Thailand is on the other side of the world; but in relation to Korea, its a plane ride with Karate Kid I and maybe half of II, yet cashews are twice as much here as they are in the US. And another thing, you can't find deodarant or taco seasoning for your last wish, but they have Giorgio Armani? Oh, Korea........you're so silly.


Happy Thanksgiving to those at home. Eat an extra piece of pie for me.