Shopping

Since moving into my new place, I've been quite the consumer. Shopping, though, can be a major headache in this metropolis. I went looking for a used cell phone the other day at one of the biggest electronic shopping malls in the world. There is a whole floor dedicated to phones that is quite overwhelming and very confusing. Koreans don't buy used goods, so finding a used cell phone is a pain in the hiney. I went to countless booths asking for prices of the used phones on display, but was told more often than not that they weren't for sale. Huh??? Most vendors had close to twenty or thirty used phones on display, but none were for sale. Why the f*@k did they have them on display then? And they looked at me like I was the one that was crazy. I guess they just can't grasp the idea of someone wanting to buy a phone that doesn't take pictures, play mp3s and videos, and wipe your behind for you too. One guy even took me to a spot that supposedly sold these used phones, then had someone else tell me that none of them work. Call me crazy, but if I'm trying to sell some merchandise, I'm not going to display a bunch of stuff that is outdated, doesn't work, and is not for sale. That would just make too much sense. Sure, there is a communication gap between me and these vendors and I may be missing something, but I don't think I'm too off on this one. Furthermore, with mobile technology that can do everything but take your pulse, you'd think this country would use some modern technology like a clothes dryer. From what I've seen and experienced, dryers haven't been invented yet in Korea. Maybe I've been spoiled with all my years of having April fresh and soft clothes out of the wash, but I'm having a hard time adjusting to crispy and coarse clothes off the drying rack. Granted, I have yet to buy an iron. I hate ironing though, and I do not want to spend my time pressing my underwear so it won't tear my butt checks apart.
I did finally find a phone, but have yet to activate it with one of the mobile companies here. I'm sure that will be another great experience.

This country really can be weird, though. With all of the modern technology here you'd expect different surroundings, but it is still a developing country that is much further ahead in technology than anything else. The streets and buildings can look ancient, but you'll see kids running around with cutting edge cell phones, mp3 players, and all sorts of other cool gadgets. I'm still trying to figure this place out, and I'm enjoying most of it.