Why I dont blog every day...

A couple of my friendly American readers (Hi, S and B!) pointed out that I don't blog often enough! Fair point, although sparks of creativity do take a little time to mature in my greying faster than before matter.

If I was so inclined, and wanted to write every day, I could write up a whole load of negativity about Koreans and Korea, but that would just be poisonous to both myself and the country who has welcomed me with open arms. Besides, there are a number of other "bloggers" who do that very well. Therefore, I write about my more pleasant and humourous adventures in the land of the morning calm. Please be patient!

Korea has celebrated Lunar New Year, AKA Chinese New Year. This takes place dependant on moon phase (as the term "lunar" applies) and is celebrated by many Asian countries along with their expat's in a huge number of others. In Korea, it also means that each person becomes one year older!

Let me explain: When a Korean is born, there are officially one year old. When New Year happens, they then get another year older. This adds another year onto their Western age, so when the are Western aged 1, they are actually 2 or 3 years old depending on when New Year falls. Understand? No, neither do I. One of the more interesting but common questions you will be asked when in Korea, is how old you are. This as previously blogged, will determine the both level of respect you deserve, along with pecking order. It also proves interesting, when you ask back, and are asked in response "proper age or Korean age?" It has a couple of benefits, including one for which my Son was very worried about, as he was due to come over for a vist: the national drinking age - which is 19 here. It's Korean age, so he would have been ok for a small glass of Soju when out with us at night!

So Happy Birthday to all Koreans! You'll be over the hill at least one year before me!