Journey to unfamiliar grounds

It's great to take advantage of the jet lag-- waking up at 6 a.m. in the morning to figure out where the KAIST swimming pool is located. The Koreans should definitely be recognized for their clean environment, even if it is at the pool. A friend and I forgot our swimming gear -- goggles and swim caps-- but figured it would be fine for a couple of minutes at the pool. As soon as we know it a man with "swimming instructor" printed on his shirt came to our lane, chattered in Korean, and made an "X" sign with his arms. It's mandatory to wear swim caps. "Oh.. sorry we don't have any." It was very nice of him to bring us two caps, albeit a little loose on our heads. Never mind that, at least we received all the attention from the men swimmers as soon as we randomly decided to free style and breast stroke half way as our warm up. It seems that our strokes were much more defined than theirs?

Unaware of a famous Korean custom, I found myself quickly snatching my towel, gathering my shampoo, and bolting out of the women's showers as two or three young ladies entered the curtain-less showers completely naked. It took me by surprise, until I learned that it is common for Korean nudity in places like "Jjimjilbang" (spas, saunas, etc.) ... but I'm not used to it since I personally don't like others to see my body.

As soon as our REU introduction meeting was over after swimming we were up and about, walking to the take bus number 108: our transportation to O-World. Ever been to the Daejeon Zoo? You're in for very unfamiliar grounds. Not only was the thirty minute bus ride full of busy, streets with people selling everything you can imagine right outside the window; but also, two sweet old ladies speaking Korean to you, hoping for some understanding on your part, and using the little English they know to communicate simply "why you go to 'chuu'?" I didn't understand why she would ask this, since visiting the zoo is a fun all-day kind of event. I just figured she questioned why we would want to go to the last bus stop.


Once we arrived and walked up to the entrance, I suppose became more obvious for her concern. The entrance was full of cute animated animals, with very kid-like designs, on top of the ticket boothes. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed being excited for what awaited us. Penguins, sleeping Polar bear, playful black bears, and two Aldabra Tortouise. What more? Oh, once you're done with O World, there is still Flower world. Good place to take pictures, but after 45 minutes I was ready to head out, get on the 108 bus back, listen to Korean music on the radio, and dine out at a Korean McDonalds near the Galleria.


mmm mmm how I've missed those Big Macs...

-Allie R.