Coming to America

Do you remember that old Eddie Murphy classic? It has been interesting to be back in America this year. I find the longer that I am in Korea, the more I do things "wrong" when I am back here. I have caught myself doing such things like sauntering right up behind somebody in line with hardly any space although we might be the only 2 people in line, remembering that I have to pump my own gas, looking for a place to make a U-turn instead of just turning left, not doing...well a number of things that are common on Korean roads and not American ones, seeing some kids at the playground and saying mentally to myself-"oh, there are some white kids here speaking English" and then looking around to see that is normal, etc. I'm sure at least some of you can relate.

However, I think living overseas has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of what being an American is all about. That comes with the good and the bad. For example, I look at the amount of trash we just dispose of with no regard. In Korea, everything is recycled. Even the stuff I put in the trash in the green bags goes to someone else to sort out. Very little actually gets put in the landfill. Whereas here, I am flabbergasted at not sorting my trash at restaurants and the sheer amount of wastes that will just be dumped somewhere. Of course, that goes with the fact land and space isn't at a premium. I rode around a significant business park on my bike over the weekend. There is about 2 miles or more worth of sidewalks/walking trail throughout the business park. And nice lakes and grassy areas in between. Every building was one story. With Korean architecture, we could have put all these offices in about 4 buildings of 15 stories on 1 block and saved a lot of space. Not judging good or bad, just different. Space makes it necessary in Korea, but not in Pennsylvania. At the same time, I enjoy passing tree lined streets all over the place and being within 15 feet of more different wild animals than I see in an entire year in Korea. I have seen...well, nearly hit on my bike...chipmunks, squirrels, ground hogs, ducks, and geese. I have seen miniature horses, several types of cattle, and goats. Just an interesting difference.

Perhaps I am growing to appreciate our differences more these days...