An Illiterate Literate

What's it like in a land where you don't speak the language or read it? Oddly, I didn't have this problem in China, although I did have my lovely interpreters to help me out. Anyways, for some reason, I am finding buying Korean products particularly hard to navigate. Unless the brand is something that I recognize, it is very hard to tell what is actually in the box or bottle or bag you are purchasing.

Yesterday I tried to buy some dumplings - thinking they would be a good thing to have on hand when I get home late from work or the gym and don't feel like cooking much. ANyways, I thought I'd be safe with a package with a steak on the front. They've gotta be beef, right?

Wrong. I just cooked up a bowl and they're some weird noodles, an eggy mixture, and some kinda gross, tough pieces of meat.

I've also yet to figure out where garbage goes in my building. Today I went and explored the three basements, but couldn't find a garbage bin in sight. Before I take out the garbage, however, I need to buy some special garbage bags. No problem, right?

I spent about 10 minutes in the supermarket, walking up and down aisles. I finally found a section that seemed to have plastic bags. After much deliberation I went with a small box that looked promising. When I finally got home and happily pulled one out of the box (yes! time to finally take the garbage out!) turned out I'd bought a box of plastic gloves. What am I going to do with those!?

I think I'd better start studying Korean...