>SNIP
>
>>I'm always shocked when the people there know I from America even before I say a word.
>>
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>How could they tell? What gave it away? I'm curious, because when I traveled to Netherlands, Germany, and a few other places, no one knew I was American until I started speaking. Although since I didn't have any specific American accent (being from Wisconsin originally) they usually still thought I was from another European country. When I was in Germany they thought I was from Netherlands. When I was in Holland they thought I was German, etc. Due to my Scandinavian/European genes I guess. I also didn't dress 'typical American style.' Was there something in your appearance that broadcasted 'American?'


I have no idea. Must be the constant fumbling of map of Seoul or the white knuckles and wide eyes I get after getting out of Seoul traffic.


>
>Another question: How many suitcases did you leave with and how many did you return with? :o) Having spent years in the military, Korea is a favorite shopping place :o)

We took three medium size ones and came back with the same but with lots of pics.
I can't ware their clothes. It doesn't fit right, unless it's men's suit.

You must have loved Itaewon-dong and all the flea-market there. The exchange rate is not the best right now. When I was there in 1999 it was about 1,250 wons for one US$. It was about 875:1 just last week... hmmm ... or did I get ripped off....