South Korea Is a Safe Country

(Seoul might be the safest city in the world.)

Yesterday, I got home at 6 p.m. and turned on Fox News. A 77-year-old grandma from Atlanta, Georgia, was murdered by a black guy who was trying to steal her car. She resisted, and he stabbed her to death right in her own home. The suspect's identity was captured on video, and now the entire police department is scouring the city to find the culprit. The victim's name was Eleanor Bowles. Her family is devastated.

One of the greatest things about living in South Korea is the lack of street crime. Seoul is a perfect example. The city is huge,--one of the largest in the world with over 10 million residents--yet you can walk out your house without worrying about getting your brains bashed in for your wallet. It's a wonderful feeling not living your life in fear. However, the driving conditions are terrible. True. You won't get butchered like poor old Eleanor, but a reckless out-of-control bus driver might run your ass over on his way to the next stop. No place is perfect.

Later that night, I watched the final episode of 1899. The ending is surprising, and I certainly don't want to give it away. But I have to tell you the truth. I hated this show with a passion, and the shocking conclusion didn't make my experience any better. With that said, the program might simply have been over my head. I'm not an intellectual giant, and this is a heady story that requires brain power. So try 1899 for yourself before completely writing it off.

I called Nurse Ken using KakaoTalk. Ken refuses to become a member of Facebook. He thinks that Mark Zuckerberg is a motherfucker.

He said, "Are you happy that you're visiting America in a couple of weeks?"

I said, "Of course I am. I haven't seen you in three years. It's been too long."

"Well, shit got weird with COVID."

"Ain't that the truth. We're still required to wear our masks over here."

"No face diapers for me. Thankfully, Texas is a free state."

I changed the subject. "Granny told me that you've decided to climb on the wagon."

"Yes, I'm going to stop drinking for three months. I'm not going to smoke marijauna, either."

I smiled. "Well, that's wonderful news. Why the big change?"

"My friends keep telling me that I'm relying too much on intoxicants for happiness."

I nodded. "They're probably right. Let it go for 90 days, and see what happens."

"I'm taking next semester off. I'm just going to work in the pizza place until August. My mind needs some rest."

"Well, I don't think it's a good idea, but I won't twist your arm. You're a grown man."

My son has taken all the prerequisite courses for his nursing degree. But before he can officially be accepted into the nursing program, he has to pass an admissions test called the HESI exam. He's a little bit nervous and is convinced that he needs more time to study in order to be successful. Personally, I think he's going overboard. He could pass it tomorrow with his eyes closed. Yet what do I know? Maybe he's right.

I went to bed at 10 p.m. and slept like the dead. Then I woke up at 6 a.m. and walked to the bathroom. I read the headlines on my smartphone while taking a shit. There's been an increase in elderly Koreans who are dying alone. According to the writer of the article, things were different in the past. Families had better relationships and looked out for each other. He went on to say that Korean children no longer care about their parents. The whole story was pretty depressing.

I walked into the kitchen and played with Dolly the dog. That made me feel much better.