I grew up mostly in Seoul, Korea. I attended an international school where I was taught entirely in English. The world I lived was very normal to me, but when I really think about it, it was a little bit strange, unique, and pretty interesting. I lived in an Asian country, in the land of my ethnic origin, but was primarily immersed in a Western based society that followed American pop culture. My background is a fusion of both American and Korean cultures. I watched Full House, had a crush on Zach Morris, and learned about terminal sicknesses and everlasting love through Korean melodramas. I ate tons of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Korean takeout Chinese noodles, and these chewy treats. I usually had two Thanksgiving breaks, first in early-mid fall and later in November. I was fortunate to experience parts of both cultures and am really glad I grew up the way I did.
While I was in Korea, I think the most exotic and foreign part of America was its food and food products. It was easy to find out about American music and movies but a box of Sun-Maid Raisins and Betty Crocker Cake Mix, not so much. One of the products I found so fun was Quaker Oats. I know! It’s a sort of mundane, everyday brand here, but back then, that cylinder cardboard container was special. I probably bought them for well over their normal price at the black market where they sell American food items. I’m not sure why they call it the black market in Korea because those place are not illegal. Maybe it’s because everything is ridiculously expensive but people still find the need to buy them.
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