Due to the inspiration of one of my friends, I’ve decided to write a post about using a certain resource as a means of comfort here in South Korea as an expat. What may that be?
The internet.
The internet holds a vast amount of information…as well as resources that are able to help a person no matter where and what walk of life they are on. Being an expat, I’ve tried to make life as comfortable as possible…trying to find little things to make our time in Asia a little more ‘Western’ (the region of the world, not the cowboy style).
I’ve recently stumbled upon some websites that have allowed me to maintain a slight level of ‘normalicy’ in an otherwise crazy and foreign world. Honestly, I never thought I would write a blog post about this, but due to the encouragement of my friend (thank you Steph), I’ve decided I would spread the word to other expats out there dying for some good old US of A.
First and foremost…I love cooking and baking. It’s a hobby of mine that I’ve picked up, especially since we’ve been in South Korea. I love the challenge of making ‘Western’ food out of my limited resources here in this country. However, there are some basics I just haven’t found yet. These have included light brown sugar (the stuff here that they call light brown sugar is actually more like unbleached ‘natural’ sugar back home), inexpensive chocolate chips (it’s 6.00 a bag for hershey’s), spices, herbs, flavorings and extracts.
I was randomly given a link one day by a friend (thank you Alissa), and it’s changed my world. I not only found all those ‘baking’ and ‘cooking’ items, I found vitamins, hygiene items, and everything in between! What site might I be talking about you may ask? www.iherb.com. WordPress isn’t letting me put a link to it, because apparently they think this post may have spam qualities. Now that I completely look and sound like an informercial, let me explain. Not only can I find the resources needed to make me comfortable, I can get it with free shipping. Yes I said it, free shipping, to SOUTH KOREA. All I have to do is spend $80 and it’s mine! From what I’ve searched for, this is unheard of with most websites shipping internationally. Thank you Iherb for understanding that not all of us love paying the $50+ shipping.
If you’re an expat and I’ve spurred curiosity in your heart, I have a coupon for $10 off your order that anyone can use. :) You’re welcome. Coupon code: QOZ881
Next series of business. Where do I get clothes? My husband I are fairly tall (he’s almost 6’4″ and I’m 5’8″), so buying pants and shoes are nearly impossible here. Derik has an issue finding long enough sleeves and inseams on his shirts as well…as for me I do pretty good. I’ve resorted to buy the majority of our clothing (if needed) online at American Eagle because we know the exact sizes we need, and we know that the clothing quality is good. I’ve always been an avid and loyal AE customer…probably due to the fact I worked for the company for five years through college and beyond. I am quite pleased with them, and they have yet to fail me-even in Korea! Their shipping is INCREDIBLY fast, you can order something on Monday and get it Friday. Unfortunately, you do pay shipping, but it’s a flat $50 dollars.
Well, that’s enough of me endorsing companies for the day, depending on what people think I may write more of these in the future.