Chiba

We're in the company now of Mi-Jung, Mr. Lee and family as we enjoy this sprawling port city. Everything here smells like fish, which was expected since Busan is one of the busiest seaports in Asia. The markets are crowded with fresh catch and wares and we caught a few bargains there.

This mess of wires of all kinds is symbolic in many ways. Juxtaposed to the gleaming glass buildings and posh services so prevalent, the old street markets still thrive on narrow winding streets. The population density in the major cities forces everyone on top of each other -- no space is wasted, and you're likely to find a mechanic or a butcher shopped in a 30 square meter alcove at the end of an alley. The development here has been accelerated -- there is no time for fancy packaging. Only for pure pragmatism and a tenacious rush toward post-modernity. The ensuing culture clashes are interesting to witness.