Lots of folks eat out, and ignorance is bliss. Some Americans from some areas were raised the same way- I've seen mothers pick up pacifiers off the floor, wipe them on their pants and put them back in the baby's mouth. So have you. There are no diseases here that can't be cured. A little food poisoning or diarreha may be ok with you. I just had a mother who was a nurse and a daughter who is one. So maybe I'm hyper. And I wash my hands a lot. I haven't even had a cold in 5 or 6 years. I love Korea. You will too, probably. Just know there is some adapting to do.

Every restaurant that I've been to just gives you bottled water or water from a water cooler that has bottled water. You don't even have to ask for it. I've eaten at a lot of restaurants and street vendors and the only place that I ever got diarrhea from was the Oasis at the Dragon Hill Lodge which is operated by the Army.

Maybe that's why the slogan "Go Army" was changed to "Army Strong"?
I have had similar reactions from most Mexican restaurants like the Oasis. Their burgers are OK., and the ribs on the buffet are good.

In response to the Ped doctor, she has now arrived. We saw her last week and she was wonderful. And during the time when there was a lapse they had another ped doctor filling in which we also saw here on Osan. Sorry they dissed you Brianna. Did they ask if you were NCS or CS? Maybe that was the difference.

Personally I live off base and I love it. There aren't any homes available on base right now so it doesn't matter if you are CM, everyone is off base. Unless you are very high ranking and know the right people to get into the one new tower that is completled.

Everyone is so nice here and I have never felt more safe than anywhere else I have lived. Where I live there are at least 50 playgrounds within walking distance and the streets are clean and nice. There are nice little shops across the street and there are even some American places. Everyone has been so warm and friendly.

No, they didn't ask whether we are CS or NCS. They just said there was no ped. here when Matt asked. Even the guy at the Tricare office said there was no one. No big deal-- I don't mind going to a doctor of my choosing in the states. I've been to the ER twice with Wyatt, and once with Paige.

I have a five year old, a two year old, and a one year old.

We're currently in the States - I'm actually waiting to leave to pick my husband up from the airport right now! - but we were at Osan for the past four months, non command sponsored.

Within minutes of our plane landing in Atlanta, I wanted to go back to Korea. I found Koreans to be friendly, courteous, generous, and so willing to work with you. It was a slap in the face to jump back into America's everyone-for-himself culture!

I haven't had to use the clinic. My youngest turned one while we were in Korea. She wasn't sick. She seemed to be growing fine. I didn't feel the need to take her in for a check-up. I'll make an appointment for her while we're here in the States.

We happen to homeschool so I don't know much about the availability of slots at the elementary or high schools. There *is* an active homeschooling group that I can vouch for, though, if that's the route you choose.

Housing-wise, we found an apartment easily. I've not heard of anyone having trouble finding a place to live. Ours is a four bedroom, two full (American-style) baths in a two-floor house. We know the guy who lives upstairs so that makes it nice. Our landlord is terrific and has fixed everything we have needed. One Sunday evening, we ran out of gas and couldn't cook so we called the landlord's interpreter. Twenty minutes later (I am not exaggerating!) our gas tank was full, for a little more than $30, which should last a couple months. Right then, I told my husband that maybe we should just move to Korea permanently. The service is amazing. The people are so nice. They love our kids. They love that we're trying to learn their language and culture.

We have had a beautiful experience so far, and I'm hoping we have the chance to come back to finish up the last half of my husband's year.

Kara