I've been living in this country for more than a year and a half now, something I didn't expect to do when I left Canada back in January 2009. I certainly didn't think I'd still be in Daejeon, and without residency, and travelling in these little spurts. Some days I'm desperate to get out of Korea. I don't know why; I'm not homesick and I have no big plans elsewhere. My life here is relaxing and simple. It's just easy to blame bad days on all the cultural quirks that have gotten irritating - we expats call these I-hate-Korea days. I have to protest, though, because I have chosen to live here for now, and there are plenty of reasons why. Most days, living in Korea is like living anywhere - there are sweethearts, and there are a**holes. There are days, though, when I really appreciate the things I'll miss when I go. So, for the sake of optimism, I will be noting down things on my rare I-love-Korea (no sarcasm) days.

I love passing money and important documents with both hands to show respect and attention.

I love serving everyone at the table before yourself, something we've lost recently in the West.

I love how obsessively Koreans separate their trash, and how litter-free the sidewalks are.

I love that smart students are respected, not humiliated.

I love that you will be "serviced" - given a free gift of - face cream at the beauty shop, dog treats at the vet, soft lenses at the optometrist's, extra food when you take out, conditioner at the salon and yut games during Lunar New Year.

I love that when you pay $15 for passport photos, they photoshop out blemishes and unruly hair strands, then give you a small photo album with a CD of the digital image, your full shot, 6 bordered and 2 cropped headshots, and a heart-shaped cameo-like keychain with your oval-cut mugshot framed on each side.

I love that you can live off the pay of very few hours of work, or save money easily while living comfortably.

I love that eating out is (sometimes) cheaper than eating in.

I love that companies pay for work parties of unlimited booze.

I love when Koreans compliment my eyes, and make me feel unique.

I love that Korean co-workers bring each other vitamins and juice when they're sick.

I love the massage that comes with a haircut.

I love how kids can resolve any conflict with a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors.

I love cheap medicine... and cheap treatment... and how modern both are.

I love when the locals come to pet Whisky, and tell me she's beautiful.

I love Love Motels, jjimjjilbangs and noraebangs - and how cheap they all are.

I love the mountains, and the view of them from my window.

I love the KTX (bullet train) and cheap cabs, city bikes and a straightforward subway.

I love the roses and lilacs planted all around public property, which makes for a lovely Springtime!

I love how fast the internet is, and how advanced the cell phones are.

I love having a code for my door so I can't misplace keys.

I love all the sauces and sidedishes, and debating which restaurant does what best.

I love how safe downtown is - no stolen wallets, no fear of crime.

I love that supermarkets are open until 11:30, bars never close and the streets are always lit.

I love being able to say anything out loud on the streets, and be fairly sure no one understands me.

I love that I can pay bills and transfer money to Canada at the ATM.

I love the parks, and having BBQ picnics in them.

I love that whether you buy it from a stadium, vending machine, convenience store or supermarket, your snack will cost the same.

I love that prices include tip and tax.

I love calling waitstaff with a bell.

I love that I'm not expected to be tan in the summer.