Itaewon. Taco Bell. Realizing i'm a foreigner.

Last night a group of us went out for a birthday celebration in Itaewon.  Itaewon is a district in Seoul that has a high concentration of foreigners.  In this district you can find anything. Literally. Anything. Any kind of food, all sorts of stores, all sorts of hookers.  Yes hookers.  I'm not oblivious to the fact that prostitution is everywhere...people gotta make a livin...but i've never seen it on such full display and with such a wide array of options.  I really must give ups to the creativity of these ladies and lady boys.  Very creative indeed.  After strolling Itaewon for a bit, the birthday boy decided he wanted Taco Bell for his b day dinner.  I don't think i can put into words the craze that was Taco Bell,  Itaewon.  3 story building. Line out the door. Supreme nachos everywhere.  While sitting at the table enjoying some chips with my soju, we were discussing the popularity of US chains in Korea and at some point i simply said, "well we are foreigners".  For some reason hearing those words come out of my mouth sent me into a mini panic attack.  I felt tears welling up in my eyes...my heart started racing...all i could think was "what the fuck am i doing?" After a minute or so I relaxed and rejoined conversation, but there in that minute i had a real gut check...something that i'm expecting many more of during the course of this next year.  I guess I just didn't think my first sobering moment of realization would happen in a Taco Bell of all places.  Never the less, realizing you are an outsider is a very humbling experience, one i'm very glad i had.  Maybe next time i'll have one in McDonalds, Starbucks or perhaps a Quiznos?  The possibilities are endless!