Seoul and Tokyo: "They're better at being human"

Better at being human?! Okay, I say that a bit tongue-in-cheek ... I think. After a trip to Japan, Jim Gaffigan said it well in one of his skits.

It takes you less than a day in Tokyo to realize that the basic fiber of living is in many ways more elevated than what you are used to. Running a bit late, my friends and I ran right up to the door of a bus, and the driver sighed. Only then did we notice a marker some TEN feet away, behind which a group of people had already organized themselves into a line and were patiently excusing our ignorance. At the subway we noticed carriages for only women during designated "rush hours" for their greater comfort 😀. And yes, the toilets do make you feel like your country you thought was so developed all your life has actually been (and still is) in the stone age—we're not talking about 4K, AI or rocket science here— just toilets! Why haven't we perfected the toilet yet?

They didn't stop at the toilet, lol. Japan's technology is on another level and has that immediate "wow" factor.

We saw androids that moved, reacted and spoke.

Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

Robots avatars controlled remotely by handicapped, bedridden youths were the waiters (These disadvantaged ones learn English, learn computer skills, are paid and feel a measure of purpose because of this level of technology and good will).

Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe

There was a once-in-a-lifetime display of exhibits (TeamLab Planets) that combines engineering, botany, nature, science, computers and art that lets you "experience" (a written description here or there may mention a propaganda "zen become one with the art" origin idea but it doesn't have a religious feel at all) a museum as never before.

TeamLab Planets

Beyond technology, the basic experiences of food and lodging reveal you are not just on vacation at the beach but are really traveling. We splurged for a few days at The Capital Hotel Tokyu but made sure to experience a couple nights of futon on tatimi (woven straw) at the more traditional, memorable Edo Sakura.

Edo Sakura

Most likely, whatever sushi you had before Tokyo is literally not sushi, and that's no exaggeration. A real sushi bar in Tokyo takes time. You take a number and wait for a table. Then you wait some more while the chef prepares a work of art. It is said it takes over 10 years to become a certified sushi chef in Tokyo, and it shows just in the picture.

Real sushi

Imagine actually eating it.

We tried Mont Blanc, the originally French chestnut cream dessert that looks like noodles but tastes like ice cream, which the Japanese adopted and refined to be lighter with a more balanced "sweetness." Yes, it is awesome, and the Japanese know it.

Mont Blanc in Yanesen

Even McDonald's is cooler in Japan. Would you rather have a Big Mac or a Samurai Mac?

Samurai Mac

They also have an owl cafe in the middle of the city, where you just hang out with owls.

Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou

Before leaving Tokyo, we made sure to visit Shibuyu Crossing, the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, and explore Akihabara, the anime/manga/video game center of Tokyo where they let you ride go-karts on, yes, the actual roads, with actual cars. This one's pretty much only for tourists but even the locals look at you and wave back like "yeah that one is cool."

View from Shibuya Sky and go-karts

Of course Tokyo is just the beginning. A short train ride to Hakone gives you just a very small taste of what the rest of Japan has to offer. There we saw Mount Fuji and booked a private onsen (Japanese thermal waters). 

Mount Fuji and Hakone Yuryo resort

Not bad for a quick day trip.

While Tokyo probably has more of that "wow" factor and thus can't be missed, South Korea is the one that left us looking at immigration requirements on the way back home. Both Tokyo and Seoul tend to do things better than what you're used to (technology, manners, cooperation, healthier food, blend of city with nature), but Seoul, as a city, seemed more interested in sharing its discoveries with you. Tokyo knows it's awesome and doesn't need you, and that's understandable. Seoul doesn't need you either but it still likes you for some reason. South Korea is intrigued by American culture, takes fried chicken, adds some Asian vegetables and spice, serves it with Korean beer and still gives America credit. Korean dramas (TV shows) at times take concepts from American shows, remove the moral trash and skillfully complete the story, the characters and the emotion in a way you never thought possible. No sequel needed.

Naturally we took advantage to "reenact" some of our favorite drama moments in the actual places.

Namsan Seoul Tower and Gwanghwamun Square

We Are Young mural

Drama lover or not, if you rent a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), you gain free access to the palaces. Then wear it around the city for fun.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square

The huwon (secret garden) of Changdeokgung Palace is a testament to Seoul's underlying connection of nature/history to luxury/actuality.

Huwon of Changdeokgung Palace

The malls are better than where I'm from.

Lotte World Tower and Mall

The museums are meaningfully weirder.

Leeum Samsung Museum of Art

The food is authentic, delicious, fixes your stomach issues and that's just the banchan (side dishes).

Normal side dishes that come with every meal at a restaurant in Seoul

They sell grilled, cheese scallops on the street.

Myeongdong street market

They serve a royal tea/dessert to cap an evening.

Traditional Korean desert for royalty

They blend beans into sweet dough, ice cream, fruit and everything in between.

Sweet and salty treats

A culturally-defining, must-do experience is catching a show at the NANTA Theater in Myeongdong. It's so good you don't need to understand the language and you don't need subtitles. Like the dramas or mostly any Korean production, the story, the characters, the fun, the emotion and the soul of Seoul are just that good that cultural discrepancy becomes purposefully irrelevant. You're not allowed to take pictures.

Nanta Theater in Myeongdong

Undoubtedly, the best part of South Korea is the people.

Hongdae and Jeju Island

Like Japan, the culture is rooted in respect, politeness and cooperation, but South Korea is open-minded, less expensive and a bit more fun. They do what they do, in style.

Is anybody better at being human? No. We're all in the same boat with the same infirmities. But a trip to a different world is a privilege and undeniably worth it: a chance to see first hand that others do it differently and do it well. Does it make you feel small? Is the universe tall?—dare I ask—Does it make you a bit better at being human?