Kim chee pots a la mode

I loved the look of these kimchee pots coated with snow.

They are a landmark in my neighborhood which, like most places here, has no consistent system of street names or building numbers. So, we give directions by saying things like "Make a left at the kimchee pots and go to the Family Mart."

The cinder block wall topped with barbed wire is the US Army base in Seoul, officially known as Yongsan US Army Garrison . On the inside, it's like a small American town. The first time I was there it felt bizarre; it's a part of America that I haven't spent much time in even was I lived in the US, so it was easily recognizable (McDonhald's, Taco Bell, minimalls) but not familiar in the way the NY is.

Living right next to the base now, I don't pay much attention anymore to the juxtaposition of kimchee pots and barbed wire. Unless, of course, it snows.