The Orange Backpack

With the exception of our neighbors to the north, South Korea is without a doubt, the most homogeneous country in the world.  So, you might be surprised to know that for over 30 years, Korea has been slowly luring foreigners from around the world to live, work and raise families within its borders. The result of [...]

It’s been a while now since PSY’s  “Gangnam Style”   became a viral hit on Youtube and made it’s way around the Internet. The song eventually became number one in over 30 countries, and even the North Korean government has gotten in on the fun, using it to parody South Korean presidential hopeful Park Geun-hye in the [...]

Some of you might remember that last year was the big Pepero Day because the date was 11-11-11 and I wrote this  article. This year I realize I am a day late to wish you all Happy Pepero Day so I will just leave you with this image:  

I’ve seen a lot of interesting vending machines in Korea offering things like books and printing cartridges. In the US  I once saw one selling the acne clearing system Proactive and then there are the ubiquitous vending machines  in airports around the world selling anything from headphones to Rosetta Stone. But I’ve never see one [...]

I was supposed to go to Greece in 1999 but I ended up in Morocco instead.  Hopefully, I’ll get there one day………..until then enjoy this guest post:    Greece is home to some of the most stunning tourist attractions in Europe. It boasts of numerous things to see and do. Visiting any of the famous [...]

Celebrating Mo’ bama from the ROK!   Also congratulation to Maine and Maryland for legalizing gay marriage and to Colorado and Washington for legalizing weed! Please clear your calendars for my next visit.  Also apparently Puerto Rico is a state now?!? It’s madness going on and I like it!      

 So I haven’t posted in a while and truth be told I have no decent excuse other than lack of inspiration. My first year in Korea I did so many things that I decided to start this blog and post some of them. This year I have been less inclined to share….at least until now. [...]

Back when Arizona was just another part of the New Mexican territory, before the surrender of Geronimo, the gun fight at the OK Corral and all the other things that really made Arizona famous – there were camels. Yes camels, those giant, spitting, hump-backed, two-toed beasts of burden trekked their way from Texas through Arizona [...]

  I dont know why I’ve never seen this anywhere else because it has even occurred to me, a single person responsible for no one but herself, that this would be a great idea. Only here in South Korea have they actually implemented it. TINY TOILETS! How many times have you seen a mother and [...]

This week I’m still in Arizona and I decided to get off the haiku train…atleast for today. As always you can send your poem/submissions to talktome@theorangebackpack.com    The desert is very dry My poor little eyes Where is Ben Stein???