April Fools.........A new kind of pollen

Being used to the New England seasonal changes and craziness Mother Nature hurls at us on a yearly basis, from Indian Summers to Blizzards and Hurricanes, I figured that I could handle the slight changes that the Korean climate offers. I have been sick twice since I have been here, both times far worse then any cold or flu I have had in the states. Over the past week or so I have had allergy like symptoms, a stuffy nose, mind you I have gone years with out a stuffy nose, and a cough that has gotten worse (not from smoking as I have been doing that for years...dont ask....a kind of cough that makes me feel like I have been working in a chemical plant.)
Today, as we walked around Suncheon we noticed that most cars were covered in this yellow polleny substance, and the smog/fog was thick and became more thick as the day progressed. All of my questions have been answered......
from yahoo:
South Korea on Sunday issued a nationwide warning against yellow dust blowing in from China and Mongolia, advising citizens to stay indoors to avoid the choking mix of sand and pollutants." South Korea on Sunday issued a nationwide warning against yellow dust blowing in from China and Mongolia, advising citizens to stay indoors to avoid the choking mix of sand and pollutants.

Officials at the Korea Meteorological Administration said the dust had blanketed much of the country on Sunday, with visibility in the capital Seoul at just three kilometres (two miles)Yellow dust -- fine sand from Mongolia's Gobi Desert which sometimes includes toxic chemical smog emitted by Chinese factories -- usually hits South Korea in the spring. It can cause respiratory disorders.

Fabulous......so now not only do i have to worry about contracting a cold sore each time the wind blows, cold sores or herpes as we know them are a way of life here, they are part of the culture, there is no fear of spreading them. I now have to worry about the toxins I am in from Mongolia and have been urged to purchase a stylish face mask, also an item of fashion that Koren people of all ages don on a daily basis. I think this is grounds for calling in sick...of course I would spend the day enjoying the breathtaking cherry blossoms, but I would wear my Chanel face mask!