That American guy ate a bug. The incident occurred for reasons that seemed sensible at the time. We wandered down alleyways filled with nine-story neon signs, video game arcades, movie theaters, leather goods wholesalers, Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, restaurants with braziers of glowing coals set out in front, and camera shops. Motor scooter drivers zipped through the crowds, and everyone chattered on tiny cell phones. Not only is Pusan packed ten-stories high with thriving businesses, but the roads are lined with street vendors.
Old women sell strawberries, bok choy, and tubs of live carp.
The discriminating customer can pick up a stuffed green cow or a set of toy pigs that perform tricks on parallel bars. Best of all, we discovered a vendor with a kettle of steaming silk worms. Toothpicks were laid out on a napkin, for those who wished to sample a worm before taking home a bushel or two. I dare you. Suddenly I was on the spot.