Home safe and sound in South Carolina. Customs sent me over to the Agricultural Inspection area. Guy there asked what I had in the suitcase and I said kimchi (and that’s all that was in the suitcase) and he asked me “what’s that?” Ok, maybe I’ve been in Korea too long but I kinda assume everyone knows what kimchi is. So, for a moment I wasn’t sure how to respond. I finally said it was sorta like pickled cabbage. Which of course doesn’t do it justice.

He then went off to consult with another government agent and shortly thereafter the suitcase was opened. They took one look (or maybe it was one whiff) closed the bag and told me I could be on my way with my kimchi.