This will probably be my last post from South korea, I might try to do one more later on tonight.

Jenn and I went out about lunchtime to LaFesta. We had as good look around the shops and bought a few bits and pieces. We went to the record shop so Jenn could buy some music and I found 'Frozen Flower'!!! Even thought I'd promised myself not to buy any more stuff for myself I had to have it.

Oh, I forgot - Jenn and Jaron went to an outlet shopping park yesterday and saw Kim Bum and Joo Jin Mo he's in frozen flower) filming dream! Jenn managed to sneak a picture of Kim Bum But alas couldn't get one of Jin Mo!

Anyway, after acouple of hours shopping we made our way to "Coffee and Dogs-I love Puppy".

We walked in and as the dogs spotted us they all came running to the door, it was pandemonium. We were shown in by a nice young man and we ordered our drinks. Immediatly the dogs were on us. We bought some food and fed them. I've never had so much fun! There were a few people in there and a few children that seemed to be there with the express purpose of playing with the dogs. We ended up buying more food for the children to give to the dogs. We had a chat with one of the men there, he said his name was Joe (we initially named him number one). His English wasn't great but he managed to say that he loved London. We had a bit of a laugh with him. He and the other two men looked at my tats and admired them. We were there nearly 2 hours but the time went quickly because we were having so much fun. The dogs were great, they were all really friendly and there were no dog fights. I think a doggie creche is a great idea but I dion't think it would work in London because of health and safety issues. Jarons friends Josh and Kito leave their dog there and they said he always comes home really tired. I'm not surprised because the dog are free to roam and there are people to play with. The three men there also play with the dogs. One of them was playing with them with a laser beam on the floor! The dogs seem active the whole time. It's better than leaving them on their own while you're at work all day.

Oh well my case is 99.9% packed. We've been cleaning the flat up too. We are going to be at the airport at lunchtime tomorrow so we'll leave here about 11ish. I have very mixed feelings. I'm looking forward to getting home and seeing everyone but I also feel very upset. I've had such a positive experience here. I've seen and done some wonderful things. I've made some firm friends and met some great people. I know when I walk away from here with my suitcase tomorrow I'm going to be crying like a baby! I know I'll be leaving a little bit of my heart here :(

Just a few more observations:

The trains: People sell things on the trains. I don't know if it's for charitible or commercial purposes, but it's quite usual to see people pulling small carts through the carriages and to see people stop in the middle of a carriage and deliver a sales blurb. So far I have seen CD's, slippers, handkerchiefs and big fluffy gloves for polishing! In fact the man gave a demonstration by cleaning the train doors and windows!

Quite often in the evening people are asleep on the trains.

I've got used to seeing groups of young men sitting with their arms around each other or leaning against each other, I've even seen young men holding hands.

It's quite common to see people preening themselves in their mirrors or in their reflection in the windows. The stations often have full length mirrors where people preen themselves before leaving the station. (Claire you would so be at home here girl!)

Other things:

So many people wear glasses here. The streets are full of glasses shops, shoe shops, mobile phone shops and donut shops!

People wear health masks if they have a cold and it's very rude to sneeze at the dinner table (but the ajushi's spit in the street!).

Seoul if full of apartments - everyone seems to live in an apartment (Arirang reckons it's 40%)

People really do bundle up their good in pieces of cloth in order to carry them around (just like they do in the drama's)

Students study all the time. At the weekend in starbucks there are many youngster sitting there with a coffee and their books open.

Ajummas wear the most amazing visors! And yes - I have seen them wearing shell suites.

I also saw a group of ajummas fixing the paving slabs in the street!

It seems normal to wear small flesh coloured plasters on you face to cover up spots. Ive seen beautifully made up girls with a plaster on their face!

I found a shop selling couples clothes! I though they only existed in dramas.

I saw a t- shirt in a shop window with the logo "Love is what you thing off during the sad songs" Why oh why don't they check their spelling or grammar with an English speaking person. I've seen signs such as "food do not bring in" and " dog is not allowed" on shop windows. Actually I do think It's quite sweet.

Home plus (Tesco) is madness! It's a cross between a market and a supermarket inside. There are small tv screens on the shelves selling the products and the place is as noisy as hell - I love

it!!

I've just got used to the money, the roads, the metro, the people etc. and I have to leave!!!

Oh well I'm off to finish cleaning the flat now. Having our farewell dinner with Josh and Jenn at the restaurant downstairs later.

Got up early today and made my way over to the other side of Seoul to Jamsil. I was heading for Lotte World so I could visit StarAvenue http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=770125
I paid my 10,000 thoufand and was let in by a young lady. she asked if I spooke English and when i said 'yes' she said 'Good I will guide you'. She took me around all of the sections and explained them to me. We had a nice chat when we finished. She told me she had been to London and cambridge and she really liked England. She also said that most of the visitors they get are Japanese amd as she can't speak Japanese she gets bored. I left there and had a quick look around Lotte world. The place is amazing! Ice rink, amusements, shops etc. I could have spent hours there just wandering about. I left there and got back on the metro to Anguk so i could visit Insadong and shopfor souveniers. OMG I bought some really corney stuff! I won't say here what I bought because some of it is pressies, but lets just say I have more DBSK stuff now.
after I had shopped I made my way back to the station. It was geting on for 5pm and the metro is really crowded in the rush hour. I managed to get myself and my goodies home in one piece. When I got back Jenn had arrived. She's a friend that is staying for a couple of nights. We went to JDPP (Junsu'd dad's pizza parlour)
After a bit of discussion about what and how many pizzas to have we finally ordered. Thank god because I thought I was going to die of starvation!
Our Pizza arrived and as we ate amd chatted I noticed there were a lot of older women in the place, probably Japanese. We finished our food and as we were sitting and chilling a man walked in. Jaron was like 'do you think that's his dad?' This man then started greeting everyone.
OMG It was Junsu's dad. We had our pics taken with him and sort of had a chat, His English was bad but when I said in his ear 'Beat SM!' He gave me a big smile and handshake so I think he understood that. When we left he walked with us to the door and shook our hands and thanked us. He was so lovely! I feel really honoured that I actually touched Junsu's daddy!!! I mean it's a bit like touching Junsu cos they are the same flesh and blood!!! Oh well fangirling over now....
After dinner we went home and Jaron went out to meet a friend. Jenn and I have been sitting here watching DBSK, we've watched a surreal Korean film and just generally chatting. I can't believe tomorrows my last day. I'm going to finally have coffee with the doggies, Jenn's coming with me. then we are going to look around the shops. Jenns going to help me clean the apartment too - bless her! I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends again but I feel really sad at leaving Korea, I love it here!

I haven't written a anything for a couple of day so I have a bit to catch up on.
On Friday I went to meet my lovely friend Sang Kyun. I was very excited because I haven't seen him for a long time. I wanted to see the river so he took me to Seonyudo park by the the river. The park was beautiful but the river was even moreso. We sat by the river for a while and chatted. As we talked I realised that my friend was not a boy but a man, he is so confident and clever. He told me he hadn't spoken English since we last met but his English was great. It was so hot in the park! We then went into Sinchon and ate chicken. After our meal we went to Starbucks for Iced coffee! He had to leave at seven and I had to go and meet Jaron so we parted company on the train when it reached my stop, I felt sad to say goodbye to him as it will be some time before I see him again. It was an absolute pleasure being with him as he is one of the nicest young men I have ever met.
Jaron and I wandered around Myong Dong for a while, Jaron bought some clothes. He then went to meet David for a drink and I went straight home as the heat had drained all of my energy. It was an interesting journey. I sat next to an old man (Mr. park) and he started talking to me. his English wasn't great but it was much better than my korean. We spoke about all the usual stuff - why was I here and what did I think etc. We also discussed the political and economical situation in Korea! He was a lovely man and before we parted he gave me his card and said I was to email him so he could keep in touch with me.

The next day we planned to go to Itaewan but I decided to go to the Worl Cup Stadium in the afternoon. It was about 40 minutes away on the metro. When I arrived at the station I was very impressed with the decor. I came out of the station and had a look around and then I decided to walk towards the Museum. It cost me 1000 to get in and I was shown in by an ajushi. After I'd looked around for a while he came up to me and said he would show me the stadium. He took me through a door and we walked right into the stadium! It was spectacular! He took me to the pitch and took photos of me. Then to the dug out where Man U sat a couple of weeks ago, the Seoul dugout, the away team changing room and I sat on Rooneys seat, the warm up room, the coaches room, the reception room and then we walked the path the teams walk when they come out onto the pitch. All the time he was taking my picture. I'm grinning like an idiot in them because he was very funny and kept making me laugh! I watched a short film on the history of South Korea in the world cup and had a chat with another man who had immpecable English. He said it was a shame that none of the Seoul players were there because he would have introduced me to them. On my out I visited the shop and was able to pick up some souveniers.
I walked back towards the station and went into the stadium to find starbucks. The stadium has a huge cinema in it as well as ashopping centre and a banqueting suite. I walked throught the cinema's huge lobby to get to starbucks and I noticed an area where there were handprints of Korean actors. I spotted Kang Song Ho's hand print and picture - I was well happy!! I went into a convienience store to get some water before I went to the station. I saw a young man in an Arsenal shirt. Of course I had to smile at him. He and his girlfriend came up to me and asked me if I liked Arsenal. We chatted about the team for a while and how I was a supporter etc. He said his dream was to go to London one day to see them play live and go to see the stadium. I gave him my Arsenal keyring telling him it came fom the shop at the stadium. I thought he was going to cry! He was so grateful and wouldn't stop thanking me. I told him it was my pleasure and that he must be a good man as he has good taste in football teams.
I eventually got on the train home and something funny happened. A Christian lady got on and was handing out leaflets. Three young boys sitting opposite me refused her leaflets and she started lecturing them. I coulddn't understand what she was saying but it soundedd like they were getting a good telling off. I was trying my hardest not to laugh but one of the boys looked at me and that was it! We both burst out laughing and the ajuma just carried on scolding!
On the way back from Jeongbalsan station I had a little look around La festa and bought a couple of bits. I decided to go the the record shop and there was AADBSK season 3!!!!! I just had to buy it. It cost me 23 pounds, on Yesasia it costs 88 pounds! I also bought the latest live album which cost me about 8 -yesasia 13, so I got some bargains!
When i got home it was shower change and out the door to Itaewan. We met Jaron,s friends and had BBQ. Then we went to a Noraebang. No alcohol was allowed so we sneaked in Soju and beer. Unfortunatly the ajoshi caught us and had a moan. I couldn't understand so I didn't care. he only found one bottle of beer so we still had beer and soju hidden. Everyone had a sing and David sung Hug for me. Jaron Sang Mirotic for me! It was really cool.
After that we went to the bar and started drinking and dancing. I got chatted up by some French man and a very young looking Korean boy tried to cozy up to me but he looked about 15!
As I was dancing on the stage a man came up to me and shouted JoJo! I thought he looked familar. He said "OMG I met you in Ku bar in London a few months ago and now you are in Korea!" It was surreal - I remember meeting him and his friend at Ku and telling them I wanted to visit Korea and chatting with them all night.
It was a great night and I ended up getting the train home this morning.
Another ajushi spoke to me on my train journey. His name was Kim Dong Ho and he was learning english. We had a reallty enjoyavble chat aboout all sorts of things. and when he left he gave me email adress with a request to keep in touch!
Today I'm just chilling out! Tomorrow and Tuesday I have things planned - hopefully Star Avenue and the big lake, oh and coffee with the doggies!!!

I woke up yesterday and it was raining. It rained all day and throughout the night. It rained for half the day today. When I say raining I mean torrential rain! I've not seen rain like it before! Jaron made me go out to get dinner with him and even though we had umbrella's I still got wet.

It must have been bad because it was featured on the news and seemingly it caused a lot of road accidents (no surprise there then!) In fact it was reported that Daesung from Big Bang was in a car accident that caused him to break his nose and his coordie that was in the car with him is in a bad way. I hope they recover soon.

The rain stopped mid afternoon today so I clamberd to get out. I was going stir crazy!!

i decided that as my plans to explore Lake Park were ruined I'd visit the mall on my doorstep, then if the rain started again I would be close to home.

Last night I was introduced to the delights of Korean Toast. this is a sandwich made from 2 pieces of bread toasted with butter on a hotplate then stuffed with tasty things. I had egg (i think that's standard) ham, cheese, and veggies. There is a thin layer of syrupy stuff to add sweetness. OMG delish!!! I promised myself that if I completed my missin to find a DVD shop I could have one of these for dinner. I looked around for ages, just browsing the amazing shops selling anything from Hello Kitty socks to giant teddy bears! Then I found Synnara Records. Not a record in sight but lots of CD's and DVD's. Lots of Korean stuff but quite abit of western stuff too. Then BINGO!!! There on the shelf in front of me was Tohoshinki's 1st Asian tour DVD. This is the one that yesasia won't ship to Europe so it has eluded me! It was soon nestled in my grubby little mits as it was the last one! And it only cost 12 quid!!!n i also bought their latest single. i was looking for MC Mong and FT Isalnd's singles but couldn't find them. I must say that the artist with the biggest range of merchandise was the boys (of course!)

I walked out of the shop with the biggest smile and made my way to the Toast stall. The kind Ajumma remembered me from the night before and helped me with my selection. One of these sandwiches costs about 90p. I popped in the shop on the way back for a bag of crisps (yes I am officially addicted to these particular crisps) and an ice cream. I'm eating a lot of ice cream as it is one way to keep cool.

All of a sudden people around here are being very friendly. Everytime I go out someone is interested in speaking to me. Either to ask where I'm from or to remark on my tattoo. A lot of people still ignore, but that's the Korean way. I went out ot look at the rain at about 3am because I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. People were still outside the small food places eating and drinking. People were still walking around. It could have been evening if I didn't know better. I had a little walk aroung to see if I could tire myself out and some funny man came up and started talking to me in English. He was interested in where I was from, how long was I here for and did I like it. I think he was a bit drunk but he was friendly and polite. if someone at home approached you in the street at 3am, a bit drunk and asking you questions you'd run a mile but it so different here. Even at that time people are still coming and going and some shops are still open. I don't suppose it's like that everywhere in Korea but it's certainly been like it wherever I've been.

Just a couple of observations: Our front door is metal, I think this is common here. Feels much safer. The doors can be opened by key or by a code - such a good idea!

The apartment block is so clean! there is doorman/caretaker 24 hrs and there are public toilets on the ground floor. Oh, there is no ground floor - what we call ground floor is 1st floor here. Also 4th floor is called F not 4 because the word for 4 (sa) sounds like the word for death.

The lifts don't smell of pee!!! there is 2 floors of underground parking and a large recycling area in the outside car park.

packaging: So many things are over packaged! I bought some biscuits in a packet inside a box. A cup noodle in it's sealed cup and then wrapped in a clear film. Kit Kats come in a packet like at home but then inside a box. Other chocolate comes like that too etc etc....

Thank goodness they're hot on recycling!!!

Looking forward to the weekend. Seeing Sang Kyun, Christophe and Sooyoung and then Itaewan on Satrday - here I come Homo hill!!!!

Had a very lazy sunday. Jaron had a friend over! Jaron and I started watching a Korean Drama that's big over here, called partner. We watched it on Mysoju with English subs. Jaron said he fancied chinese so he looked for a menu then he realised that we actually don't know the address of theis apartment! Korean adresses are quite complicated and there is a distinct lack of road name signs! In the end we opted for fried chicken as there is a shop about a minute away. It was really nice but it made me feel sick because it is so greasy! I had a bad nights sleep because I felt sick.
This morning I had a lazy time watching DBSK on youtube etc. I had arranged to Meet Jessica and Danny at 6pm at Anguk station. I left home and made my way there and met them on time. I had a great time with them. Danny took us to a nice little restaurant and I ate Pajeon. It was lovely! Corea Chillie - I realise how crap you are after being here!
we left there and found a really cool coffe and tea place. It was small and cosy and a bit hippy like. It was called Jeons travellers coffee rest or something and we sat around a low table on cushions. We had a really good chat and exchanged numbers. We left about half ten and made our way back to Anguk station. We will meet up again and hopefully thay will come out to Itaewan on saturday.
It was so good to see them as I haven't seen them both for ages!
Tomorrow I might go to The World cup stadium. It isn't far from here and I want to see if I can get a souveneir for Mr.W!

I found out something else today from Danny. Ilsan is in a high risk malaria area! We're nearer to the North Korean border here (Keep collecting for my release fund, and keep working on the banner claire!) Well I haven't been bitten by any mossies since I've been here so I think I'll be alright but it explains a lot. There's these whiney wire things all around the streets that constantly make an irritating noise, apparently these are to deter Mossies! I've just done a bit of research and the type of malaria in this area is not a killer - so I feel better now! So I'm just going to go and sparay myself down with mosquito repellent now and get into bed. Goodnight! x

I had a great day yesterday. I met with Yang Wook in Seoul. I finally worked out what bus to take to the station and actually found my way into Seoul without a hitch. It took me an hour and then I found out there's an express bus that takes about 35 mins! Still it was a pleasant journey and I got to see a bit of scenery on the way.
We met at Kyeunbok Gung Palace - the largest palace of the Joeson dynasty. It was spectacular! we watched the changing of the guard - a reinactment which is performed by men doing their military service. The costumes were brilliant but I did find the false beards a bit amusing. After that we went around the palace grounds and even though Yang Wook got me a translator device he provided better and more interesting information. The grounds were beautiful.
Then we went for dinner. We had a really lovely meal but it was really expensive. After lunch we went to the Palce museum and I had a great laugh because Yang Wook is a socialist and I got his take on the History of Korea and what he would have done if he was around in those days. Seems my friend would have been a revouloutionary on par with Che Guevara! It was really interesting to see all the historical costumes and documents and then to hear his very irreverent views.
There was special exhibition on the Celedon pottery from the Goreyo Dynasty (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/08/135_49283.html ) this will explain why the display of celedon pottery is so special. That was the highlight of the museum for me as I love Celedon pottery.
I waited outside while YW went to the loo and got talking to some young men who were asking me about my tattoo. My tattoo has aroused so much interest! When I told them that people usually have Chinese or Japanese symbols but I prefere Hangeul because Korea is the best they were beaming. I got big smiles and lots of bows! An older gentle man beckoned me to sit by him and then started to ask me where I was from and what did I think of Korea. I had a little chat with him and then said goodbye with a bow from him and a handshake from me.
We then made our way to Insadong. I love Insadong!!! We wandered throught the streets, browsing the shops, just looking at the prices of the pottery and laughing at some of the corny souveneirs. We went in the Arcade shops and made our way upstairs. We found a stall that made the granite stamps with your name engraved on. we worked out how to write my name in Hangeul and YW bought one of the stamps for me! It's absolutly lovely and comes in a little case. After that we made our way to the station so we could go home. YW is going away this morning with his family for a few days so he didn't want a late night. I had an absolutly brilliant day and he wouldn't let me pay for a thing. I hope I see him again before I go home. When I got home Jaron was in and we went straight out again for dinner. We went to the restaurant downstairs. I've been a bit curious about this place as it seems to be filled with autographed pics. Anyway we ate there and the owner was friendly and told us that the waiter is his son. I told him that they looked alike and they were both very handsome. We had a nice meal and then made our way back upstairs. No sooner we were in the door then Kito rang. They were in the English type bar round the corner, the Frog and Toad, and would we like to join them. So it was out of the door again. By this time my feet were killing me with all the walking I had done that day. Anyway we got there and I had a pint of Guiness! Glorious after the lager I've been drinking. we only stayed for the one drink and then made our way home. It was an exhausting day but really enjoyable. Today I felt a bit grotty, just a bit nauseas and a headache really. Probably just really tired. I've been in the apartment catching up with the washing and watching subbed episodes of Dream on Mysoju.com! Can't believe I've only got about 10 days left, I have so much more I want to do. The time has sped by - that's probably why I haven't felt homesick yet.
Just one observation before I go! There's a lot of Christians in Korea and so many churches. The churches are marked with red crosses that are lit up at night, so you can't miss them. On the way home yesterday on the train between Samsong and Wondang stations, which is basically just industrial area, I counted eight churches!!!

Well I've had a lazy couple of days. I needed to recover from all the walking with Matt and Sean. Yesterday I just chilled all day and then when Jaron came home we went shopping at Home Plus. This is Tesco! I was desperate for some breakfast cereal but all they had was flakes - bran flakes, corn flakes, frosted flakes etc. I opted for frosted flakes. I'm craving some shredded wheat but I can't find it anywhere :( We managed to get some real grapes and bananas. So now the fridge has some healthy food in it. The only bread available is white bread. You cannot get granary bread here but I caved in and got white so I can have some toast when I'm peckish! There is also no instant coffe - not as we know it anyway. The coffee comes in tube shaped sachets with the sugar and powded milk already in it. I'm afraid I'm becoming addicted. I've just popped down to the shop for another box!
The apartment is nice. It's small but cosy. It has everything we need. It has a huge tv which is hooked up to the comp so I can watch youtube on the big screen. The shops underneath the block seem to stay open all the time so it is always busy in the street. When do Koreans sleep??? We went out to dinner with Jaron's friends Josh and Kito. We went to a place right underneath Junsu's dads pizza parlour! I can't remember the name of the food we ate but it was spicy and delicious.
This morning I got up and the weather was a lot cooler. Yesterday I popped out for a walk and it wa so hot I could feel my skin burning! Today I decided to look for the bus stop so I can get out of this city when I want to! As I passed Junsu' Dad's Pizza parlour (JDPP) I decided it was time for lunch. OMG this place is full of pictures of Junsu! The place isn't very big - seats about 40. There is a board full of messages and pics from fans and life size cut outs of Junsu. There is also a shelf full of models of the boys and memorabilia. I sat down and orderd myself a roast apple pizza. Never seen that before. Some of the pizzas are Koreanised and unusual. Going to try a sweet pootato one next time. The place was full of young girls - not a male in sight apart from the staff! A couple of young girls on the next table who heard me order started up a conversation with me. They asked me if I liked DBSK and which member I liked best. They were really sweet girls and wanted to have their picture taken with me ( that will end up on some website captioned "the strange English women we met in JDPP")
Then a Japanese lady from Vancouver started up a conversation with me - so my lunch wasn't boring at all!
My pizza was gorgeous! They should do roast apple pizza in Pizza Hut! I had a beer with it - I was the only one drinking beer as everyone else there was underage! Well maybe with the exception of the Japanese lady. By the time I'd finished eating the place was full of excited young girls and camera flashes! I found myself being photographer a few times so the girls could have their pictures taken together with Junsus cut out! Suddenly two young men walked in and I thought 'Fanboys!!' But no - they had microphones and a film camera so they were from the media. After a 10 minute chat with the manager they went. I suppose with the current situation the boys are going through it's not suprising the media is there. After all it is Junsu's dad who is helping them with their court case against SM.
For those who don't know three of the group are taking SME to court regarding their 15 year slave contract. They state here in the press that the boys are "mentally and physically fatigued" and that they have been paid a pitance in relation to the money they have made for SME. I think anyone who knows anything about Dongbangshinki will know that that is true and it's something fans have been saying for a long time.
After my excitng fan girl trip to JDPP I went looking for a bus stop so I can leave Ilsan! I like this place but I want to go back to Seoul and see some more stuff and meet up with Christophe and Soo young! I couldn't work out the buses at all . I found the buses that go to Daehwa but that is 3 trains stops further away from Seoul. Worse way I'll go the the station there and get a train in. Tomorrow I'll go and have another look. I also want to go and have coffee with the doggies tomorrow and look for the lakes park. They have a fountain their that dances to music. That happens at 8pm for an hour! I so need to see that.
As I haven't done much I thought I'd inflict a few more of my observations on you. Sorry if any are repeated from earlier entries!

Shoes off: What an absolutely great idea! I can sit on the floor of this apartment with my coffee and snack knowing that it is clean! You absolutely daren't enter a Korean household with out taking your shoes off (and some traditional restaurants). I'm becoming an expert at whipping them on and off quickly. I think I'm going to clean all my carpets at home and put this rule in place. It's just so much more hygienic than treading all the gunge and dogs pee in from the street!

T.V: There is one channel that shows English language shows and films with Korean subs. So far I've watched CSI, cold case, 28 weeks later and Kung fu Hustle was on earlier. There is also Airirang an English language American channel. I find the tone of it a bit condescending and a couple of the female presenters make me want to slap their stupid faces but it does have some good interviews. Did you know that the only female CEO of a banking company in Korea is English!!! Go girl! - she was very interesting. I watched an interesting interview with the mayor of Seoul this morning - nice man. I'm watching two good dramas at the moment. Partners, about a law firm, with Lee Dong Wook and Dream, about a sports agent and his boxer client, with Joo Jin Mo and Kim Bum! Don't understand a bloody word of it but it's fun trying to work out what's happening.
The news is cool, at the end of the broadcaste the news readers bow to the camera and then each other! Oh and the boys have been all over the news too!
The food: Love it love it love it!!! Spicy and tasty and very healthy! Korea seem very contrary when it comes to diet and health. Korean food itself is very healthy but western food has crept in which has resulted in 1 in 10 Koreans becomeing obese. If you look around the streets are full of Baskin Robbins, Dunkin donuts, Mac's etc. Korean restaurants are still full of peole eating but they probably eat these unhealthy foods alongside it. All of the junk food seems over processed such as the coffee I mention and the breakfast cereals! But also thre are Ginseng shops everywhere! Maybe it's a generational thing and it's the youngsters who are going to suffer from the effects of a western diet.
It's raining here now but I'm going to bed soon so Goodnight - Oh and thanks to those people who are reading this!!! xxx

Yesterday was a sad day. I went to gimpo airport to see the boys off. The airport is big and clean but not as busy as Incheon. I found the escalaters that DBSK come up when they come to the airport. (I recognise it from youtube!) After a tearful goodbye to matt and Sean (from me anyway) I went for a look around the shops. So many mobile phones!
I had a coffee while I decided what to do for the day. I had to kill time until jaron could pick me up from the hostel. They had kindly said they would keep my bags there until the evening. I went to a shop called Seoul selection near Anguk station. It is a book shop that sells books about Korea in English. I browsed for ages, there is also dvd's and cd's. It is only small but it is cosy and friendly and has coffee and a computer. I bought myself a Korean vocab book so I can learn some new words while I am here. I will deffo go back there for a visit before I leave.
After that I had a wander around Insadong. Insadong is cute. It is full of traditonal pottery shops alongside souvenier shops. When the markets on it's really busy.I'm so going to bring back some tacky stuff! The little backstreets of Insadong are very pretty.
I made my way back to the hostel and didn't have to wait long before Jaron met me. We took a cab to Ilsan and we were met by his friends Josh and Kito who took us to the appartment. we dropped off our cases and then went to dinner. I asked Josh what is the nearest metro station and when he told me i thought it sounded familiar. Then he said it is three stops from the end of the line. OMG Junsus dad's pizza place is three stops from the end of the line! I told them and they were not that impressed. I knew it was above a"Buy the Way" shop so I was looking out and then I spotted it! I recognised it from pics on the internet! I was really excited so Josh took my picture. Then three Korean men/boys who were amused at my excitement offered to take our picture together. I will be having my lunch there one day. It will cheer me up after the reading about the contractual difficulties the boys have been having and the horrible break up rumours! We went for dinner at a friend chicken restaurant - it was the best fried chicken I've ever had.
jarons friends Kito and Josh are really nice and they live just around the corner. The appt is nice. very clean and it has a washing machine! The couple who own it have gone to Canada with their baby to visit relatives. They have two cats that we have to keep alive. Lovely cats -ones very shy but the other one is friendly. The appt is in a huge square right opposite a gym and a church! We are literary on the edge of a huge shopping mall! This area looks really nice with parks etc so when I'm rested I will go aout and explore. Josh told me that there is a coffee shop opposite us where people take their dogs. It's like a dog creche and people can go in there for coffee and buy food to feed other peoples dogs and play with them! Josh and Kito drop their dog ther a couple of times a week and he always comes back really tired because he has been playing so much.
I've been watching a bit of T.V. There are some American shows on - I watched Cold Case this morning. I've also realised that Kang Ho dong, Noh Hong Chol, Park Myeong Soo and Yu Jae seok are on TV anytime of the night or day. Just flick around the channels anytime and you will find them!!!

I am so exhausted! We went to Danggogae this morning. In the station was amachine selling tissues, plasters polo mints etc and condoms! Surreal.....
We hiked halfway up suraksan, just getting to the mountain was ahile in itself! The views were beautiful. at one point Sean and I said 'No'. It was about 30 degrees and the sun was beating down on us. Matt decided to climb a little higher but we sat by this beautiful little stream and soaked our feet in the water. There was a family picnicing nearby and the children were playing around us. We managed to communicate with them and the chidren sprayed us with their water guns to cool us down.
After we left the mountain we had a walk around the town. It's very different from central Seoul and has it's fair share of scruffy housing.
We then went to Namsan tower. We had to queue for ages to get on the cable car but it was worth it when we did. The view was amazing. We decided to go up the tower and the view was even more amazing. It was really crowded up there.
after our time there we went for BBQ and by then I was ready for food!
Lastly we went for a wlk through the market. There was lots of DBSK merchandise, everything from socks to calendars! I'm so going to bring some tut home! we met some interesting people there - from Ajummas who tried to talk to us to younger men who tried to talk to us in English.
I have walked for mile these last few days. Korea is all mountains, hills and not many escalators! I'm proud of myself for all the exercise I've been doing and I'm sure my legs are thinner (they bloody better be!)
Tomorow morning I'm going to Gimpo to see the boys off. The man here said I could leave my case till the evening when Jaron comes to get me. I'd meet him somewhere but my case is too heavy to get up and down the stairs at the underground.
Only a short piece today as I'm so tired I can't think. When we get to the appartment I'm going to rest for a couple of days and just explore the local area.

Left Windflower this morning and booked int Seoul backpackers with Sean and Matt. It's right opposite Nandaemun market. Had dinner with Su Young, Christophe and a few others. I felt sad to leave there as I will miss all the staff. The place has a brilliant atmosphere and I'm sure I will keep in touch with them.
I got to Seoul BP at about 12ish curtesy of a taxi and Christophe. He is such a sweetie and very funny. I will be seeing him some more before I leave and will defo keep in touch with him.
It rained like hell so we decided to do Namsan tower tomorrow. Instead we went to the Nation Museum of korea. It was fantastic but we didn't get to see everything so it needs another visit. There was a bit of a summer music festival going on with live music and everyone was having a really great time. After that we went to Insadong and I fell in love witht the place. There are so many pottery and arts and crafts shops. The market was on so there was lots to see. People there seemed very friendly. I was watching an Ajumma prepare some stuff that looked like toffee and an old man and his wife explained that it was a Korean speciality made from malt. He broke a big of his portion off for me to try - it was nice but a bit too sweet for me. We went in Macs and I had some chips. The macs here are much better than those at home. Bigger, cleaner and the ice cream counter is separate from the burger bar. I will have a bulgogi burger before I leave here. My tattoos seemed to cause some curiosity again with random people looking at them. People seem to like them especially as they are in Hangeul.
We then walked to Gwanhwamun Square which was having it's opening ceremony. The place was absolutely packed. I have never seen so many policemen - and they are so young! The people seemed so excited about this event. there were old granpa's and grannies down to babes in arms there. We stayed around for quite some time to soak up the atmosphere. At first I was a bit daunted to see so many policemen, especially those with riot sheilds, but then I realised they were there for crowd safety more than anything else. As we, along with about 50,00 other people tried to cross the road to reach the station they actually formed a human chain around us to protect us from the mad Seoul traffic. I realised they were not that scarey, especially when I got pushed in the crowd and a 'baby' cop asked if I was ok. He looked about 15 bless him and I think he just wanted to show off his english.
The underground was packed but our train wasn't too bad. We got back to our station and decided to go for BBQ. We went in a little old traditional place in a backstreet. The owners were an old couple and they were really sweet. They spoke to us in broken English as they had lived in the US for a few years.
Tomorrow we are taking a train to danggogae to see the Suraksan mountain. We are going to walk down the mountain and then get the train back to BP's. Matt assures me it is an easy walk! I hope so because I have done nothing but walk for days! On the way we can visit a few sights, temple etc.
If there's any typo's it's cos I'm really tired - so sorry! Goodnight. Look at the photo's and leave a comment please!
P.S. Matt is so funny. He talks to everyone and is always picking up people's litter and telling them to put it in the bin! He and Sean have been an absolute dream and they have looked after me so well. They are going home on Monday and I'm going to Gimpo to see them off. I'm really going to miss them!