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
Monday, 10 August 2009
Saturday, 8 August 2009
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!!!
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!!!
Thursday, 6 August 2009
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
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
Monday, 3 August 2009
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 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!!!
Sunday, 2 August 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, 1 August 2009
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!
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!
Friday, 31 July 2009
We got up really early today and caught a bus to the Bulguksa Temple. It was spectacular! The views were fantastic. I have never seen so many steps in my life. Myt leg muscles are going to be like a power lifters! I wandered off without the boys and was just amazed by the beautiful pagodas. The colours are amazing. I sat around the back of one of them and just chilled out for a while. I could hear voices but I felt like I was on my own. The atmosphere was so serene.
When we left the temple we had some lunch and then made our way to the bus to go and see Seokguram Grotto. This Grotto is very high up in the mountains and we had to walk a long way. When we got there we could see the clouds resting on the mountains. I felt exhausted because all I seemed to have done all day is walk. It was nice to sit somewhere where the air was clear.
One thing I noticed is that the people hereare much more friendly than the people in Seoul. After lunch we were approached by a man who was with his family. He was interested in where we from. We spoke to the whole family in English and his two little girls were adorable. they had been learning English for 3 years and had impeccable acents. We also spoke to a group of Chinese tourists and their Korean friend and they seemed very interested in London. Matt and Sean had been to a sauna the night before and in there they met two Korean boys who were twin brothers. they arranged to meet them for dinner so we had to get the bus back to be at the hotel by 7. The two men Hyun Dai and Hyun Woo took us to a busy Korean restaurant and we ate bbq. The meal was great and we had two lots of meat and two bottles of Soju. The whole meal came to about 20 quid for 5 of us! We payed the bill and then decided that as the night was still young we would go back to the hotel for a drink. The Korean men bought some beers and snacks and we ended up in my room. We sat around talking and I decided to find some music on the t.v. I flicked through the channels and was absoulutely mortified when I came across a porn channel! The others thought it was hilairious that I was so shocked as we were in love motel. Needless to say the t.v went off and I found music on the computer instead.
We had a really fun time (as the pictures will show!) The two Korean men were really open minded and friendly. They thought it was hilairious when Matt told them to bundle me on the bed so he could take pics! One of them is going to contact me next week because he is coming to Seoul.
we had to be up and out early as our bus was leaving at 10ish andit is a 4 hr journey. On the way back we had torrential rain. that ewas quite daunting as acombination of Korean driving and driving rain is no fun. When we got back to
seoul I realised how cool Gyeong Ju is in comparison. The heat just hit me like a brick wall when I got of the bus.
Some observations:
Korean people outside of Seoul are friendlier.
I have never seen so Many soldiers in my life, especially at the bus depots.!
Everywhere you go there is a 'family mart'.
There are rice fields everywhere outside of Seoul.
It's surreal to be sitting on a bus listening to piped Korean reggae while passing through a rural area with traditional houses.
Also listen to Althea and Donna's Uptown top rankin' with Matt was quite surreal while surrounded by rice fields!
Zebra crossings without lights are meaningless.
Crossings with lights can also be meaningless depending on the drivers mood!
Korean people of fascinated with tattoos - or is it just my tattoos because they are Hangul and I'm not Korean, and I'm a woman?
Korean buses and trains don't hang around!
In Seoul I am coughing and sneezing but in Gyeong Ju I wasn't. Pollution?
They spray the street with mosquito killer - which is quite scarey if you're not expecting it!
Korean men on Harley Davidsons look cool.
If you have read this please comment just so I know I'm not wasting my time!
When we left the temple we had some lunch and then made our way to the bus to go and see Seokguram Grotto. This Grotto is very high up in the mountains and we had to walk a long way. When we got there we could see the clouds resting on the mountains. I felt exhausted because all I seemed to have done all day is walk. It was nice to sit somewhere where the air was clear.
One thing I noticed is that the people hereare much more friendly than the people in Seoul. After lunch we were approached by a man who was with his family. He was interested in where we from. We spoke to the whole family in English and his two little girls were adorable. they had been learning English for 3 years and had impeccable acents. We also spoke to a group of Chinese tourists and their Korean friend and they seemed very interested in London. Matt and Sean had been to a sauna the night before and in there they met two Korean boys who were twin brothers. they arranged to meet them for dinner so we had to get the bus back to be at the hotel by 7. The two men Hyun Dai and Hyun Woo took us to a busy Korean restaurant and we ate bbq. The meal was great and we had two lots of meat and two bottles of Soju. The whole meal came to about 20 quid for 5 of us! We payed the bill and then decided that as the night was still young we would go back to the hotel for a drink. The Korean men bought some beers and snacks and we ended up in my room. We sat around talking and I decided to find some music on the t.v. I flicked through the channels and was absoulutely mortified when I came across a porn channel! The others thought it was hilairious that I was so shocked as we were in love motel. Needless to say the t.v went off and I found music on the computer instead.
We had a really fun time (as the pictures will show!) The two Korean men were really open minded and friendly. They thought it was hilairious when Matt told them to bundle me on the bed so he could take pics! One of them is going to contact me next week because he is coming to Seoul.
we had to be up and out early as our bus was leaving at 10ish andit is a 4 hr journey. On the way back we had torrential rain. that ewas quite daunting as acombination of Korean driving and driving rain is no fun. When we got back to
seoul I realised how cool Gyeong Ju is in comparison. The heat just hit me like a brick wall when I got of the bus.
Some observations:
Korean people outside of Seoul are friendlier.
I have never seen so Many soldiers in my life, especially at the bus depots.!
Everywhere you go there is a 'family mart'.
There are rice fields everywhere outside of Seoul.
It's surreal to be sitting on a bus listening to piped Korean reggae while passing through a rural area with traditional houses.
Also listen to Althea and Donna's Uptown top rankin' with Matt was quite surreal while surrounded by rice fields!
Zebra crossings without lights are meaningless.
Crossings with lights can also be meaningless depending on the drivers mood!
Korean people of fascinated with tattoos - or is it just my tattoos because they are Hangul and I'm not Korean, and I'm a woman?
Korean buses and trains don't hang around!
In Seoul I am coughing and sneezing but in Gyeong Ju I wasn't. Pollution?
They spray the street with mosquito killer - which is quite scarey if you're not expecting it!
Korean men on Harley Davidsons look cool.
If you have read this please comment just so I know I'm not wasting my time!
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