Magical Mr. Mistoffelees

안녕하세요 (Annyeounghaseyo) everyone!

Well my first visit to Seoul was such a blast! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and I was able to meet a ton of new friends throughout the day. We decided to take the bus to Yeouido (vs the subway or combination of the two) which was a bit bumpier however we could look outside as we went along and I could take some super touristy pictures.

When we reached our stop we ran into this brand new mall for a pit-stop. This mall was absolutely ridiculous! Apparently it had opened just last month. Everything was shiny and new and touch screen (yes I had to play with the touch screens...) Here is an article about the new super-duper-"mall"-world-- http://www.cnngo.com/seoul/shop/ifc-mall-opens-seoul-319768. 

Anyways, once Katrina's boyfriend kindly reminded us that we were not here to shop (always the party-pooper haha) we went on our way to find the rockdo festival. As we ambled along they pointed out major landmarks of Seoul, such as the 63 Building (or the "golden nugget"--Amanda) and Seoul Tower. Both of which I hope to get a better look at sometime soon!

The venue of the rock festival was a big park area right at the edge of the Han River. The dome where the performances were taking place was actually on top of the water, which was pretty shnazzy. We picked up a few necessities from the mini-mart and staked out a spot on the grass to jam out for the day. The first band was accompanied by a guy wearing a huge bear head...Just so you get the feel of how the day was going to go...

Around the park there was a wading pool full of kids and people cooling off in the water. It was such a gorgeous setting against the tall city buildings surrounding the area. There was also a place to rent bikes to ride around the park.

As the festival continued, several of Amanda and Katrina's friends came by to hang out with us. I met some people (all teachers) from all over the country, one girl was actually from Philly and another guy worked at Widener Law School in Delaware! Small world huh? This whole festival seemed like a gathering place for westerners. One could almost forget they were in Korea at this point- but then the lady with the boiled-silkworm-pupae cart walks by and you are suddenly reminded via odor where you are. No I did not choose today to try boiled silkworm pupae though I promise I will one day this year! Several times throughout the day someone would walk by and hand us a take out menu from a booth or restaurant nearby that you could call and have them deliver food to you! "Uh yes could you send some kimchi to the small silver blanket behind the sign, 감사합니다 thank you".

We stayed there til the sun began to go down which is when things really began to get beautiful. The 63 building looked even more golden and everything had a pinkish-golden hue. 

After leaving the park we made our way into Itaewon, which is a more western area in Seoul. It is apparently where a lot of the army guys go to hang out because it is very close to base? We were there before it got too rowdy however. Walking around one would see more western shops such as Nike, Hollister, etc. There were also tons of different types of food including Mexican food and British pubs. Night clubs also seemed to be popular destinations as well! Amanda had a hankering for Thai food so we went on a mission to find some. While waiting to be seated at the Thai restaurant we stopped into a small place next door for a glass of wine- The flying pan (maybe a play on frying pan?)

We had our wine and talked about coming back to the area for a jazz club night in a few weekends which should be fun! By the time our name was called for the restaurant we were starvinngggg. I got some shrimp Pad Thai (thought of you mum!). It was delicious :) The noodles were actually inside the omelet, which was intriguing.

One member of our party may or may not have completely passed out before dinner and slept through the whole thing...For the privacy and reputation of said person I will not post the pictures I acquired throughout the evening...you're welcome ;)

As we were in the taxi ride back we went under this sign--

Felt it was rather fitting! After a little over a week, "Welcome to Korea" :) Well thank you! I am really enjoying it so far and this weekend was such a fun way to experience my first taste of Seoul! On the way back we listened to a wide variety of music including Indian Trot, provided to us by the taxi driver, and some creepy 80's stuff thanks to Amanda, and then for some reason- I can't remember why- Magical Mr. Mistoffelees joined the party? It was a fantastic way to end the evening if I do say so myself!

Today (Sunday) after a nice run this morning, I am off to get a few things around town (food, a fan, etc.) and explore a bit more before beginning week two of teaching! 

Korean word of the post:  

번데기 (Beondegi): Steamed or boiled silkworm pupae...

maybe you should learn this phrase as well:

아마 나중에요 (Amah NaJoongEyo): maybe later...