Solo in Seoul continued...

Solo in Seoul

On a short trip I took to Seoul, I got to explore another big city solo, with no language skills! It reminded me of previous experiences, backpacking through Europe, with no real direction or understanding of what was going on. Great fun! I did have a few tips from a Korean co-worker of mine, and a skillfully hand-drawn map, actually more accurate than the tourist one I received at my hostel. I was there really only for a day and half, but managed to pack in a lot of walking and sightseeing.

I visited three palaces until I found one that was open (I suppose Mondays are the least busy days for tourism)! The one I did find is known as Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the center of the downtown. It was a breathtaking experience, with the modern buildings rising up in the distance on one side, and beautiful mountains on the other sides. Seoul kind of reminded me of Van City geographically, nestled in between several majestic mountains that backdrop the modern city. Quite beautiful.

I also looked around Insadong, a somewhat touristy area, filled with little artisan shops and souvenir stores. I tried many interesting treats there, ginseng tea, bibimbap, and Korean style street cart donuts filled with sugar and corn kernels! Oishii! I had a great time exploring and negotiating my way around the city when the only word I knew in Korean was "Thank You." ha ha!

It was great to experience some more Asian culture, drastically different from Japan, but with some similarities. All the Koreans I met were so friendly and kind. The City was bustling with energy and new sights and smells. I wish I had more time there.

More Van City Madness......

Van City Crew takes Tokyo!

Last week was a whirlwind of adventure and feasting! Marc and Erin arrived in Tokyo to explore and experience. The list of things that we DIDN'T do would be shorter. We ate at izakayas, sushi bars, noodle shops, we visited temples at Kamakura, Asakusa, and Erin even went ot Kyoto! We did karaoke, we went clubbing, to the onsen, shopping in Harajuku and Shimokita, to Tsukiji fish market......and list goes on.

Thankfully for all parties, Erin and Mark have returned to Van City, so now we can all reign in the wallets and catch our breath! Although, we will miss those two crazy cats terribly! It was so wonderful to be able to share a small slice of life with our beloveds from home. Living in Tokyo has been an amazing opportunity for us, and our time here is quickly fleeting. To have my sister here to glimpse into my magical Tokyo life was the best birthday gift a lone-star twin could ask for. Marc arrived here under the cover of darkness. We didn't tell Oliver about it at all, and O's shocked face when Marc and he were reunited on the sidewalk of Shinjuku was priceless! I thought he might have a heart attack!

It was fantastic fun and ridiculous silliness!!! I miss you guys!!! boo hoo!!! Well, what can I say, just let the photos speak for themselves!!! Hai! Doozo!

Omedetou Tanjobi!

I reached the big 2-5 recently in February!!!! Woop woop! It was a celebration Tokyo style with a great crew of tomodachi (friends). We met up at a tasty new Chinese hotpot restaurant that opened up in our hood, and enjoyed a feast of tasty rolling, bubbling, dipping delight! We stuffed ourselves for about three hours! Next, those of us that we able bodied and genki headed to the Ruby Room, a crazy little club we frequent in Shibuya. With a few friends spinning the tracks out that night we boogied until the wee hours. It was a blast, and a great way to acknowledge my quarter-century achievement!