Lover's Walk - Seoul

The Dog Cafe

Ronell, our South African friend and fellow teacher, and I (Dani) went to the dog cafe. Todd stayed back claiming to "work" but we know he doesn't really like dogs (Todd: Not true). We're going to test him later at another dog cafe!






It was sooo much fun. We first got there and some dogs were interested in sniffing our bags but lost their curiosity. Then, we got iced cappuccinos and there was a little more attention. I guess you can't live in a dog cafe and not become addicted to caffeine. But we and the dogs truly became temporary best friends when I went to the front of the cafe and talked to a handler. He pointed to a package of green dog treats which were slightly more expensive than the rest. I no sooner picked up the package when I was surrounded by an army of dogs wanting to be loved, petted and adored.

Ronell spent most of her treats on trying to get all the dogs to give her hi-5's. They received a severe and lengthy lecture if they couldn't do it properly. I spent mine trying to get the most interesting dogs to come closer. There is a breed here that has large eyes and they are very quiet. I like these ones the best :).







There is also one cat that lives there. It looks like it's eternally pissed off. Can't imagine why.....

The Great Outdoors

We needed a little weekend getaway in the countryside. The city can be a bit too city sometimes.

We traveled traveled about two hours north/east out of the city to Chuncheon, popular for their lakes and general outdoor recreation.

Our particular rest stop was in Jiparigol Natural Forest and a 'pension' (the name they use for a motel where you get to cook your own food) (and you might find a huge spider) right in the middle of nowhere.

After an absolutely peaceful morning we rode bikes by the lake. On the lake is a famous statue of a young lady who is waiting for her love. This is based on a popular song from the 70's. Anyhow, the trip was really nice and we were back in Seoul in time for dinner!


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Shouting Korea!!!!

If you notice in the image above, the sign says "Shouting Korea." I didn't really think this was a clever motto for the World Cup audience here in S. Korea. I mean really, I was thinking, a group of some ad people sat around for days racking their brains for the perfect motto to express Korea's 2010 World Cup audience fervor and all they come up with is 'Shouting Korea.'

Well, the motto is befitting. We needn't watch the game to know that S. Korea scored a goal...perhaps we need to just open a window. (In reality a closed window doesn't change a thing)

Seoul is a beehive of humans. People everywhere. Apartments swarm the landscape and are built at least 10 stories high. The warm nights open the windows of all these rooms where everyone...everyone....is watching the game while eating fired chicken, bar snacks and grilled fish. Now imagine hundreds of these windows, dozens of restaurants and the passing taxi all shouting at the same time as your walking home from a late night at work. Then you know...we scored one.

Maybe those ad guys know what they're talking about.



Update: We had the awesome opportunity to watch Korea's last World Cup match on a "jumbo screen" outside our apt. (literally right underneath our room). One of our 'wayguk' (white people) friends here had an ambitious idea to set a projector up so we could all watch the game together. We had a great time.

Which made the loss all the more heartbreaking....oh 내가 슬픈지!!!!!

Seoul Land -- (please don't sue us Disney)

Temperatures are getting warmer here in Seoul and that means outdoor activities are sought by young and old. Our middle school is kind of taking a break this week and having random activities for the students: camping, visiting colleges, etc. But one that we were invited to topped the cake, so to speak. Yes....Seoul Land. Korea's very own Disney style theme park. For the folks back home in So Cal just think Knott's Berry Farm with a smack of Disney copyright violations. Yes there is an Adventure Land, Tomorrow land, Fantasy Land and an Epcot-like sphere in their World Plaza.

Dani and I had a great time. There roller coasters where fun and fast but eventually made me feel a bit queasy. Also, they had some 3-D shows. One with Brendon Frasier called "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (clearly adapted from the low budget film), where he speaks some very masculine Korean.

All in all, not a bad day.

Make the Music stop!!!!

Above are some photos from outside our apt from the day before the election. I couldn't resist the opportunity to have my photo taken with the enthusiastic supporters of candidate number "2." His music blaring as usual, and speeches abounding, we couldn't miss the opportunity to get involved.

While photographing the festivities (at 8am mind you), one of the other candidates himself posed for a picture with us! The first picture at the top is him, and as you can see that he is a bit worn out from weeks of rallies. But that is why these guys get the line of ladies (e.g. see the line of ladies in green) to help out daily by shouting random Korean phrases at you as you walk by (presumably in support of their candidate).

Well, after all this excitement we are glad that the music stopped and we can rest knowing that we have no idea who these people where or the outcome of the race.

Disclaimer: The views and options of the candidates pictured in this blog in no indicate support by the owners of this blog. Pictures taken with the candidates and their supporters are merely for the cultural record of those involved.

The Main Palace

Here are some pictures of our visit to Gyeongbok Palace.

This is the main palace in South Korea. The Chosun Dynasty got it's start in this location, which is the ancient glory days for the peninsula. A number of the buildings where rebuilt after a few Japanese evasions.

The grounds are simply beautiful and the structures are rather nice. Unfortunately, Danielle and I are ignorant of most of the history and significance to this place, so we certainly need to go back as we learn more about Korean culture and history we will need to go back.

But in the meantime, we are dumb Americans....