Itaewon

Saturday morning we headed off to Itaewon which is described as the most exotic place in Seoul representing fusion culture with a distinctive atmosphere.
It is a renowned shopping district covering a 1.4 km long street....I guess you can tell from Al's expression what his first impression was! I'm not sure if this was because of the weather which was cloudy with periods of heavy rain, the crowds of people or just his general dislike of shopping.
In spite of this we had a great day. I managed to find an English book store and made a purchase there.

Itaewan is very popular with tourists and U.S. soldiers. It is the first time we saw more than just a couple of foreigners in the crowds. The stores also cater more to western tastes.












I took this shot because this is the entrance to a home. I could not imagine living in the midst of all the shops and smells and noise!

Info Tid-Bits

-There is NO graffiti to be seen

-Drivers tend not to use turn signals because if they do drivers in that lane will only speed up

-Because drivers have no expectations about courtesy, there is less honking and no bird flipping

-Roadways in Seoul are often six lanes. During rush hour traffic vendors selling cookies or roasted walnuts will set up their stands on the roads between the lanes and cars just maneuver around them

-The English Village where we live is the most photographed site in South Korea. It is used in commercials and films

-In the larger cities in South Korea it is the wealthy who live in apartments and condos and the poorer live in single or multiple family dwellings

-There are no rules about parking. People park their vehicles wherever and leave the car in neutral. If the car is in someone’s way they just push it out of the way

-Noodles made with squid ink look EXACTLY like grey-black earthworms and taste like fennel

-Women use squid ink to color their hair

-There is a soft drink made with pine needles that has a very refreshing taste

Korean Folk Village

This week-end two of Al's colleagues took us to The Korean Folk Village in Yong in City which is a must see for anyone who visits Korea. This is a natural environment of 243 acres with more than 260 traditional houses from different regions and the living culture of the Joseon Dynasty.















This tight rope walker is an elderly gentleman considered part of Korean culture. His art will die with him. Although it is recognized as a loss, there does not seem to be anyone to carry on after him.











The horsemanship reminded me of Morocco.
































These crockery pots were used to ferment kimchee. We quite enjoy this dish. Al prefers the cabbage while I prefer the radish.















Of course one can never tire from Korean barbeque!


















































This is a monument where you can offer good wishes to a loved one.

















The beautiful and peaceful scenery was stunning!































This is typical female attire. The well off women would be dressed in the finest silks while others might wear linen.







This was a performance of Farmers' music and dance. Not only were they immensely talented but endured the terrible heat and humidity. A few of the younger boys looked quite exhausted.








This was the typical attire of a scholar. We did manage to convince Al to model for us. Kind of suits him don't you think?

Best Laid Plans

When I woke up this morning I decided to venture out on my own by bus. My goal was to go to the city of Ilsan and find a hairdresser and hopefully Costco. Unfortunately, I ended up in Seoul!


Funnily enough one of the first things I saw was this Stress Clinic. I wonder if they have these strategically placed near metro stations.








Fortunately, I don't mind wandering around aimlessly. I did find a couple of possibilities for lunch. For instance this unique fresh fish place.










Or this wonderful Italian Restaurant.











I loved wandering through the small side streets, and realized it might not be such a worry in terms of getting lost. By the way, I did get home safe and sound. I think I know where I went wrong and will try to get to Ilsan again.

I have learned....

It is Sunday, early afternoon peaceful and slow. It had been raining earlier, but is now somewhat cool and cloudy. This is a relief from the constant heat and humidity. I know I have shared with you many photographs as I try to portray what I am experiencing. Today I thought I would share my perspectives.

I am learning to pace myself according to the weather. I no longer wonder why people stroll slowly along the street or decide to sit on the curb in the shade.
I am learning to live without a clothes dryer, having to wait two days before I can wear something.
I have learned how to take a bus, a cab, how to use a TCard on the subway and how to recharge my card with the vending machines. We live 45 minutes by bus from Seoul. The transit system is extremely efficient, with a bus coming every fifteen minutes. They are air conditioned and appointed like tour buses with headrests, armrests and curtains.
I have learned that Koreans are more helpful than any other in my experience. This has allowed me to venture further than I might have otherwise.
I have learned that I can navigate and find my way even better than Al. I know most of you will not believe this, but Al has even learned to listen to my suggestions when we are trying to get our bearings.
I have learned it is impossible to hail a cab in the streets.
I have learned that you have to bring your own bags when you go shopping. Some stores will sell you bags but others won’t.
Regardless of where you are, there will be some sort of restaurant five minutes away.
I have learned there is no tipping in Korea.
I have learned that our eating habits are very similar to Korean cuisine, and some have been surprised how quickly we have adapted to the various dishes. Although I must confess I will never be a fan of octopus.
I have not learned much Korean except for hello and thank-you.
Finding a hair stylist with experience working with a foreigner’s hair will apparently be a challenge here in Paju.
Korean toothpaste tastes like the old Listerine flavour.
Seoul is the second largest municipal area in the world, its population is around 11 million people.

I am looking forward to learning more each day.

First Glimpses of Seoul

Exotic food
Theatre
Politics
Canadian Embassy
Local Art

New and Old Culture side by side