Seoul In 5 Pics

HEY!!! So, I'm back from Seoul. Ironically, it feels so nice to be home. Crazy that Japan now actually kinda feels like home. Only it's a home where there are too many people... and the food is strange sometimes... and they talk funny.... but besides that I guess, it's a nice home. ;)

Well, yes, I know you're dying to find out about my kick ass adventures in Korea. So I will tell you- and show you.





Exhibit A: During this trip we wanted to interact with the locals, but we didn't think we stumble upon so many eager-to-play Koreans. They were very short and looked slightly underdeveloped but they were funny and playful and their English was off the hook. This shot is taken outside of a museum were the kids were running around crazy, teaching Jillian and I their traditional cultural games. I call the games "throwing stick into hole" and "pushing metal ring with metal pusher-thingy." Quite fun, really.



Then of course they huddled around the camera to throw up the peace sign and smile for the foreigners.



Exhibit B: In this photo you have your palace guard, watching over the ancient palace gate. I don't think they serve any real purpose except to appease the tourists into thinking this is a "cultural" aspect of Korea. I felt bad for the poor saps. They can't move or talk or smile. And they have to stand there all day while dumb tourists (like me) take pictures. But maybe once a long long time ago they really guarded important people in the palace.






Exhibit C: Moving on, we went and checked out the famous Insadong area, renowned for its artsy feel and handmade goods. I, always having been a firm believer in the importance of arts and crafts in brain development, much enjoyed walking around this area. I especially enjoyed this picture, which is framed by the toilet seat you can see if you look close. Yes folks, anything can be art. This pic is taken from the second floor of a shopping courtyard, the center had streams of flowers hanging overhead the people below.



Exhibit D: At this same shopping area there is a famous truck vendor selling all sorts of weird handmade stuff. The mini-truck is on the second floor and is decorated inside and out. I'm a fan of the creativity.

Anyway, there you have it... a quick photo overview of my first (and hopefully not last) trip to Korea. I had a blast, and I'll be sure to update you all with more of the details pronto... till then... mata neee! (see you next time, sucka!)

Pre-Departure

Before leaving for Seoul I had to do some partying in my backyard, so I hit up Tokyo with some old Seattle friends. It was good times! We ate fresh sushi, checked out the Imperial Palace, visited Harajuku (anyone know Gwen Stefani's album?!?), and even ate some Indian cuisine. Check out the pics.


My Northwest Profs at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.


Callie, Phil, and I at the Imperial Garden in Tokyo for Hanami.

Here's a brief Japanese lesson:

A+B=C

A=Hana=flower
B=Mi=to see
C=Hanami=?!?!

Ding ding ding! (cue cheesy gameshow music) You guessed it...Hanami=Flower viewing. (particularly viewing the most sacred of all Japanese flowers- the cherry blossom) These people love to love the cherry blossom. They can't get enough of 'em... probably because the flowers bloom and then are gone two weeks later. So sad to be a cherry blossom.