Monday, October 5, 2009

Seoul


























Seoul is AMAZING! Anthony and I spent the weekend in the Gangnam neighborhood in Seoul. We got there Friday and came back today and spent the entire time visiting museums, eating and exploring the city. It is by far the coolest city I have been to and definately the largest. Friday we visited the Korean War Memorial and Museum which was very interesting. The US presence in the war is apparent as we lost over 33,000 soldiers. We were able to go into fighter jets, cargo planes, and tanks. I have never seen missles in my life and it was really interesting.

On Saturday we got up and had bagels and coffee at noon and then went to the Changdeokgang Palace. It was SO cool. My first experience with an Asian palace was a great one. Within the palace walls is a secret garden and many beautiful buildings. Next we went to Insadong which turns into a pedestrian ave on Saturday and Sunday. It was by far my favorite neighborhood because off of the main road are these little alley ways that have vines lining the restaurant fronts and little birds cherping and hopping around. We went to a place called the Old Tea House and had green tea and rice cakes while listening to calming music. There is a natural spring that runs through Seoul and it has been constructed with walking trails, waterfalls and murals for the people to enjoy. While walking along it you wouldn't guess you were in the second largest city in the world, but then you look up and see dozens of high rises surrounding you. That is the coolest part about Seoul is that there are so many things to do that make the city seem small. For dinner on Saturday night we had Outback and it was AMAZING. A bloomin onion, alice springs chicken and Anthony's huge steak made for a filling meal and one that we will not have for a long time. It was a good day.

On Sunday Anthony was able to watch some of the A&M game and then we went to the fish market. I have never seen so much live seafood in one place! There were probably 500 stalls set up with fish, crab, lobster, 5 types of shrimp, clams, and anything else you can think of from the sea. All live and ready to be taken home to cook. Next we went to the Korean National Museum and saw artifacts and historical pieces from Korean as well as China, Vietman, and Japan. We finished the day back in Insadong with Indian food, which is way to hot for me as I discovered. So we resorted to street vendor food. It was a great alternative. We finished our great trip to Seoul at Top Cloud for drinks. It is a lot like the Rainbow Room in NYC, but more modern. Looking out over Seoul was a sight to see. It is such an enormous place. The candle light and jazz band created a really enjoyable atmosphere and I am sure that we will be back on our next trip.

Seoul is a city that people need to experience. The friendly Korean culture, the melting pot of people, museums and the dozens of different neighborhoods shape the city into one that is unlike any other place. While there you can forget that you are in Korea at all because it is so functional for Westerners and you see English speakers everywhere. We give it two thumbs up!

3 comments:

  1. Oh thank you so much for the latest entry. It sounds like a wonderful weekend. I can't wait to catch Seoul for a night when we come to visit. We will try to catch you on Skype this week. Love you both!

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  2. That is so cool. How did you know where to go? Did you look it up a head of time or just get advice from your new friends there? I can't tell you how happy I am for you both. Can't wait for more pictures!!
    We had a wonderful visit with your parents and grandmom and grandad this weekend. Wesley played great. Your dad really got into it!!
    Love you lots. Aunt Amy

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  3. We are so proud of you both for taking this opportunity to experience a different culture. You both look so happy! Keep up the fantastic blogs!!!! Much love, Granmom and Grandad

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