Our first visitor...CHAD!

Last week we were so pleased to have our very first (and hopefully not our last) overseas visitor! Chad stopped by Seoul on the return leg of his Japan business trip. We really enjoyed taking him to some of our favorite spots and just hanging out! I know Chris enjoyed having a buddy to chat with. We did a bit of touring to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the attached photo is from. Chris refers to this photo as "The 3 C's"....Chris, Chad, and Kwame...:-) I will attach other photos to the blog also. We also stopped by the Korean Folk (Fork, as they spell it)Museum where we really had a great time. We learned a lot about Korean culture, language development, interactive displays, history, handicrafts...very interesting! We happened to be touring with a posse' of French visitors...so that added to the experience..:-)

I will say this...in all honesty...Chad was such an easy house guest...no problems at all! :-) I inadvertently forgot to mention him in the previous blog where we initally found the cool pottery...Chad was with us when we first discovered them. I just wish I had taken a picture of Chad with his cool dragon head statue(Celadon)..it will definitely become a conversation piece in his Chicago home.....very cool. We had a great Italian dinner, plenty of tasty Korean food and lots of fun scouting around. I think it gave both of us a boost to have a friend visit and we look forward to next time!

Weekend Update...and more!

I just had to attach this photo from our Friday subway ride to Dongdaemun and a local flea market. The gals to Chris' left were a bit 'tipsy' and there simply wasn't room for me...:-) I was initially sitting beside Chris...doing my best to hold her up...but got tired of being whacked with her backpack and shoulder. Thankfully, she came to a 'semi-resting place' against the pole. This was around noon. Chris is carrying my "Hummingbird" backpack (a must) and giving the Korean peace sign. All he needed to do to complete this photo would be a slight head tilt. Most of the Koreans pose with peace and the head-tilt...standard. :-)

Our goal of the morning was returning to a previous spot for a few final Christmas gifts and a local birthday gift. One of his co-workers was having a surprise party...so we needed a clever/fun gift. The guy WAS driving a fancier vehicle...and now has a more basic car...with only a tape deck (Cassette not 8-track). Appears the guys at work have gotten a big kick out of the tape-deck and we just happened upon a virtual plethora of Billy Joel, Movie Themes, Korean Traditional songs, 70's music with Korean artists singing...you name it...they had it...and the whole lot for 2,000kw (2.00US). So, we had the birthday gift completed! We also found several shops with all of the Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Porter Wagoner LP's you could possibly want. After browsing around, we happened upon a "Music Festival" in Itaewon. The stage and lighting were quite impressive....then the band came on stage. Honestly, I initially thought the Korean band was singing along with a music track...they sounded JUST like Black Sabbath, Journey (seriously), Judas Priest, and Survivor...yes...'Eye of the Tiger'....the guitar player had long/straight hair to his hips...and could flip it just like you would expect a 'rock band lead guitar player' to flip his hair! :-) I took a few pictures and will post. The only injury in all the excitement.... I tripped over a fire hydrant. The group following the 'rock show' ... about 20 little Korean kids dancing to traditional music...quite a variety in acts. There were several foreigners (and Koreans) watching the concert and when he started singing the first of two Journey songs...everyone was looking around with amazed expressions like "I can't believe it!"

Since I mentioned music in this post. I must name a few songs/groups that we have heard around Seoul...just in random locations. Elvis is popular year-round...especially the Christmas album(many coffee shops), The Babys -Anthology (several restaurants), Beatles (with traditional Korean instruments only), Neil Sedaka, Little River Band, Johnny Cash, Tom Jones, Carpenters, 80's groups (Journey, Survivor, Foreigner, Tesla, Whitesnake etc.). Also, various techno music with many posters around the city advertising DJ's that are traveling to the area from around the world....we aren't really part of that crowd...mostly the college kids. The Koreans pride themselves on their musical abilities and education...many classically trained musicians here...top notch.

Today was another class of "Shopper's Delight"...so we traveled via subway to a 'Curio' area. It was interesting...and I felt much better about getting around town since our nice instructor became a bit 'turned-around'....so I'm not the only one! :-) Most of the gals are really nice and there are always a few good laughs. After browsing around, Joanna and I returned to the subway and went to Insadong for some great Bibimbap. Chris had located this place previously from the "Lonely Planet" book and we really enjoyed it...many traditional Korean decorations. After lunch we checked out some pottery that Chris and I had fallen in love with on another browsing visit. We felt another good set of eyes was needed to check out the pieces. They really are spectacular and unique! After some negotiating and a 'little' Korean spoken....we settled on the price. Joanna stayed for the bargaining (or attempt), receipt writing (in Korean) and loading of the items into his car...then...he delivered the items home...and ME! Guiding the shop owner and his helper through Seoul was pretty interesting....and we arrived with no problems! He spoke mostly Korean and I could make out a bit of his conversation with his buddy...Soju/drinks after the delivery! They asked me questions about Kentucky and Michigan....it was actually a lot of fun. Once we arrived...they took pains to place the pieces in the optimal positions....very nice fellows. He said he will find a stand and bring it over also...he was very proud of his pieces...and we love them too! He also said (and I quote) "You need to decorate really bad!"....:-)

Tuesday Shopping Extravaganza!

Today is Wednesday and I must say...it's been a really good week so far! Last week was a bit challenging (sometimes for no really good reason) but this week has been on the upswing! Maybe it was the great shopping day with Bev and Joanna in Damdaemun. We met at the Hangangin Subway station 8:30am yesterday (walking distance from where we live) and took the subway to meet Joanna. It was a gorgeous day, breezy, and crisp...to us it felt great...to many of the Koreans it meant: Hat, gloves, scarf, winter jacket, layered clothing and possibly a face mask. We were wearing short sleeves. One of the nice Korean ladies touched my arm while we checked out her stand...and in Korean said something like "Too cold...you need a jacket" We bought some clever gift bags from her stand...a huge stack for 8,000kw (about 8 US). I tried to take mental notes of landmarks so I could return on my own if Bev/Joanna were globe trotting and not able to come next time....:-) Bev directed us to one of her favorite stands and we shopped for some Christmas gifts....excellent shopping! The photo with this entry is one of our 'finds' of the day. It's rabbit, fully lined, nice leather handles/hardware and fun...we thought it looked a 'bit' like a Hermes'...they reminded me that if you find it...and you want it...better get it while you can...we may never find this place again! :-) Maybe it will be a gift for someone who doesn't read my blog... The gals were so patient while I debated various items (for presents of course!) to purchase. They even helped carry my load AND offered to be a temporary bank if I needed it...now that's a true buddy!! :-) After shopping and trying to absorb it all...we caught a taxi and headed to a "Jewelry Party" being thrown by one of their British friends. She really had a beautiful home and spectacular view. On a side note...we had initially looked at a place about 5 houses from this one...but the steep hill/challenging access was a deciding factor for us to live where we do...and we really like it here. If you had a driver you could live pretty much anywhere...but if not...just carrying a few bags of groceries up that hill would be a challenge. The gal having the party designs the items ...and there were some really unique and interesting pieces. Everything was priced in 'Pounds'...but I think she would accept Korean Won also. After my shopping trip from the morning...I cooled my heels and did not make a purchase...just enjoyed looking. She has a really nice 'helper'...not sure where she is from...but SO nice and sweet. She brought me a coffee and said "Here you go mum"....so sweet.

It really was fun...we said our goodbyes and hiked down the hill (we were hoping the gal would let us catch a ride with her driver...since we had all of our shopping bags..no luck). Bev had to run to a SIWA class(she's making her OWN jewelry) and Joanna was off to her part of town...I headed to the post-office to mail our election ballots! The nice girls at the Post-office greeted me and were really interested in the envelopes for the ballots. One of them pointed to the Eagle on the front and said "American President Voting?"...I said yes....then we spoke a little bit of Korean...I eventually ran out of things to say...then we all smiled/bowed/waved good-bye. Just for regular days about town...I get the biggest kick out of visiting the local Post-office and the Turkish Kabob place (you knew I wouldn't leave them out of this blog entry!) haha.

Asian Flowers II

Last Wednesday was our second lesson for Asian flower arranging. It was initially scheduled for us to meet at another residence...but that gal canceled...so all the lucky people returned to our place! :-) This time I was prepared with tea, coffee and a smile. :-) This style is called "Upright/Modified". I believe the focal point should be to the front only...so a good design scheme for a corner display. The teacher said the sides of the arrangement are not as important as the previous "Upright" style. This appears to be a little more of a Fall arrangment...at least I think so. The triangle layout continues with this type of arrangement, then you fill the bottom of the planter with all types of smaller 'filler' type plants. I chose the Sunflower to be the focal point and top of the triangle. When the instructor went around to each planter she paused...grabbed a hand-full of the tall/beige/brown material and jammed it in. I liked it a little better without the addition...but she felt more height was needed...plus she is the expert...not me! One girl showed up 30 minutes late "That crazy driver of mine!" she said. She then proceeded to take about 6 cell phone calls and screech in her native/tribal tongue (issues with her driver, nanny, housekeeper and cook she told us)...it would have been more entertaining if we weren't trying to listen to our soft-spoken Korean teacher. After the 5th call...I gently guided the lady to the entrance and shut the door....so she could have some privacy with her call....:-) It all went well and everyone seems to get along just fine. I even asked the 'talker' is she would like some 'special green tea from the mountain monks'....she looked at me like I was a martian...bugged out her eyes and said "No way!"...haha...At the end she gave me a hug and said she had a great time.. and she would like to return next week..maybe my hostess skills are improving....

After the class (and cleanup!) I walked to the local market and who do you think was there? The Turkish crew! You would think it was a nice family reunion...me with about 4 Turkish fellows of varied ages and my sweet Korean buddy. "Sis!!" they yelled across the market. I must say I enjoyed having someone recognize me...and with such enthusiasm! There are usually lots of foreigners who go to this place...so it was even more hilarious with all the commotion. Plus, I have quickly learned how social interactions sometimes go here...it's like Junior High and occassionally High School (on a good day). If a 'cool' kid talks to you...then all of their pals seem to think you are 'ok'...I doubt the other people in the market thought about it too hard...but maybe down deep they thought...'well, she seems to have a few friends!' :-) I will save some of my 'Junior High' dealings with a few of the other foreigner ladies(not Korean) in another blog...I'm in a pretty good mood right now...I would hate to ruin this nice blog entry! haha.

Jimmy Choo!

Many of you probably remember my excited blog entry after the Queen's Birthday Ball, where I (we) won the 500,000 Kw gift-card to Jimmy Choo (feel free to refresh your memory as needed...:-) Chris was hoping JC (that's what I'm calling them now...haha) also made men's shoes. I honestly believe that every gal who speaks English in Seoul knows about my certificate or knows someone who knows about the certificate! :-) Please don't think I was bragging...just very excited! I gained most of my initial information regarding the' general' location from some nice British gals from Pro- Nails....then I consulted with Bev and Joanna...then they consulted with their buddy Peck ...she contacted her husband's personal assistant to assist with locating the boutique (it had to be the flagship store...not from the various malls)...Peck called the store and put the info in her car navigation system...whew...it took a village to get me there! :-) The expiration date was 9/30/08 and there was no possible way I was going to let those little stilettos slip through my toes! Chris was also trying to locate the store through his navigation system and offered to search it out on a weekend. All of Seoul rose up to help me get these shoes....it was almost half the fun! We picked the day and Peck offered to take us across the river...near the Galleria Mall...down a back alley...I would still be walking the streets without assistance. Peck even contacted the store regarding parking...and we parked right in front of the entrance...I mean 2 feet from the door! Peck also brought a nice buddy who cracked us up calling her husband and friends giving them the 'Jimmy Choo' update! The two gals in the store did not speak a lot of English but they understood the 'language of footwear' I guess...:-) After much discussion...and examining my feet...they determined that my foot was 'big size very big"...I am an 8 1/2 (38 1/2) narrow...that is the largest size carried by Jimmy Choo in Korea. I was literally praying the shoes would fit...my backup plan was a cool red purse or evening bag. Maybe the 'larger' shoe size was a blessing in disguise...because only 8 pairs were available in my size...a little less overwhelming. The gals positioned themselves on the very 'mod' curved couches and enjoyed the trying-on and modeling process...almost as much as I did (maybe more!) :-) We really had a ball. Bev even brought me back to reality when I decided the $1,700 boots 'fit like a glove'....then we all discussed the benefits of 'classic' versus 'trendy'....I am sure Chris was thankful I had a full support team(and rational too) with me.... coming home with those stunning boots 'might' have been a tough one to explain.....but in all honestly....I absolutely LOVE the shoes. Everyone was so patient as I re-tried the shoes and discussed how/when /where I would wear them.....:-) After the big fun we headed to a trendy little restaurant just across the street. The booths were huge over-stuffed leather sofas with low coffee tables....another one of Peck's friends joined us for the continued "Jimmy Choo" celebration. We even decided the shoe bag was stunning! :-) I don't believe I've ever experienced a true 'runner's high' ...but this day had to be close...I must say this day went a long way in helping overcome some of my feelings of homesickness....plus I have some really, really nice buddies from this outing! O yes, one side note. Since 'clubs' seem so popular over here...we have decided to start a 'Jimmy Choo Club"....we are the only members...and you don't have to actually own a pair to join in on the fun...hahaha. Now to wear them!! ( I will blog the maiden voyage of the Jimmy Choo's). :-)

Incheon Pottery Village

The two pictures attached to this post were taken several weeks ago. It was an outing to the Pottery Village about an hour from Seoul. We were fortunate to have the services of Bev's driver for this outing. There were 4 of us....Peck is taking the picture...Bev to my left and Joanna to her's. Most of the vendors actually fabricate and fire the pottery right there. They also supply many of the local pottery shops....of course...we believe the prices were better going directly to the source! The funny thing about bargaining....they always seem to say "O, those prices are only for the Japanese...not you!"....I'm not so sure about that...but a pretty good sales technique. I found 2 really nice pieces and a Soju set for Chris' birthday. It was interesting watching them work with the pottery design and glazes. The traditional type of pottery is green in color...and called Celadon. www.metmuseum.org/explore/celadon/html/startpage.htm We could have stayed all day I believe! Between shopping we had a great Korean barbecue lunch with LOTS of garlic. I even assisted with manning the grill and cutting the meat with scissors. It was a traditional restaurant with floor seating (grab a little pillow). The Kimchee was really fresh and tasty. After eating we journeyed back to the village to complete our shopping. I found a few gifts and hope to return again before Christmas. We told Bev we might need to hijack a ride with her husband and his driver some morning....his office is in the same area as the Pottery Village!

Changdeokgung Palace

During the Chusok holiday we decided to take advantage of having less crowds here in Seoul. This is the biggest holiday of the year and most people travel to visit their families and/or places or birth. Our Korean friends say it is a bit like Thanksgiving in the U.S. It is tied to the full moon so the actual holiday varies in month and day each year. Many people take this holiday to travel out of the country also...many went to Vietnam and Thailand. Next year we will have a better idea of how things run and where to go.

The photo with this post was taken at the Changdeokyung Palace Secret Garden. It was really beautiful. A French fellow with a very high-tech camera took the picture. He looked at my simple Kodak with almost confusion....haha. I hope to 'upgrade' soon. My Dad sent the camera edition of Consumer Reports...so we are doing our research!

A little background regarding the palace. It was built in 1405, the fifth year of King Taejong's reign during the Joseon Dynasty. As is the case with most of the palaces and temples...it was burned during the Japanese invasion . It was rebuilt during the reign of King Kwanghaegun (1608-1623), and functioned as the main palace for the longest period in Joseon history. www.cdg.go.kr We took the English speaking tour so there was quite a variety of people. I have included a few additional photos.

After the tour we walked around Insadong for a bit but quickly realized that most of our favorite places to browse were closed for the holiday. We called Chris' buddy Rogelio (he lives near the palace) for dinner. As we were leaving 'Somerset' where he lives, we walked through a revolving door to exit. We were right behind a German group and we spotted a Korean woman standing at an angle to the door. All of a sudden she rushed the glass encasement and actually broke her glasses and cut her face. It was the loudest 'thud' I have heard in quite a while. We felt so sorry for her. Her family rushed to her aide so they didn't need further assistance...but now when I wear my glasses I do a 'sweep' of the area to make sure I'm not walking into a glass panel! :-)