On the Ddong in Insadong

Insadong~~~ I think I love you, you glorious beacon of all things good. You standard bearer of Korean culture. You crowded hot mess.

In Seoul, South Korea, there are a million places to spend your time. If I had to choose one to recommend, it would be Insadong. Maybe it was the pleasant 75 degree day that we visited on, or the fact that we met some cool people on our way. Either way I was in heaven during our time there.

Before we even arrived at the city, we met some of E's friends on the subway headed to the same palace that we were going to. E plays in the Daegu softball league, so she knows a lot of random teachers, and B just happens to be one of them. B was travelling with his family, showing them the most touristy things imaginable, so we decided to link up!

One of the most impressive things about Insadong are the Korean grand palaces.

they're grander than this, but I lost my pictures in a horrible fire

After joining the walking tour of the palace's "secret garden", led by the most gorgeous Korean woman ever(!), we decided to seek out the famed Ddong (poo) cafe. We found it quickly, and it did not disappoint.

ddong-y decor

ddong love notes inside the cafe

Ddong bread. 똥빵. 

After drinking lattes out of toilet mugs (pictures to come from T), we decided to call it quits for the day. It was time to go back to the hotel, play some card games and watch some movies. I really can't think of a better weekend than that.

Peace and love

Imani

On whirlwind adventures

It's May time in Korea, a special month where we celebrate my birthday and some sporadically scheduled vacations. I've been busy since the first of May strutting around town, buying birthday gifts for myself and planning weekend trips. *accordingly, now, on the 20th of May, I am dead broke*

On the first of May, we celebrated the labor day vacation. This vacation is only for English teachers and other government employees, not the general public, and it happens to fall on a Wednesday. My crew and I decided on a trip to Everland Korea, a magical Disney-like theme park that was mostly empty at 11 am on a Wednesday morning (score!). Our time in Everland was beyond exciting, however I lost all my photos that I took during that time, so you'll have to rely on your imagination.

Imagine a theme park that looks and smells like Disney World, with similar decades-based architecture. Now miniaturize it, I mean really shrink it down. Also, no characters, so take them out of the equation. Decrease the number of legitimate theme park rides from twenty or so to about six, throw a little kimchi in there and BOOM! Everland is born. 

Not to say it wasn't a fun day (and for a fraction of the price of Disney, who can complain?) but it wasn't what our Korean friends had made it out to be. I'm sensing a theme here. Regardless, I was able to see a hologram show of Big Bang and that's all that really matters. 

Later, on Friday, we began our four day weekend with a midnight-ish train back up to Seoul to stay in a jjimjilbang that J found for us. The spa we decided to stay at happened to be located right next to Seoul station, which made for an easy walk after we got off our train. We spent the night there in little sleeping cubicles that could be politely referred to as "quaint". The real fun came in the morning when we donned the clothes that were given to us and began to enjoy the many perks of staying in a spa. We visited several rooms including the Jade heat room, with walls of jade crystals and hot sand for a floor, and the Ice room, which, unfortunately was not filled with ice-cream, but with a fan blowing and ice crystals on the wall. It was amazing!

in our spa wear...reppin that orange and red

Next on our list of things to accomplish in Seoul was a decent American lunch. We checked into our hostel and decided to hit up a place that was always a hit; On the Border.

 

After we ate a week's worth of calories, we decided to walk around the Itaewon area for a bit. The day was nice and sunny, so we were able to see all the market stands on the street and explore some of the back alleyways.

artsy back alleyway

crowded Itaewon street

The next day was Sunday, our day of true rest. For many of my friends it had been more than a year since they've been able to order something hot and delicious from a western breakfast menu. We ended up going to the Original Pancake Story restaurant for some grub, which was close to the Gangnam area.

their berry french toast is DEVINE

Next, I'll talk about our day on Monday, when we visited the awesome Insadong area and went to the Ddong Cafe!

Peace and Love

Imani

On 25 and in Korea

Today marks the 25th anniversary of when I was blissfully born into existence. Most of the time I'd be at home in Lewisville but this year I celebrate in Korea. It's actually my third birthday abroad. When I was 21 I was in Greece and when I was 24 I was still here in dae-han-min-gook.

So what's it like celebrating your birthday abroad? I would say that, like all holidays, it's there. It's a thing, it's a day that passes, but it's not really that holiday. Like Christmas and Thanksgiving and other holidays, I've found that it's not the day that makes the occasion, but the traditions, the people. During Christmas at my house we celebrate with waking up early (forcefully), eating something sweet baked in the oven, and then going our separate ways until it's time for dinner.

Dad's working on the latest gadget, Nathan's playing video games, Nia's usually reading a book or fiddling with an electronic. Mom is cleaning up and drinking coffee and I'm recounting all my gifts to my friends over the phone.

This past year in Korea, however, I celebrated Christmas day by going ice-skating in an overly crowded park, and playing secret Santa. All of our activities for the day were Christmas related but they weren't Christmas.

15 months is a long time to be away from home, and I've felt that harder than ever now that it is my birthday.This year I've had dinner with friends, ice-cream, gifts and hugs. However, it doesn't compare to going home to that wooden table covered in birthday wishes from everyone in the family and getting to choose whatever I wanted for dinner. (Lasagna! Pizza! Thai!)

It's melancholy at times, but I know that I will appreciate the time I was celebrating my birthday abroad in the years to come, just like I appreciate the times at home now that I'm not there.

25.

Let's make this year the best one so far!

xoxo
Imani