Sweet Sweet Seoul!

I think it's fair to say I have found one of my favorite cities in the entire world!  I have been to Seoul the last two weekends and I can't wait to go back (basically I have to wait until I get paid again).

Look in any direction in this city and you will be amazed at all the beauty it has to offer, whether it's massive skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, or a display of thousands of roses lit up in the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.
I almost recommend going to Seoul with no plans and just walk around (or take the subway) and see what you stumble into (or if it's 3 a.m. who stumbles into you).  There is always something going on, and the public transportation is amazing.

Dongdaemun History & Culture Park

One night we were walking around Dongdaemun and noticed thousands of roses lined up in the park that created this spectacular view with the skyscrapers set as the background.
Another night it happened to be the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.  This event invites firework masters (It's unfortunate that Winona didn't offer this class) from all over the world to help put on a spectacular display.

I've never been big into anime, nor do I know a whole lot about it.  I did tag along with a friend this weekend to check out the Studio Ghibli anime exhibit and it was pretty magical.  This was the first time that the studio, founded by Hayao Miyazaki, held an art showcase outside of Japan.  I knew we were in for something special when they told us there was over an hour wait (well I knew it was either special or a waste of time...but I rolled the dice on this one).  I will admit, it would have been nice to have seen some of these movies prior, especially in Colorado (if you're picking up what I'm throwing down).  Here are some of the pics I        snapped from inside.

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro

Spirited Away

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

One of the best parts about traveling is the great people you meet and all the random things/situations you find yourself in.  I was having a quiet dinner with my friend, planning on laying low and saving some money.  This is usually a poor plan and usually doesn't turn out the way you planned (especially in Seoul).  We were approached by a friendly German girl looking for some Korean Barbecue (we clearly looked like Korean BBQ connoisseurs) for her and her boyfriend who had just arrived to Korea.

Being the friendly, BBQ connoisseurs that we are, we offered to show her where to go...which also meant how to order...how to eat... and how to drink properly at such an establishment.  

3.5 hours later our plan to lay low and save money was failing miserably, but it's times like these when you're flying by the seat of your pants you find yourself enjoying life the most.  

Bman, Patrick, Mia, David enjoying a low key, quiet night in Seoul

Ok...it wasn't that quiet.

Our night may or may not have ended at 4:30a.m. but I do know it was one of the better nights I've had while here.  I also know that my first Noraebang (Korean Karaoke) experience was everything I'd hoped it would be (maybe more).  Also, yes, I did sing a Bruce Springsteen song to get things started right.  

This past month has flown by and my experience here has been amazing.  I've met so many great people and learned so much about a new part of the world and myself.

Just in case my parents are reading this blog, I swear I still have a job and I am still working (so relax)...here's proof.

This was actually parent teacher day, much like parent teacher conferences except the parents sit in class with the students.  I remember my parent teacher conferences back in the day...wow... Karma is a .....