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| Sanrio store at Coex, the largest mall in Korea that is also underground. |
I spent last week in South Korea visiting my brother Richard and his wife, Katy. It was my last chance to visit them before they relocate to another Air Force base in Belgium. This trip couldn't have come at a better time - I was getting burnt out at work and in desperate need of a change of scenery. I also hadn't seen my brother since October of last year. I have to say it right now:
Thank you, Richard and Katy. This trip was eye-opening, fascinating, inspiring, rejuvenating, FUN and it wouldn't have been possible with out you.
Before landing in Seoul, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Obviously, I would be in the minority, being American and speaking only English. I had seen pictures and done a little bit of research, but I was prepared to do most of my learning once I got there. The flight from Chicago was 12 hours, and I slept most of the time, waking up to eat and read (which put me back to sleep). I credit this hibernation period for my lack of jet lag.
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| The view from R. and K.'s apartment, Singtan. Main road in Singtan. |
When traveling abroad, I like to spend just as much time off the beaten path as sightseeing tourist spots. This trip was that glorious mix, between visiting cultural sites, mall shopping as well as small shops and street vendors, trying traditional and nontraditional meals,
skeezy local bars, and enough down time to relax reading
The Island. We had a daily drive down narrow side streets, hardly avoiding collisions and pedestrians. Most taxi drivers/cashiers/clerks don't speak English, so you point directions or on a menu. I found it interesting that even if a menu had English translations, that doesn't mean the employees will understand it.
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| Katy and I on a tour bus in Seoul. |
Food is never hard to find, as there are food carts, convenience stores, and restaurants around every corner. For some reason I had it in my head we'd be eating rice at every meal, but international cuisine is prominent, and one of my favorite meals was a simple but expertly prepared pasta dish in Songtan. Besides the common cabbage
kimchi, I enjoyed the cucumber and zucchini varieties. I also just had to try the Sweet Potato Latte (Koreans like their coffee shops, too). It's Thanksgiving in a cup!
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| These fancy cakes are available at your local Baskin Robbins in Korea! |
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Shopping in Korea is a dream....for me, at least. Everything is made for little people! In the metropolis of Seoul, women's fashions trend on the very ladylike side - ruffled skirts, sheer blouses, Peter Pan collars, bows everywhere, muted colors, and tailored dresses, with dainty accessories. Men are well dressed, and Katy informed me "macho" isn't part of their vocabulary. State-side, their style may be referred to as "metro". Nerd glasses were in abundance.
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| Outside the Korean War Memorial Museum. |
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| Inside. |
On Thursday we visited the
Korean War Memorial Museum. It's no secret I'm behind on my world history (Cuban Missile Crisis? Yep, I failed that test), but I was completely in awe of Korea's war-torn past. The country has seen more crisis than peace. Just 50 years ago, Seoul and the surrounding areas lay in rubble and famine. Without allied assistance, they would currently be under the communist rule of North Korea. Katy and I were blessed to have a conversation with a volunteer at the museum, Mr. Moon, who shared his memories of being 5 years old during the Korean War and his pride in how the country has recuperated. He emphasized several times how grateful he is for the help the United States has provided and considers us friends.
Food was a topic that came up in conversation. After the war, his family of five was given minimal rations. They survived mainly on a daily diet of noodles they had to roll by hand with only salt to flavor them with. "Pastry Chef" didn't translate well for Mr. Moon, but he lit up at the mention of chocolate. He recalled American soldiers handing Hershey's out to children. Today he enjoys it in moderation, along with flour, to avoid weight gain. Such a charming little man and conversation I won't soon forget!
And finally, experiencing the off-base nightlife in Songtan...
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| Richard and I. |
This dance club was run by a bunch of older ladies, and the grandson of one of them was going to town on the dance floor when we arrived. It was early still (9 pm), so the rest of the club was empty. We were entirely entertained watching him sing and dance, then after finishing our "African Slushies," Jen, my brother's coworker, led the way and we were all dancing with him!
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| Jen, Master Flow, and Katy working the dance floor. |
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| Glow-in-the-dark shots consisting of Soju, Sprite, and an energy drink. |
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| Katy serves up a "Kettle" drink that tastes like Creamcicle. |
Such a great time! I feel so blessed!
xoxo,
Rachel
