Throwback Thursday - Thanksgiving Edition

This was the aftermath of my first Thanksgiving in South Korea back in 2007. Rocketman was out of town because we were under Korean Holidays which of course does not celebrate the U.S. Thanksgiving. I was feeling a little bummed when Hellena and Hannah called and said they were coming down and we would go out to eat for Thanksgiving.

This was the aftermath of our dinner. At the time, it was the most dishes I had ever seen on a table. I wasn't in the habit yet of taking a photo before we began to eat but I tell you it was the most vibrantly beautiful Thanksgiving table I had ever seen. We ate until we were stuffed and we went back to our apartment where we watched Korean dramas and had a sleepover. I went to bed around 11pm and found out the next morning that the girls had ordered a midnight fried chicken delivery. I still don't know how those girls stay so skinny.

It was a special Thanksgiving for me spent with special people. Even though I missed my family back home terribly, these girls became family to us and still are.

Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you wherever you are this special day. Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and friends along with delicious food whether it's turkey or kimchi.

Randon Photos Around Seoul and Suwon 2014 - by Rocketman

 

                                                         Seoul Tower in the distance.

                                  There seems to be protesting going on at any given time.

We saw a huge concert at City Hall, partly in English, put on by the Moonies. I had forgotten all about them.

 

 

 

                            Namdaemun was especially crowded with Chuseok approaching.

                                              I had never seen it with all the flag banners.

This is where we stayed, Fraser Place. There are two in Seoul. The price used to include a buffet breakfast but they raised the prices and dropped the free breakfast. We didn't know that until we checked in. The rooms are really nice and large but the bed feels like you are sleeping on a board. It's not too far from Seoul Station.

 

 

                                     First time I had seen matching mother and son shirts.

       The old Seoul Station. I'm so glad they didn't tear it down but built a new one next to it.

I wish I could do this. I can get down but getting back up is another story. I remember once Mr. Choi telling me that the older generation was really worried because young people were not doing this anymore. He said that Korean were unique because they squat with their foot totally flat on the ground not resting on their toes.

This is in front of Nan-Young's shop. She is quite the decorator and gardening. She takes such pride in it.

                                                                         Nan-Young's street.

                                        Paldalmun gate. Home sweet home to me.

                                              You don't see a unicycle everyday.

                                                    Hand Spaghetti, sounds interesting.

 

                                   This is Nan-Young's building. It's really uniquely shaped.

                                   Nan-Young's chilbo (Korean enameling) is filling up.

                                                                More of Nan-Young's art.

 

 

 

Nan-Young is decorating the outside of her shop with chilbo. It is striking and people stop to look at it all the time.

A Couple of Random Videos from Korea - 2014

There was a huge construction site next to our hotel in Seoul and every morning I would look out to see this. It happened around 7:30 am. Rocketman experienced the same thing every morning when he worked in Korea. It was fun to watch.


I also happened to catch an episode of "Best" on the television while we were there. It is one of my favorite shows. It highlights people doing amazingly talented things. This show is actually how I found my Korean miniature teacher when she was featured on the show. I would love to meet this couple some day.

I have one more post and that will wrap up our latest trip to Korea. When I started blogging the trip, I was really surprised at all we did and how many blog posts it took me to share it all with you. We are planning our next visit in Fall 2015. It's another one of my favorite times in Korea. 

Rocketman just found out that "I Am A Singer" is returning for a new season. It was one of our favorite things to watch when we lived in Korea. Every Sunday night at 6 pm, you would find us glued to the television. Rocketman said that it was time to move back to Korea and I agree:)  Here are two of my favorite songs from the series:


I had never heard of Kim Kyoung-ho and Kim Yeon-Woo until this series. Boy, I was missing some amazing singers. I still get chills when I watch this video.

And when I watch this video. I loved Kim Bum-Soo before he was on "I Am A Singer" but after the series and seeing him in concert, I am a forever fan.

Until next time Korea. This is me and my bodyguard. He was always so protective of me and having a Master Tae Kwon Do as your friend isn't too shabby.

Random Photos Around Seoul 2014 - by Me

Everywhere we went this trip, we saw Koreans with these cell phone extenders. I learned they are called selfie sticks. Eat Your Kimchi did a really cute video on them here. They cost 6000 WON ($6.00 USD) and you could buy them everywhere. I swear every Korean owns one at least from what I could see.

                       I love to ride the subway in Seoul and I found this family just adorable.

On Chuseok, it's pretty hit and miss what is open and what isn't so we were prepared to eat in every meal if we had to. We decided to see if the Nolboo near our hotel was open for dinner and the closer we got, we saw it wasn't. But I spied a Korean restaurant across the street with their door wide open even though they had no customers inside. We headed over to see if they were truly open and they were. It was a budae jjigae restaurant! Oh joy!!! This is what we ordered. It was delicious!

Here is a photo of their menu. I'm always a fan of picture menus even though Rocketman's Korean is excellent.

Hannah sent us back to the States with a bunch of miniature soju bottles. One even has ginger in it. I think they are just so cute so they are still unopened.

Final Day in Seoul 2014

We spent our final day in Korea with Hellena and Hannah. They had found this artsy part of Seoul which happened to be on one of the local mountains. As we made our way to the area in a taxi, arguing ensued between the girls and the ajosshi taxi driver. It turns out they wanted him to drive us to the area up on the mountain and he refused. You gotta love those ajosshis.

We were dropped off and given directions by the ajosshi but before we could commence on our walk, Hannah needed something to eat. I took this picture above of an ajumma with three trays on balanced on her head. I had seen one tray many times but not three. She skillfully made her way through the crowd like it was something she did everyday which I have a feeling she does.

                                          There were lots of food carts to choose from.

Hannah finally decided on this cart and one of those gigantic corn dogs.

 

We began our walk and it became apparent that the road was very steep but there were lots of things to look at as we made our way to the top.

                                                              We passed this cute store.

   This looked interesting. I was curious about a dancing grandpa whose performance could save a life.

                                                         Kimchi pots lining a coffee shop.

                                                                        Now we're talking.

                                  This was painted on the wall of a crumbling building.

                                              I was loving everything we were seeing.

                                              Do you see the fruit sitting on the wall?

                                                                      I thought it was so cool.

          This is what we saw looking down. Hannah said this is considered the poor part of Seoul.

 

                                            These wire sharks were amazing.

 

 I was surprised to see a tent on top of a building but it is a way to camp outside like we would in our backyard.

                                                 This rooftop place caught my eye.

 

                                         Hellena and Hannah seemed to enjoy themselves.

 

Then dark clouds starting to get closer and closer. There was a 20% chance of rain so we had umbrellas but I was really doubtful it would actually rain.

 

 

It started to sprinkle which quickly led to a downpour. We and about 10 others took refuge under a tiny awning at a closed coffee shop. We were crowded together like sardines as more took refuge with us. The rain got harder and harder. A few taxis ventured by and dropped people off. As quickly as the passengers got out, some of our little huddled group jumped in. We stood there for over 20 minutes when we decided that it wasn't a quick shower and we would try to grab the next cab.

Luckily, the taxi came by and droppedomeone off and we got in. As we drove down the mountain, the rain got lighter and lighter until it stopped altogether. It seemed that it was only pouring on the mountain. Just our luck. But we still had a great time with the girls and I want to revisit that area again and see everything.