German Haus

Whilst wandering around Uijeonbgu during my last weekend in this city, Blake and I stumbled upon this amazing German restaurant. Within was an incredible distillery as well. The shiny brewery paraphinelia was quite a surprise to say the least. We spent the day chatting all afternoon while soaking in the sunrays on the patio. Was a truly lovely day. 

Canada Day!!!

Cellied up a storm over here in Korea! We even learned the national anthem.

Naksan take 2!

Ah the adventurer and pre planner in me has done it again! I first came upon the beauty and serenity of Naksan after my 15.5 hour hike of Seoraksan - what a trek that way! This town has such a relaxed feeling, very chill, yet bustly too. Oh an do not forget all the delicious seafood! Mmmm, mmm good! Blake and I share in crab, sashimi of I don't know what and may other delights!

Surprisigly the beach and town were relatively dead. I wasn't complaining though. The hotel was much improved this time around; we actually had a bed! No floor sleeping for these high rollers! Haha

Through my own detectiveness we took the Uijeongbu bus to Sokcho, transferred to Naksan which is in Yangyang. Across the street was a big museum place. Cool to check out. We were only a five minute walk from the hotel as well!

The trek home was a bit more difficult. Took a bus to Sokcho though didn't end up at the right bus terminal without extra guidance of local bus drivers, transferred in Seoul to the subway as we were afraid Blake wouldn't make curfew. Luckily all ended well!

It was such a lovely getaway. Checked out the view from Naksan Temple again - always breathtaking and had some much needed relaxation. Oh and some fireworks and good eats too! And sun!!!;)

Ultra Korea 2014

Oh. My. Goodness! An epic, outdoor, musically tantalizing event! Though the audience may have been far crazier in another country, Korea partied HARD. This was nothing short of an amazing show. Four stages. Kick ass DJs. New friends. The good times were a flowing!

I was even lucky enough to meet up with the last Canadian friend I saw as I left the airport for Korea almost one year ago now ... My how this all feels like a quick and oh so slow dream this past year. 

We came. We listened. We sang our hearts out. We danced the night away.

Swan Boat!

On a warm, sunny, summer day here in Korea. Trained down to Tueksom Resort and took advantage of the swan paddle boats on the Han River. Man were my legs ever tired at the end of this ride! 

New discovery

Ah the joys of finding another treasure, still! Near Cafe Street - uber cute by the way! - we found a skate park. Made many new friends with small Korean boys. THIS would never be ok back home; numbers were exchanged, hands were held, so cute!

home-style art scene

Stumbled upon a showing of Shakespeare this past weekend. Lucky for me and the rest of the foreigners it was performed in English with Korean subtitles. I definitely feel like a bit of an arse in being thankful for this, especially seeing as how it is not 'my' country, but I elected to SEE the country rather than learn the language. I feel all the more well-learned of the area and feel a different (what I see as deeper and more fulfilling) appreciation for the country than my Korean-language-only-studiers have. Not to gloat ... :)

I viewed a fantastic performance of Midsummer's Night Dream. Truly amazing! In reflecting upon the education I have received, I feel very uninformed in regards to Shakespeare. I remember reading the stereotypical, Romeo & Juliet, and that was honestly it. Never touched a lick of his work since! Even in being completely unaware of the storyline I still thoroughly enjoyed the theatrics his work has to offer.

In exploring beforehand, I even discovered a cutesy, little breakfast/italien restaurant. So delicious! Who doesn't love waffles, bacon (real, legit bacon in fact!), sausage, egg and salad (real salad!) for dinner. Om nom nom-ness in my mouth hole!

The show definitely makes me wish for home and the art and performance scene. I am sad to be missing Fringe, to miss PRIDE in Van and Edmonton ~ though Van you are waaaay better and definitely my favorite!, street performers, buskers on the sidewalks, people selling their art ... ah I cannot wait to be home for this! I miss the scene that is back home. Though the weather in ever warming, the sun is shining and I continue to smile and say hello in korean to passerby's (even though the majority of them look upon me with disgust - lol!), I miss my sense of home.