We started our day tightly packed into the car, heading for... well I didn't exactly know, so I asked Jo Jo for the plan. Mr.Lee has to work, so we're going to spend the day exploring Seoul while he's away. he's going to drop us off at the train station, and pick us back up at the end of the day. The train? Now you're talking my language!
The Ticket ended up costing 6200 won, which converts to about $6. Not bad for a hour long train ride.
Our train arrives and departs exactly on time, and leaves just as punctually
The seats were surprisingly spacious! (Although I did have to watch my head on the door).
A good Drink
And a great view
Once we'd arrived at the station, it was time to descend into the Seoul subway system. Expecting the hustle and bustle of commuters and cosmopolitan merchants, you can imagine my surprise to find a relatively calm and peaceful atmosphere below the streets of the country's biggest city.
I noticed patches of dirt between the bricked columns, no doubt the future sight of a garden. When trains arrive and depart, the intercoms fade into bright and uplifting instrumentations. Other trains' arrival will be heralded by classical music. I can only surmise that the different melodies help to direct the blind towards the correct side of the tracks. Most of Korea sports a long, yellow trail with raised bumps to help those with vision impairments; I call it the Yellow Brick Road.
One less relaxing aspect to the Seoul Subway system, are these gas masks and relief goods found riddled throughout. The station doubles as a shelter in case of war breaking out; A sobering reminder of the threat from the north.
Shield your eyes! not really though, because there's too much cool stuff to look at. As we make our way out of the subway, we stroll right into the National Palace museum. Walking into the building, almost every other patron is dressed in period clothing. I'm guessing free admission based on the clothes you wear is a very popular trend in Seoul.
Jo Jo was glad to be out of the subway
And I was excited to start our day of adventure
But not before another tea and coffee break
I really have to thank Jo Jo's family so much for taking me on all these great adventures. Once we hit the street, we stumbled on this uniquely quaint character painting using rectangular sponges. Mrs. Lee gave the man 10,000 won and a slip of paper with my name in Korean.
He skillfully went to work painting the letters into a scenery of birds. When he was finished, he signed his name and gave it his stamp. I'm going to keep it always, and frame it when I can.
This cool shop was comprised only of cubbies of earrings and necklaces
One night Only: the Blues Brothers rhythm and blues review
Moving in on my girl
A rest is very welcome
We all scream for ice cream
Here we go again
Which way is Kansas?
The home of Rachel's friend
To get lunch, we walked into a very unassuming staircase, something I might expect to lead to an apartment, or a run-down detective's office. Once I turn the corner I see a very bright, tucked away restaurant called "Cheese that loves jjimdak." I have no idea what it means, but they make some good food.
Jo Jo's mom has been very kind in trying to make me feel at home with food for a western pallet. I can honestly say marinated chicken with cheese and french fries on top hits that mark. It was delicious!
Jo Jo's mom bought these for us! They're our zodiac animals
Beautiful
Lights
Camera
Action
I looked cooler in my head
My sweet girlfriend
exercising is for the birds
Even the train Station has art
Sort of
And then we ride off into the sunset