- Ira Glass (host/prod of This American Life)
I needed this now.
ABSOLUTELY, Ira Glass.
11.30.2010
"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through."
11.29.2010
My mom wrote on her Facebook page that she thought it was "sad" that we were eating Peruvian food for Thanksgiving. In her words, "something seems wrong about that." So to ease her sorrow, I'm happy to report that I had a delicious and traditional American Thanksgiving dinner! On Sunday, Kenny and Jeena invited us over for a delicious meal of roasted duck, turkey, chicken, sweet potatoes, stuffing, scalloped potatoes, corn, bread rolls (which wasn't eaten in fear that we'd be filling our stomachs with nonsense like bread), pumpkin pie, apple cobbler and so much more...just trying to recount all the food is giving me food coma :)
Mark and I headed over to their house around 2 p.m. and didn't leave until 8:30ish. There were about 15-20 people throughout the evening, and it was really awesome talking to everyone about how long they've been here, why they came here and when they plan on returning home. We talked about careers, culture shock, food, traveling...pretty much everything you can talk about in 6 hours of eating, breathing through the pain of food comatose and eating again. And because Mark and I were the youngest people there as well as the ones in Korea for the least amount of time, everyone had their fair share of advice for us. It was enlightening to hear everyone's opinions & experiences.
Another highlight of the day was the most adorable baby I've ever laid eyes on. Not only was she cute, she was quirky, flirty and oh-so-happy! I'll let the pictures explain...
See?
Hope you all had a great weekend! Until next time, bisous xoxo
Mark and I headed over to their house around 2 p.m. and didn't leave until 8:30ish. There were about 15-20 people throughout the evening, and it was really awesome talking to everyone about how long they've been here, why they came here and when they plan on returning home. We talked about careers, culture shock, food, traveling...pretty much everything you can talk about in 6 hours of eating, breathing through the pain of food comatose and eating again. And because Mark and I were the youngest people there as well as the ones in Korea for the least amount of time, everyone had their fair share of advice for us. It was enlightening to hear everyone's opinions & experiences.
Another highlight of the day was the most adorable baby I've ever laid eyes on. Not only was she cute, she was quirky, flirty and oh-so-happy! I'll let the pictures explain...
See?
Hope you all had a great weekend! Until next time, bisous xoxo
11.26.2010
It's amazing how work really affects your perception of holidays. If the world around you continues to work without acknowledging that a special day is, well, special, then the importance of it all disappears quite easily. As you all know, Thanksgiving is not an international holiday and although many expats take time to celebrate it here, when you have to go into work on Thursday AND Friday, it's easy to forget about. Mark, Jamie and I made what we could of it by getting together for dinner at a Peruvian restaurant. You're probably thinking "huh?? Peruvian isn't Thanksgiving-appropriate food!" but it is when you're in Korea and the only thing you don't want in your Thanksgiving meal is kimchi.
I finished my radio segment at 8 and met up with Jamie half an hour later at the Hapjeong subway station (which is very close to Hongik University and the Hongdae area). Mark was originally going to stay in (bah humbug!) but he suddenly had a festive change of heart to join us. So together, we walked into this Peruvian abyss called Cusco, where I heard Spanish music for the first time in months. The walls were covered in vibrant colors and various cultural ornaments clustered around the tables and chairs. The servers even wore Peruvian vests :)
The food was such a nice change to the usual Korean food that we eat day and night (not that I'm complaining; in all honesty, I don't think it's remotely possible for me to get tired of Korean food, it's in my blood). I ordered some kind of chicken dish that was stir fried with onions, peppers and garlic. Mark had a fantastic arroz con pollo--the rice and chicken were so moist and done so right! And Jamie had this baked potato thing that had spicy ground meat in it. "Peru" was even written on the potato with ketchup and mayo!
[Obviously we liked it!]
[Jamie's "Peru"vian potato]
After dinner, we all headed home since Mark and Jamie had work bright and early the next morning. Although it was short and not as festive as most Thanksgivings, it was still nice to spend the evening with the people I love. After all, they're my family out here...
Anyway, if you want to check out Cusco, take line 2 to Hapjeong. Walk out of exit 6, turn left and at the corner of the street, turn left again. Cusco will be on your left.
Thanksiving part II is on Sunday. My friends Kenny and Jeena are hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional foods. I'm looking forward to it and you bet there will be pics :)
Meanwhile, I'd like to say "thank you" to everyone for your continuous love, support and prayers. I feel so blessed and thankful to have such wonderful people in my life. You guys rock!
Hope you all had a splendid Thanksgiving and a delicious meal. Make sure to tell your family how much you love them and how thankful you are to spend the holidays with them ;) I know I would if I could!
Until next time, bisous xoxo
PS- I forgot to provide you with a link in my last post to the rest of my autumn pictures. You can find them here.
I finished my radio segment at 8 and met up with Jamie half an hour later at the Hapjeong subway station (which is very close to Hongik University and the Hongdae area). Mark was originally going to stay in (bah humbug!) but he suddenly had a festive change of heart to join us. So together, we walked into this Peruvian abyss called Cusco, where I heard Spanish music for the first time in months. The walls were covered in vibrant colors and various cultural ornaments clustered around the tables and chairs. The servers even wore Peruvian vests :)
The food was such a nice change to the usual Korean food that we eat day and night (not that I'm complaining; in all honesty, I don't think it's remotely possible for me to get tired of Korean food, it's in my blood). I ordered some kind of chicken dish that was stir fried with onions, peppers and garlic. Mark had a fantastic arroz con pollo--the rice and chicken were so moist and done so right! And Jamie had this baked potato thing that had spicy ground meat in it. "Peru" was even written on the potato with ketchup and mayo!
[Our appetizer: potatoes with some mustard/peanut sauce]
[Obviously we liked it!]
[Jamie's "Peru"vian potato]
After dinner, we all headed home since Mark and Jamie had work bright and early the next morning. Although it was short and not as festive as most Thanksgivings, it was still nice to spend the evening with the people I love. After all, they're my family out here...
Anyway, if you want to check out Cusco, take line 2 to Hapjeong. Walk out of exit 6, turn left and at the corner of the street, turn left again. Cusco will be on your left.
Thanksiving part II is on Sunday. My friends Kenny and Jeena are hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional foods. I'm looking forward to it and you bet there will be pics :)
Meanwhile, I'd like to say "thank you" to everyone for your continuous love, support and prayers. I feel so blessed and thankful to have such wonderful people in my life. You guys rock!
Hope you all had a splendid Thanksgiving and a delicious meal. Make sure to tell your family how much you love them and how thankful you are to spend the holidays with them ;) I know I would if I could!
Until next time, bisous xoxo
PS- I forgot to provide you with a link in my last post to the rest of my autumn pictures. You can find them here.
11.24.2010
Color has never looked better...
Fall is my favorite season of the year, which I didn't discover until last fall in France, where I got to experience the beauty of changing leaves and crisp air. There's something so peaceful and beautiful about the combination of the two that it's difficult to put into words. But for those of you who get to experience the four seasons, you know what I'm talking about.
Although there's a harsh winter with killer winds waiting right around the corner, I can't help but simply ignore how miserable I'll be in a couple months because every time I walk out of my apartment building, a smile is immediately brought to my face as yellow and red leaves fall on my head.
Everyone walks past me, bundled in their long coats and scarves, and although they don't make eye contact with me, I know what they're thinking. Like me, they too are happy to be surrounded by other people to witness nature's beauty in such an unnatural city like Seoul. It's quite nice. If only this could last for six more months or so...
Fall is my favorite season of the year, which I didn't discover until last fall in France, where I got to experience the beauty of changing leaves and crisp air. There's something so peaceful and beautiful about the combination of the two that it's difficult to put into words. But for those of you who get to experience the four seasons, you know what I'm talking about.
Although there's a harsh winter with killer winds waiting right around the corner, I can't help but simply ignore how miserable I'll be in a couple months because every time I walk out of my apartment building, a smile is immediately brought to my face as yellow and red leaves fall on my head.
Everyone walks past me, bundled in their long coats and scarves, and although they don't make eye contact with me, I know what they're thinking. Like me, they too are happy to be surrounded by other people to witness nature's beauty in such an unnatural city like Seoul. It's quite nice. If only this could last for six more months or so...
11.21.2010
Dear Elysabeth,
Today is your first day on-air and I know how nervous you may be. I'm sure after the host informed you that he wanted your segment to be less-scripted and more open-ended last night, you're driving yourself crazy with all the what-ifs and what-could-go-wrongs. But let me remind you of something that you should tell yourself everyday: just have fun with it.
Take each subject and the research required for it as a new learning experience. Unlike many jobs, you're getting paid to learn something new, which will keep things fun, fresh and exciting. For the short 30 minutes you are on air pretending to be an "expert," rather than allowing yourself to succumb to nerves and anxiety, enjoy the conversation you'll have with the host and the callers. Bring out your alter ego if you have to, as long as you're having fun.
I know you Elysabeth and I know how nervous you can get. Most of the time, you don't let the nerves affect you, but every once in awhile, I've watched you buckle under pressure. Now is not the time to do that. Just remember, laugh in the face of fear by laughing with joy. It's easy as long as you make a conscious effort to live by it.
It's actually quite simple.
Yours truly,
Elysabeth (at a peaceful moment in the morning with her cup of joe, where she can reflect on how fun this job will be)
Today is your first day on-air and I know how nervous you may be. I'm sure after the host informed you that he wanted your segment to be less-scripted and more open-ended last night, you're driving yourself crazy with all the what-ifs and what-could-go-wrongs. But let me remind you of something that you should tell yourself everyday: just have fun with it.
Take each subject and the research required for it as a new learning experience. Unlike many jobs, you're getting paid to learn something new, which will keep things fun, fresh and exciting. For the short 30 minutes you are on air pretending to be an "expert," rather than allowing yourself to succumb to nerves and anxiety, enjoy the conversation you'll have with the host and the callers. Bring out your alter ego if you have to, as long as you're having fun.
I know you Elysabeth and I know how nervous you can get. Most of the time, you don't let the nerves affect you, but every once in awhile, I've watched you buckle under pressure. Now is not the time to do that. Just remember, laugh in the face of fear by laughing with joy. It's easy as long as you make a conscious effort to live by it.
It's actually quite simple.
Yours truly,
Elysabeth (at a peaceful moment in the morning with her cup of joe, where she can reflect on how fun this job will be)
11.18.2010
Two and a half years ago, I was sitting across from my uncle at my kitchen table with Mark to my right. Mark was nearing graduation and I was at that stage where the idea of life after college was coming into fruition. Grad school was the next step, naturally. It was the simplest and expected next step...but I wasn't sure why. What would I study? Was it simply a way to delay? Or perhaps a way to avoid searching for a job in the rapidly declining economy, where we were hearing more about job losses than job hiring.
We talked about going to J school, or perhaps law school or maybe even pursuing an M.F.A in creative nonfiction. Right as Mark and I were ready to move onto the next topic of discussion, my uncle threw out an idea, as if casting out a line, hoping we'd bite back. "Why don't you go to Korea?" he asked. After all, he and my aunt did it for a few years when I was a small child, and they loved it. He then talked about the lucrative opportunities tutoring, the free housing, the amazing social scene, the never-ending list of things we could do, the ability to travel around Asia, the delicious food. Above all else, he said, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to just enjoy yourself before you start working.
It was a seed he planted into my head that evening that quickly spread into a plausible option after college. Although my parents hesitated a bit when I first ran the idea by them, they eventually came around. After all, they witnessed how living in D.C. and traveling to France changed my life, how it helped me grow tremendously. So, here I am, almost three months in Seoul, and I guess you can say the rest is history.
Except that it's not. I'm the first to admit that a lot of my time here has been racked with anxiety, stress, constant what-ifs and negativity as potential job opportunities didn't pan out, money was looking tight and it seemed as if I'd never have a place to call my own. I lost sight of why I came here: to enjoy life.
So often people offer their opinions about whether or not I should extend my stay here. Whether or not I should do this or do that and I'm always left thinking about those thoughts long after they've left. If I only stayed for a year like I had intentionally planned, does that mean I'm not as courageous as those who have stayed longer? Or what if I extend? Will my siblings forget who their older sister is? Will my life at home still be there or will they have moved on without me in the picture?
But now, as I reflect on my first couple months here, I'm slightly disappointed with myself at how much I let these negative thoughts and other people's opinions affect me. My goal and desire is to live and appreciate each fleeting moment, right here and right now. This won't last forever, so why worry about tomorrow?
I came here to enjoy myself...and that's it. That's what I'm going to do.
I hope you will too. Until next time, gros bisous xoxo.
We talked about going to J school, or perhaps law school or maybe even pursuing an M.F.A in creative nonfiction. Right as Mark and I were ready to move onto the next topic of discussion, my uncle threw out an idea, as if casting out a line, hoping we'd bite back. "Why don't you go to Korea?" he asked. After all, he and my aunt did it for a few years when I was a small child, and they loved it. He then talked about the lucrative opportunities tutoring, the free housing, the amazing social scene, the never-ending list of things we could do, the ability to travel around Asia, the delicious food. Above all else, he said, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to just enjoy yourself before you start working.
It was a seed he planted into my head that evening that quickly spread into a plausible option after college. Although my parents hesitated a bit when I first ran the idea by them, they eventually came around. After all, they witnessed how living in D.C. and traveling to France changed my life, how it helped me grow tremendously. So, here I am, almost three months in Seoul, and I guess you can say the rest is history.
Except that it's not. I'm the first to admit that a lot of my time here has been racked with anxiety, stress, constant what-ifs and negativity as potential job opportunities didn't pan out, money was looking tight and it seemed as if I'd never have a place to call my own. I lost sight of why I came here: to enjoy life.
So often people offer their opinions about whether or not I should extend my stay here. Whether or not I should do this or do that and I'm always left thinking about those thoughts long after they've left. If I only stayed for a year like I had intentionally planned, does that mean I'm not as courageous as those who have stayed longer? Or what if I extend? Will my siblings forget who their older sister is? Will my life at home still be there or will they have moved on without me in the picture?
But now, as I reflect on my first couple months here, I'm slightly disappointed with myself at how much I let these negative thoughts and other people's opinions affect me. My goal and desire is to live and appreciate each fleeting moment, right here and right now. This won't last forever, so why worry about tomorrow?
I came here to enjoy myself...and that's it. That's what I'm going to do.
I hope you will too. Until next time, gros bisous xoxo.
11.16.2010
...to help you wind down this evening.
I also forgot to mention, you can view the rest of my birthday photos here.
I also forgot to mention, you can view the rest of my birthday photos here.
11.15.2010
"Saengil chukha hamnida" (above) means "happy birthday" in Korean! Not only did people say it to me, I said it to my dad while I served him miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) that I made :) Aren't you proud, Aunt Mary?
I went to Busan Thursday afternoon to spend a couple days with my dad for his birthday, which is just a day before mine. Our time together was spent eating out, shopping and watching a movie. Overall, I'd say it was a pretty mellow weekend. Except for Saturday morning, of course, when I decided to surprise my dad by making miyeok-guk, a seaweed soup that is usually served for birthdays and for the welcoming of the new year. Not only is it highly nutritious, I discovered that it's fairly easy to make. All you need is miyeok (dried seaweed), garlic, onions, radish, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef and about an hour to spare.
I woke up at 7 a.m. Saturday morning to prepare; however, one of his friends, who came to visit for a night from Seoul, woke up as well to prepare another kind of soup for him. She asked me what I was doing and rather incompetent at 7 in the morning, all I could say was, "Miyeok-guk." She told me that I don't have to because she's going to make something else for him, so I can go back to bed. Unable to insist that I wanted to this, I walked back to the bedroom, feeling rather defeated and disappointed with myself. Just then, however, my cousin woke up and explained to the friend that I wanted to do this as his daughter and that I had been preparing for a couple days now. She understood and continued cooking her food, to be eaten another day.
So there I was, cooking my seaweed soup like a pro, when my dad woke up and the friend told him that I was in the kitchen making miyeok-guk for him. I was kind of annoyed with her at this point since a) she tried to kick me out of the kitchen and b) she ruined the surprise. But his facial expression of genuine appreciation and happiness made it all worth it. He was really pleased that I woke up and did this for him. He was also really impressed that I knew how to cook. After all, he has been asking me on numerous occasions if I know how to make rice...in a rice cooker. He has even asked me if I knew how to prepare instant ramen.
Anyway, it turned out to be pretty good if I do say so myself. Then, I surprised him again with a cake and a terrible rendition of "Happy birthday to you" as I frantically tried to prevent the candles from melting all over the frosting. He was surprised yet again when I gave him his gift, a large digital frame filled with photos of us to put in his office. He was absolutely thrilled and I loved seeing happy it made him. This was, after all, the first birthday we've spent together in years, if ever at all.
Around noon, I headed back to Seoul to celebrate my birthday with my friends. Mark and Jamie came over shortly after and helped me prepare for my little get-together. We ordered pizza, made bruschetta and mandu and provided chips and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Before everyone came, Jamie presented me with her birthday gift to me: a video of my family and closest friends sending me there love. The moment the first picture came on, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I had no idea that she had been working on this, and it was an absolute and beautiful surprise.
[Laughing at Mark's awkward "Happy Birthday" song!]
[Sobbing]
[My swollen face after watching haha]
Once my face stopped resembling a puffer fish, I was ready to celebrate :) Seven of us ate and chatted for awhile before heading out to Itaewon, where I met up with Jess and her co-teachers as well as Janet and a few of her friends. The night was mellow, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It was so nice going into the night feeling so much love from back home as well as being surrounded by it.
The next day, Mark took me to a romantic dinner at the Seoul Tower. Although it was FREEZING, I had an amazing time with him. We ooed and awed at the gorgeous view and embraced the fact that we were one of the 9274359824 couples there that night. Mark surprised me (although I had a slight inkling) with a padlock that we were to write on and lock onto the gate, where hundreds of other locks claimed the love of others in Seoul. It was quite the dramatic ceremony as we seriously contemplated what we were going to write while completing the process by throwing the keys into the mountainside. I embraced our corniness and its unoriginality by documenting it every step of the way ;)
[Me writing on the lock]
[I guess if you don't want to buy a padlock, you can use a bike lock...]
[Lots and lots of locks...]
[The Seoul Tower!]
[Throwing one set of the keys into the trees]
[A lovely view of the city]
I went to Busan Thursday afternoon to spend a couple days with my dad for his birthday, which is just a day before mine. Our time together was spent eating out, shopping and watching a movie. Overall, I'd say it was a pretty mellow weekend. Except for Saturday morning, of course, when I decided to surprise my dad by making miyeok-guk, a seaweed soup that is usually served for birthdays and for the welcoming of the new year. Not only is it highly nutritious, I discovered that it's fairly easy to make. All you need is miyeok (dried seaweed), garlic, onions, radish, sesame oil, soy sauce, beef and about an hour to spare.
I woke up at 7 a.m. Saturday morning to prepare; however, one of his friends, who came to visit for a night from Seoul, woke up as well to prepare another kind of soup for him. She asked me what I was doing and rather incompetent at 7 in the morning, all I could say was, "Miyeok-guk." She told me that I don't have to because she's going to make something else for him, so I can go back to bed. Unable to insist that I wanted to this, I walked back to the bedroom, feeling rather defeated and disappointed with myself. Just then, however, my cousin woke up and explained to the friend that I wanted to do this as his daughter and that I had been preparing for a couple days now. She understood and continued cooking her food, to be eaten another day.
So there I was, cooking my seaweed soup like a pro, when my dad woke up and the friend told him that I was in the kitchen making miyeok-guk for him. I was kind of annoyed with her at this point since a) she tried to kick me out of the kitchen and b) she ruined the surprise. But his facial expression of genuine appreciation and happiness made it all worth it. He was really pleased that I woke up and did this for him. He was also really impressed that I knew how to cook. After all, he has been asking me on numerous occasions if I know how to make rice...in a rice cooker. He has even asked me if I knew how to prepare instant ramen.
Anyway, it turned out to be pretty good if I do say so myself. Then, I surprised him again with a cake and a terrible rendition of "Happy birthday to you" as I frantically tried to prevent the candles from melting all over the frosting. He was surprised yet again when I gave him his gift, a large digital frame filled with photos of us to put in his office. He was absolutely thrilled and I loved seeing happy it made him. This was, after all, the first birthday we've spent together in years, if ever at all.
Around noon, I headed back to Seoul to celebrate my birthday with my friends. Mark and Jamie came over shortly after and helped me prepare for my little get-together. We ordered pizza, made bruschetta and mandu and provided chips and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Before everyone came, Jamie presented me with her birthday gift to me: a video of my family and closest friends sending me there love. The moment the first picture came on, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I had no idea that she had been working on this, and it was an absolute and beautiful surprise.
[Laughing at Mark's awkward "Happy Birthday" song!]
[Sobbing]
[My swollen face after watching haha]
Once my face stopped resembling a puffer fish, I was ready to celebrate :) Seven of us ate and chatted for awhile before heading out to Itaewon, where I met up with Jess and her co-teachers as well as Janet and a few of her friends. The night was mellow, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It was so nice going into the night feeling so much love from back home as well as being surrounded by it.
The next day, Mark took me to a romantic dinner at the Seoul Tower. Although it was FREEZING, I had an amazing time with him. We ooed and awed at the gorgeous view and embraced the fact that we were one of the 9274359824 couples there that night. Mark surprised me (although I had a slight inkling) with a padlock that we were to write on and lock onto the gate, where hundreds of other locks claimed the love of others in Seoul. It was quite the dramatic ceremony as we seriously contemplated what we were going to write while completing the process by throwing the keys into the mountainside. I embraced our corniness and its unoriginality by documenting it every step of the way ;)
[Mark defacing property]
[Me writing on the lock]
[I guess if you don't want to buy a padlock, you can use a bike lock...]
[Lots and lots of locks...]
[The Seoul Tower!]
[Throwing one set of the keys into the trees]
[A lovely view of the city]
Seriously, it was such a beautiful weekend. Thank you to everyone who made it special! I love you guys
Until next time, bisous xoxo
Until next time, bisous xoxo
11.14.2010
In the next couple of weeks, I will begin working at TBS eFM, an English radio station in Seoul, doing an on-air segment for the Evening Show from 6-8 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Although my journalism experience has only been in print, I'm beyond excited to expand my knowledge in broadcast journalism and learn the ins and outs of radio.
I'm meeting with the producer again this week to discuss the fine details of my new job. I'll keep you posted.
Above all, thank you to everyone for your encouraging words and endless support! <3
Bisous xoxo
Although my journalism experience has only been in print, I'm beyond excited to expand my knowledge in broadcast journalism and learn the ins and outs of radio.
I'm meeting with the producer again this week to discuss the fine details of my new job. I'll keep you posted.
Above all, thank you to everyone for your encouraging words and endless support! <3
Bisous xoxo
11.10.2010
Almost a week after moving in, here are some pictures of my new spot. Enjoy!
[A standing shower! Yes!]
[The view outside of my window]
[I'm on the 13th floor. Thankfully, 13 isn't an unlucky number in Korea...]
I also have some wonderful news that I can't wait to share with you next week. Let's just say, this birthday weekend is getting better by the second :) I'll be in Busan until Saturday to celebrate my dad's birthday (which is a day before mine), so I won't be blogging for a few days.
I hope you all have a wonderful second half of the week. Until next time, ciao!
I hope you all have a wonderful second half of the week. Until next time, ciao!
11.09.2010
If you live in Seoul, you know about Hongdae. It seems to have the best (and most) of everything--restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, you name it. When I first got here, I was turned off by the area, which is where Hongik University is located, because it seemed chaotic, loud and just a little too much.
But after a few more reluctant trips there, I've really grown to love it. There's so much going on that no matter when and how many times I go, I'm bound to find a new spot, which makes for quite the adventure.
This week, I went twice--once during the day and once at night. Both were equally fascinating. During the day, I took side roads that seemed to lead to nowhere, only to find myself in a quirky vintage store the size of your average closet. I stopped at gross and intimidating alleys that I'd usually pass, giving it one more chance and find myself quite enchanted with its imperfections.
At night, I experienced a silent dance party at the well-known park, where people gather to hang out, listen to street performers and apparently, dance. The silent dance party went like this: everyone had wireless headphones on that were synced to the DJ's set. Thus, what appeared to the outsider was a massive group of people dancing wildly to silence. It was odd but I was enthralled.
Unfortunately, there weren't anymore headphones left so I asked a random person if I could have a listen to his headphones. He obliged and within seconds, my body was joining the others as the electro beats pulsed through the mini speakers. It was really awesome and if I had snagged a pair of headphones for myself, I would have probably danced all night. But alas, I had to give the pair back to the guy.
The rest of the night was dedicated to finding more streets, alleys and corners that made Hongdae that much more meaningful to me and my adventure.
You can view more photos here.
Until next time, bisous xoxo...
But after a few more reluctant trips there, I've really grown to love it. There's so much going on that no matter when and how many times I go, I'm bound to find a new spot, which makes for quite the adventure.
This week, I went twice--once during the day and once at night. Both were equally fascinating. During the day, I took side roads that seemed to lead to nowhere, only to find myself in a quirky vintage store the size of your average closet. I stopped at gross and intimidating alleys that I'd usually pass, giving it one more chance and find myself quite enchanted with its imperfections.
[Succulents make me very happy]
[There are a ton of Ho Bars throughout Seoul...does anyone else see something wrong with this?]
[A second look can lead to unexpected satisfaction]
At night, I experienced a silent dance party at the well-known park, where people gather to hang out, listen to street performers and apparently, dance. The silent dance party went like this: everyone had wireless headphones on that were synced to the DJ's set. Thus, what appeared to the outsider was a massive group of people dancing wildly to silence. It was odd but I was enthralled.
Unfortunately, there weren't anymore headphones left so I asked a random person if I could have a listen to his headphones. He obliged and within seconds, my body was joining the others as the electro beats pulsed through the mini speakers. It was really awesome and if I had snagged a pair of headphones for myself, I would have probably danced all night. But alas, I had to give the pair back to the guy.
The rest of the night was dedicated to finding more streets, alleys and corners that made Hongdae that much more meaningful to me and my adventure.
You can view more photos here.
Until next time, bisous xoxo...