Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Day Trippin'

Ben is busy most weekends with football Saturdays and baseball Sundays and I've been trying to keep if fresh with some excursions. 

Namsangol Hanok Village (Traditional Korean Folk Village)
Here I got to see traditional Korean homes and various ways of life.  Similar to Doon Heritage Crossroads at home in Kitchener.





























































































Watched a Teakwood demonstration.
























Re-learned to write my name.


Dragon Hill Spa Resort
I stayed overnight at this jimjilbang in Seoul to try and get an early start for a market in the morning.  Both Ben and I are huge fans of jimjilbangs and we have heard fabulous things about this one.  Its one of the largest and nicest.  I treated myself to a body scrub and soaked most of the night away in the different tubs, pools, saunas and spa rooms.  No clothes allowed thus no pictures allowed.
I would have had a better time if I hadn't gone alone.  There were far more unisex (clothed) options.  Ie. arcade, virtual golf, outdoor pools (bathing suites necessary), restaurants and bars.  I mostly stayed in the ladies only part aside from dinner.



Noryangjin Fish Market - The biggest fish market in Seoul
At this market you can seriously buy anything that comes out of the ocean.  I cannot describe the sheer number of fish in this building. It was unbelievable...as were some of the smells.  Obviously, everything is incredibly fresh, if not still alive.  I will definitely be returning as this market is also famous for its numerous restaurants on the second floor where you are supposed to bring your purchases to be prepared... often this means just cut up into sashimi. 



































My only purchase was a kilo of fresh mussels for 2,000 won (about $2).  First batch were steamed in beer, soju (Korean Liquor), tomato, onion, hot peppers, garlic and basil.  Second batch was much the same but with a bunch of curry powder! 


Seoul International Firework Festival
Last Saturday four countries, including Canada, competed in a firework show.  I love fireworks.  The people I went with surprising did not.  Unfortunately, with the huge crowds and the lack of enthusiasm from my peers we didn't stay long. I still enjoyed myself from this distance, haha.




After this blog post, I've decided I definitely need a selfie stick.  This blog needs more selfies. Everyone else is doing it...