Duck and Beef

Thanks to the largesse of various Korean friends, I dined like a queen today. I'm actually embarrassed to publicly disclose all that I consumed but am willing to do so for the sake of accurate documentation.

Started my morning with an intense iced-Americano while meeting a friend at the Tom-N-Tom's by my place. A lively dialogue ensued, and due to the caffeine rush, I was more than ready for my next appointment, a lunch meeting in Apgujeong. We ate duck and about a zillion Korean sides. Truly an unbelievable amount of food. Plus the number of dishes on the table was astonishing by Western standards, though typical by Korean. Rough estimate:  approximately 45 bowls for four people. Should've snapped a pic... arghh!

Following lunch, I drank another iced-Americano at a different Tom-N-Tom's which left me feeling quite wired. It was all good though because I needed to focus on the topics at hand. After that meeting, I dashed over to Kinko's near COEX which was an altogether lovely experience. Really. The staff was so helpful and the pricing so reasonable.  

Made it home from Kinko's with just enough time to wash my face, freshen my make-up, and lie down for 3 minutes. Then, off to dinner which was so, so awesome. We dined on Japanese beef and an assortment of sides, plus some Asahi -nice way to relax after a rather busy day.

(note:  If this is how a foreign woman gets to celebrate Children's Day, then count me in for next year, too!)

Children's Eve

May 5th is Children's Day in the ROK (which, incidentally, is my new favorite way of referring to the country where I'm living; ROK = Republic of Korea). Since it's now the night before, does this make tonight Children's Eve?

In any event, Children's Day is a public holiday which means no work for me. As it's customary for parents to spend time with their kids and take them on special excursions, I will do my best to steer clear of the following:

• zoos
• amusement parks
• aquariums
• museums

Given that I've got a busy day planned, it should be easy enough to avoid those places. Am wondering though just how crazy the traffic will be...

Spring Bouquet

I love to see fresh flowers anywhere and everywhere, but one of my favorite settings is at those tiny stands often found in sprawling urban areas. I especially love stumbling upon colorful bouquets, like the ones above, wrapped in ordinary newspaper. Something about the contrast of elements gets me every time. These days, it's not too often that I run across flower vendors, so I was overjoyed last week when I saw one while walking around Apgujeong. Now that I think about it, I actually haven't seen another since then, so I may need to get back there soon. 

Varied Vendors

Last night I walked home from the baseball game. Instead of going along the main road, raging with traffic, I veered off in an effort to see some different and more tranquil terrain. Glad I did.

In the midst of this ultra-modern neighborhood, replete with commercial activity and enormous high-rise apartment complexes, was an alleyway chock-full of traditional vendors. I took some photos to help capture the scene, although several shopkeepers looked annoyed as I photographed their goods, so I was somewhat limited. Nonetheless, here's what I was able to get:

 

 

 

 

Play Ball!

My first baseball game in Korea... quite the event! 

There are 8 professional teams in Korea. Tonight I watched the Nexen Heroes defeat the Doosan Bears (11-3) at Jamsil Sports Complex. All of the teams are sponsored by the top Korean corporations, so when you're cheering for the LG Twins, for instance, you're actually incorporating LG's name into the cheer. 

There were many similarities to games I've been to in the States, and many differences, too. As far as similarities go, here are the basics:

• the game is played the same, and yes, the players run counter-clockwise
• each player has a signature song when he goes up to bat 

The differences were noteworthy, to say the least. A few to get you thinking:

• cheerleaders... dancing in 5-inch heels!
• plus:  each team has an MC that cajoles the crowd into cheering every time their team's at bat
• no 7th inning stretch
• concessions are a mixed bag -I saw a few KFC's and Burger Kings; other options included traditional Korean fast food and mini-convenience stores to get chips, ice cream, sodas
• no hot dogs, no nachos, no un-shelled peanuts
• beer served through the game's entirety

the Heroes' MC -working his magic on the crowd

a few Heroes' cheerleaders -not wearing uniforms, unlike the Bears' girls

photogenic cheerleaders, so accessible, too!

young fans