It was finally time for the last leg of the journey: Seoul. I had yet to even be in the city of Seoul through my whole time as an exchange student, but it was worth the wait! Even so, we (Cassandra and I) still had a five hour bus ride there.
However, I didn't usually mind bus rides in Korea, as there was often a beautiful sunset to go with already beautiful scenery throughout the peninsula.
The bus ride to Seoul was relatively painless and pretty quick, considering we napped through a decent portion once it was dark. When we met up with our friend in Seoul and her family, they took us to see a few sites around Seoul.
These pictures are taken on a mountain near the president's "Blue House" like the U.S.'s "White House." The mountain allows a sort of "scenic view" of Seoul; unfortunately, there weren't many lights to see as many buildings were trying to conserve energy during the summer. So the only good shots I got were of the building near us.
And ourselves, of course.
On the way back, we drove past a VERY large store.
And then it was time for some rest.
Turned out even our friend's apartment had its own scenic view, complete with traffic at midnight.
For our first full day of touring, we went to look at an artsy district. Nearby was where the theatre productions seemed to be, as we saw a lot of advertisements for plays. But on with the art.
That is, after the restaurant with who knows what that monkey is doing.
I really enjoy the color and texture of this simple but beautiful I-don't-know-enough-about-art-to-know-what-to-call-it-thing that was on the side of a building.
A mural
And some chilis drying in the sun next to traditional pots (used for fermenting things like kimchi). Yum?
Before we move on, I feel I ought to warn you: I took a LOT of pictures in Seoul. So prepare yourself.
I just thought these mirrors were cool.
We got a little lost trying to find our way up, but we eventually made it.
Say "kimchi!"
While there is plenty to take pictures of, it wouldn't be very Korean of us not to take a few "sel-kas" (self-camera). Or, as we call them in the U.S., "selfies."
I enjoy taking pictures of texture. Sometimes that's the only reason a picture makes it through the cut (and trust me, there are way too many photos to show them all). What can I say? Sometimes (particularly when it comes to blogging) I'm more photographer than writer.
(It's a face)
My favorites were definitely when the painting incorporated whatever was around. These ladybugs are adorable.
Speaking of adorable....
Ahem.
I didn't plan for this, but it's perfect that this picture of Cassandra came after that couple. Just look at that face. Totally says it all.
Aren't they just SO CUTE?!
Back to the artwork.
Cassandra's superpower is making faces.
No, really.
I just really like things that reflect. I would have loved to get more shots with these huge mirrors. *cue Justin Timberlake, "Mirror"*
I hope there's no swearing in these graffitis. I plead ignorance if there is.
I thought this one was very cool.
After some of the artsy side of Seoul, it was time to experience some of the traditional.
We weren't going to buy polaroid pictures since we had our own cameras... but the lady gave us a free one because she wanted one for their wall!
And you can see why she wanted a copy, right?
Yeah, right.
Woot. Throw up those bunny ears for a picture.
This girl has obviously done this before.
Ah, there we are, at the end of the sel-kas. (I spell it with a "k" because there's no "c" equivalent in the Korean alphabet. It's ka-me-ra.)
Look, pretty sunflowers to greet us before we reach the guesthouse!
Here we are!
Prepare yourself, because this place was fantastic.
Of course, once we were all settled in, it was time to search out some food.
After MUCH deliberation and a lot of walking, we landed at a little Chinese restaurant next to this Hello Kitty that was delicious. Silly me enjoyed the food and didn't take pictures.
However, the main appeal to Hello Kitty, however, was not the food.
It was the fun.
Doesn't that look like fun?
Cookies that look like animal treats.
Yes, definitely fun.
A cute kitty plastered on walls as far as the eye can see.
I can hardly contain my excitement. But we couldn't not visit when it was right there--
right?
Umm, yeah.
But--the toast was delicious!
But, as with all "hello's" we had to eventually say, "Goodbye, Kitty."
Back out on the town, we saw some of the magic of Seoul--the mix of old with the new.
Throughout Seoul, building that were thousands of years old sat next to skyscrapers.
This
was right across the street
from this.
And once we crossed the street, we found the man who is responsible for the Korean language as it is today--King Sejong.
He happened to be surrounded by two of my favorite things to photograph: light and water.
Did I already mention Korea was FULL of couples?
Seoul is practically built for date nights.
The next few pictures may be confusing, but trust me when I tell you there is a movie star somewhere in them. Don't ask me where.
Except this one. I know he's in the truck on the left.
"Extras"
Movie crew!
And, of course, the fans.
To finish off the night, we got some waffles!
Yum!
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