Seven Days in Seoul (well technically six)
It was the first night. We just dropped our bags off and got the introductory here's-how-things-work-and-where-stuff-is welcome speech from our host. We went walking in pursuit of some eats. The streets were alive despite the late hour. The next day was a holiday, the start of a three day weekend. A midst the young people, the groups of friends, the couples, the tumbling drunks, I felt like a complete outsider and yet not entirely uncomfortable. I said to myself, "I love foreign countries."
That was the impression Hongdae left me. I think I will miss it most of all. It was just so vibrant. It's such a cliche--I know, but I couldn't think of a word to better describe this place bursting with life and youth culture. A large part of it may have actually been our timing though, on the cusp of the holiday and all. Still, lovely place to get lost.
I'll miss how easy it was to get around. I mean I don't think I've ever walked so much in my life, but their public transport system was something enviable. We practically lived on the trains. It could be confusing what with the many tracks and line transfers and all, but it's survivable with a good map. Even the buses, each stop had a list of the buses that stopped there and their routes. Of course if you could read Korean characters all the better for you. What I really liked though was the T-money card. It's this little prepaid card you loaded up with credits (yes, money), and that's what you used to pay for transport fare, trains, buses or taxis, as long as it had the scanner. Convenience, thy name is T-money.
I'll miss the general safety. Though I'm sure it's not completely unheard of, you needn't worry about getting robbed on the commute. You could leave a bag on a table somewhere and wouldn't have to think about not seeing it again when you got back. Then again I come from a city where your knapsack could be slashed open and emptied, right on your back so...
I'll miss the food. Most of it was spicy and kimchi red, but I like it. Very savory, no shortage of veggies and large servings. Also their chicken. When you think about Korean cuisine, you don't think fried chicken, but seriously, the way they do it is something else.
I won't miss the weather much. True, the heat here lately has been insufferable; true, Seoul was like having the air-conditioning on 24/7 and outside; true, there was always a breeze to cool you during a long walk; but there is such a thing as too cold. Nights were especially bracing, some teeth-chatteringly so, and some mornings were hell to get out from under the covers.
But as do most trips, this one has reached its end. It's somehow very pleasant to think about your travels from the used comfort of your own home.
That was the impression Hongdae left me. I think I will miss it most of all. It was just so vibrant. It's such a cliche--I know, but I couldn't think of a word to better describe this place bursting with life and youth culture. A large part of it may have actually been our timing though, on the cusp of the holiday and all. Still, lovely place to get lost.
I'll miss how easy it was to get around. I mean I don't think I've ever walked so much in my life, but their public transport system was something enviable. We practically lived on the trains. It could be confusing what with the many tracks and line transfers and all, but it's survivable with a good map. Even the buses, each stop had a list of the buses that stopped there and their routes. Of course if you could read Korean characters all the better for you. What I really liked though was the T-money card. It's this little prepaid card you loaded up with credits (yes, money), and that's what you used to pay for transport fare, trains, buses or taxis, as long as it had the scanner. Convenience, thy name is T-money.
I'll miss the general safety. Though I'm sure it's not completely unheard of, you needn't worry about getting robbed on the commute. You could leave a bag on a table somewhere and wouldn't have to think about not seeing it again when you got back. Then again I come from a city where your knapsack could be slashed open and emptied, right on your back so...
I'll miss the food. Most of it was spicy and kimchi red, but I like it. Very savory, no shortage of veggies and large servings. Also their chicken. When you think about Korean cuisine, you don't think fried chicken, but seriously, the way they do it is something else.
I won't miss the weather much. True, the heat here lately has been insufferable; true, Seoul was like having the air-conditioning on 24/7 and outside; true, there was always a breeze to cool you during a long walk; but there is such a thing as too cold. Nights were especially bracing, some teeth-chatteringly so, and some mornings were hell to get out from under the covers.
But as do most trips, this one has reached its end. It's somehow very pleasant to think about your travels from the used comfort of your own home.