I can't get into a rhythm (Part II)
So on Sunday (my one day off) I went to Gyeonbukgong with a co-worker. Gyeonbukgong is a Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910) palace in the middle of downtown Seoul. There are actually 5 palaces from that period in close proximity to each other. I guess they didn't feel much like spreading out. Regardless, the palace was nice, except for one GLARING problem. The original palace was burned down in the late 16th century by Japanese invaders. The palace I saw was built in 1867, so still sufficiently old, but even that one was nearly all destroyed during the Japanese occupation after 1910. So... long story short, I got to see about 10% of the original palace, and some rebuilt buildings on the palace grounds. I feel like that cheapens history a bit when the palace was half original, half rebuilt. Oh well. It only cost $3. Let me add a few pictures to show you Gyeonbukgong in all its glory.
Also, right behind the palace grounds is the official residence of the Korean president. You can't get very close, since they're having a little problem with their neighbors to the north, but it was interesting to see, and the setting was beautiful.
Finally, Gyeonbukgong had a group of twelve statues, each one representing an animal of the Asian zodiac. Being the cool cat I am, I had to get my picture taken next to my zodiac animal. Note that, prior to me seeing these statues, the tour guide mentioned that they were "big" and that people like to go take their pictures with them, so as I approached them, I was expecting 5 ft tall statues.
Note in this picture, the fact that there is a Korean man's ass crouching over another statue. Also make sure to notice the fact that the tiger is reaching for his sword. He's not playing around.
I mentioned I went with a co-worker. His name is Bala, and he's from Australia, although I think hes from Malaysian decent or something. He's a pretty chill guy but he's 36 which seems ungodly old to be wandering around Europe teaching English, but I suppose he just wanted a change of scenery. Who knows.
More good news: I found a "Seoul Vegetarian Club" that meets every other week at vegetarian restaurants for good food and conversation. I think I want to join up, or at least go check out the next meeting. This is not the most veggie-friendly city, so I'd love to find some new places to eat, and it sure as hell can't hurt to go meet some more expats.
I'm taking my LSATS in 5 and a half weeks, and I haven't studied much at all. I feel like I can never get into a zone where I want to study. This is very disconcerting because I NEED to study, but I'm just not feeling it. This is too expensive a test ($123) and too important a test for me to keep slacking off. Hopefully I get a jolt of inspiration. That being said, I have done a bit of studying, and what I've done has been promising. I'll keep you updated on this front.
I went and wondered around Yonsei University the other day. Yonsei is the university right up the road from here. It felt nice to be back on a campus. The campus itself was also pretty nice. The core of the campus felt very Ivy-league, with old buildings and ivy growing everywhere. There was also a quaint little park on the campus. All-in-all, it was a nice semi-retreat from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life here in Seoul.
I feel like I intended to add more, but now I can't remember, so I shall call it quits now. How about this? Two entries in one day! I really am something special. Until next time...
Also, right behind the palace grounds is the official residence of the Korean president. You can't get very close, since they're having a little problem with their neighbors to the north, but it was interesting to see, and the setting was beautiful.
Finally, Gyeonbukgong had a group of twelve statues, each one representing an animal of the Asian zodiac. Being the cool cat I am, I had to get my picture taken next to my zodiac animal. Note that, prior to me seeing these statues, the tour guide mentioned that they were "big" and that people like to go take their pictures with them, so as I approached them, I was expecting 5 ft tall statues.
Note in this picture, the fact that there is a Korean man's ass crouching over another statue. Also make sure to notice the fact that the tiger is reaching for his sword. He's not playing around.
I mentioned I went with a co-worker. His name is Bala, and he's from Australia, although I think hes from Malaysian decent or something. He's a pretty chill guy but he's 36 which seems ungodly old to be wandering around Europe teaching English, but I suppose he just wanted a change of scenery. Who knows.
More good news: I found a "Seoul Vegetarian Club" that meets every other week at vegetarian restaurants for good food and conversation. I think I want to join up, or at least go check out the next meeting. This is not the most veggie-friendly city, so I'd love to find some new places to eat, and it sure as hell can't hurt to go meet some more expats.
I'm taking my LSATS in 5 and a half weeks, and I haven't studied much at all. I feel like I can never get into a zone where I want to study. This is very disconcerting because I NEED to study, but I'm just not feeling it. This is too expensive a test ($123) and too important a test for me to keep slacking off. Hopefully I get a jolt of inspiration. That being said, I have done a bit of studying, and what I've done has been promising. I'll keep you updated on this front.
I went and wondered around Yonsei University the other day. Yonsei is the university right up the road from here. It felt nice to be back on a campus. The campus itself was also pretty nice. The core of the campus felt very Ivy-league, with old buildings and ivy growing everywhere. There was also a quaint little park on the campus. All-in-all, it was a nice semi-retreat from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life here in Seoul.
I feel like I intended to add more, but now I can't remember, so I shall call it quits now. How about this? Two entries in one day! I really am something special. Until next time...