Weekend Working in a Winter Wonderland
I'm sitting in an 이디야 Coffeeshop * now, writing student evaluation reports and enjoying a nice chai tea latte. However, not long ago I turned around to check on what was making the strange swirling reflection on my computer's monitor and saw that a heavy snowfall is coming down in 의정부. The sidewalks are completely coated with powder and large flakes are still coming down. I took a couple photos on my cellphone and now regret not bringing my digital camera with me. Some quick text messaging revealed that 美 has snow up in 양주 while Layna only experienced a millimeter's worth down in Seoul. Down in the southeast of Korea, Daegu received a strong snowfall two days ago despite the colder temperatures in northern Gyeonggi-do. Guess the old real estate adage is true even in a small nation like Korea -- location, location, location. (Edit: One hour later and it's still coming down hard.)
This is the temperature recorded for 1pm on Friday. When I left for my Korean class in the morning it was considerably colder, with a "real feel" of -26° C. Obviously the snow means it's pretty cold at the moment, but at least the white stuff makes it more enjoyable.
* 이디야 (Ediya Expressro Coffee) is a Korean chain that offers prices roughly half of what you'll see at the international chains. (Of course, higher prices here often mean increased prestige granted to patrons of locations such as Coffee Bean or Starbucks.) I prefer 이디야 because of the decent selection of drinks they offer -- everything from the standard array of coffees to chai tea lattes, mint hot chocolate, cinnamon chocolate, rose jasmine tea, and sparkling pink lemonade. According to Galbijim they opened their first location in Beijing, China a few years ago as well. The one I visit here in 의정부 is situated next door to both a Holly's Coffee and a newly-opened Starbucks but seems to be holding its own so far. A 2,500 Won ($1.69) hot chocolate certainly can't hurt things.