My week off...

I happened to join SLP right before their summer vacation.  I worked for a week, was starting to figure out my routine- and then I had one week off! Of course, everyone had planned exotic vacations for that week- to Thailand, Japan, Philippines, etc.  I, of course, did not have enough time to plan my own vacation.  However, this was a great opportunity for me to explore Korea a little more and get more acquainted with my new home.

My first trip out, I went to Itaewon.  This is a small city district in Seoul.  This area draws tourists in for its ‘great’ shopping.  By ‘great’, I mean that it is home to a variety of stores found in the United States.  I guess you could say it was a taste of home- which was nice (I got a coffee from Starbucks which was great)!  It was a perfect place to spend my first day of vacation.  I walked around- walking in and out of stores (I found plenty of small Korean boutiques as well).  I didn’t take many pictures… but I did find this cool view and decided it was interesting enough to share!

On my second day of vacation I decided to do something super touristy…  I decided to go to a few museums.  The day started with my normal routine- waking up late, going to the gym, then coming home and researching what to do that day.  I found the Seoul Museum of Art and decided that sounded like a good place to start.  So I made the 15 minute walk to the subway and the hour ride into Seoul.  When I got out of the subway I ended up near some rally- I quickly turned around and walked the other day (I’m still new here I don’t need to be peacefully organizing against anything yet!).   After walking through side streets aimlessly for 20 minutes I finally found the museum.  The exhibits I saw were pretty cool and interesting.  I wish I wrote down the artists names… but of course I didn’t.   After leaving the museum quicker then I had hoped I needed to find another activity to occupy my day.  I ended up where the protest had been before and noticed that I was outside some sort of palace.  Intrigued… I entered.  Deoksu Palace was so beautiful!  Lots of interesting buildings to see, beautifully landscaped- I was immediately happy I had found this place.  There was also a museum which was showing “American Art”- a nice taste of home again! I have to admit, I enjoyed the exhibit at the Seoul Museum of Art more! 

My third and fourth days of vacation were kind of a blur… I somehow managed to spend those days in Ansan and mostly in my apartment.  But hey, totally relaxation all day is what vacation is really all about!

Friday had come and after doing nothing for two straight days I was ready for some excitement.  I found a website (ansananswers.com) which provided a lot of information about restaurants and things to do in the area.  Of course, when I came across another Mexican restaurant I had to go try it.  Tomatilo was my point of interest that day, and as much as I was anticipating it I decided I needed to do something else to fill up my day.  I decided to go back to Myeong-dong in Seoul.  The atmosphere there had been great my first time and I knew it was a place where I could easily spend a few hours.  I got lost through the streets- using places like American Apparel, Forever21 and The Gap as my points of interest and navigation system.  Finally… it was Tomatilo time!  I eventually found the subway station and took it a few stops and a transfer to Jonggak.  The restaurant was too easy to find and I realized I needed to waste another hour or so before it was an acceptable dinner time.  I ended up walking around and eventually turned the corner and saw this beautiful mountain in the distance.  I needed a closer look.  After walking about a mile I realized in front of this mountain was some sort of palace.  I was eager to go inside and see what beautiful buildings where hiding behind the walls.  Walking for what seemed forever, I eventually realized it was closed- fail.  But, I always try to see the silver lining in situations, so I quickly turned around and headed back to my original destination- Tomatilo.  As I entered, a total relaxation sense came over me- it was very Chipotle-ish!  I had found heaven!! The food was great, and probably about as Mexican as I’m going to get in Korea, and it will do.  I can’t wait for my next trip there!