Musings

This week may be a little dull folks. My photo supply is running dry. That is not to say you will be disappointed - I have rounded up some visual pleasure to supplement my words! (Although..they may not be my photos..just don't tell anyone!) Well, let's get to it. In reality, not much happens to me Monday to Friday. I teach. I sleep. Repeat. But on the weekend, life heats up a little bit. This weekend was no exception. HJ and finally made the trek into Hongdae! Now, instead of explain this area to you, I will let Wikipedia fill you in:

"Hongdae (홍대) is an area to the northwest of central Seoul, South Korea, taking its name from Hongik Daehakgyo (홍익대학교) or Hongik University. The area is home to hundreds of bars, restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs and draws revelers from a wide range of backgrounds, with university students and English teachers the main demographics. Most bars are open long into the night."

Does a pretty good job, eh? We didn't check out any clubs, but visited a super cool restaurant for a wonderful dinner. At first, I was pretty overwhelmed by the number of people. I mean, you step out of the subway and you're just inundated with swarms of university students. Impressive, I guess. I did get used to the crowds though..and the party atmosphere..and started to really love the place. Tons to see, tons to do! I would really like to go back there during the day and check out some of the shops.. [Side note: When I was searching for Hongdae on Google I found links suggesting Hogdae was great shopping for metroxexual men...which is always exciting.] Anyway, I was glad to finally make it out there..as I had heard much about this area from various people. The nice thing about Hongdae is that it feels safer than Itaewon..and cooler.. Okay, take a quick look at these photos I ripped off the net. Not great, I'll admit..but it gives you a taste anywyay.

Coming home, I did a little relfection about Korea. In my mind, I realize that Korea is one of the biggest cities in the world, somewhere between 10 and 12 million people. However, when I'm out and about in Bundang and Suji..I don't feel that immenseness. The night in Hongdae really did feel like 10 million people though. Especially coming home on the subway..I mean..it was probably around midnight and the entire train was crammed full..there was barely room to stand. For me, this was kinda cool. Maybe you think I'm crazy..but it just felt so entirely Asian..so entirely foreign. I guess I was kinda craving something totally different than slow moving Canada. Now, I realize that this business does get wearisome..but it was just a neat moment.

Now..to change the subject here. It looks as though I've more-or-less finalized when I'll be coming home! I get two weeks off between contracts so I'm heading back to the Great White North! Ladies and gentleman, mark your calendars for the last two weeks of May, as that is when the self-appointed coolest person in Korea will return to his native country. May you be ready to love and cherish this incredible man. (Don't worry..I'm not really this conceded ;) Honestly, it's gonna be soooo good to see all you peeps again!!

Peace.

-Paul