I remember my short time in Tokyo. A lasting impression was the masses of people. Large numbers of people, of all ages, packing the streets. Today we experienced the same sea of people, only this time, Korean. After spending the day shopping and exploring the many galleries of Seoul, we walked back to our hotel under the sure guidance of our friends. Our route back took us through Myeong-dong market, which is only a few blocks from our hotel. It was packed on this rainy Saturday afternoon. Packed with teenaged kids, cell phones in hand, IPod earphones in use - walking in sure determination to the fashion hot-spot of choice.
I became keenly aware that under different circumstances, Emmett might have grown up to be one of those teenagers. As we ate a traditional Korean meal of MonDou (sp?) I wondered if he enjoyed this dish? The longer I stay here in Korea, the more I am aware that I am being given one of her treasures.
On a lighter note:
Today's adventures included Namdemun (South Gate) Market, where we found a very nice Hanbok for Emmett, a small wooden lantern, and a set of traditional Korean fans. Our guide, M, took us through a simply beautiful flower market where the fragrance of fresh flowers was almost overpowering. We then moved on to Kayobo bookstore. This bookstore puts Barnes & Noble or Borders to shame! I have never seen so many books! See below for pictures. We moved on from Kayobo to Insadong market. Here we explored a few art galleries, ate lunch and went to our friend's favorite tea house. After Insadong we trekked back to the hotel, where we mostly rested after fighting up-stream through Meyong-dong market.
I'm going to download some of these pictures - and then sleep! I haven't struggled too much with jetlag yet. We'll see if my luck continues.
Enjoy your Sunday morning!
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