Park Hyatt:

It was a great weekend, and we didn't even have to go too far from home. We decided it would be great to spend a weekend at a nice hotel in Gangnam. Gangnam is an area in Seoul that is rather far from where I live in Seoul. Seoul is quite a large city, so it was nice to explore a new place.

The Park Hyatt was amazing. From its simple, yet modern design, it really had everything that you would want in a hotel room. We enjoyed everything from the Egyptian cotton sheets to the large bathtub and even the 24th floor swimming pool.

The Cornerstone restaurant on the 2nd floor of the hotel was delicious. We shared rack of lamb and king prawns with mango salsa. It was accompanied with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus wrapped in bacon. It was probably one of the most delicious meals I have had in Seoul in the past two years.

Our mini weekend trip showed me that you do not have to go too far from home to have an enjoyable and relaxing time. It was nice to get out of my apartment for the weekend and enjoy a new surrounding and new foods.

I am looking forward to heading to Busan next weekend :)

Fernando Botero:

This Sunday I had the chance to check out an art exhibit at the National Museum of Art which is housed inside of the Deoksugung Palace here in Seoul, South Korea. I'll have to admit, even though I enjoy art, I hadn't heard of Botero. Once I saw his work, however, I was almost certain that I had seen it before. 

It was a hazy and warm Sunday afternoon and after enjoying some delicious waffles at Cafe Ima, Jin and I were off to see the 92 piece collection. It was an enjoyable afternoon at the gallery. 

Botero is a Colombian artist who got his foot into the door at a young age. At first glance his paintings (mostly oil on canvas) seem quite simplistic. After leaving the exhibit, I realized that the simplicity in his paintings are what makes them so perfect. Botero paints the human body like I have never seen before. Each character takes on the rotund shape, and shows that even big characters can be beautiful. 

Although the faces on his characters are difficult to read, his paintings definitely do not lack emotion. Each painting told it's own story. The series really shares Latin people and their culture in a realistic light. The paintings tell us about politics, society, and religion- all pressing issues in South America. 

Botero's work was shown through his five major themes:

1. Still Life and Versions-- Interesting because Botero recreated the works of famous masters such as Da Vinci, Raphael, Goya, Rubens, Velazquez and Picasso. 

2. Latin Life- Enjoyable because it's painted through his eyes based on things he has seen and experienced throughout his life. Shows the simplicity of life in South America-- from bathers to picnics. 

3. Latin People- Shows the free spirit of Latin Americans. While they enjoyed drinking, smoking, and having sex - they also enjoyed putting on make-up, jewelry, and going dancing. 

4. Bullfight and Circus- Life and Death really was portrayed here. As well as the relationship between the bull and the bullfighter. Botero's paintings in this theme once again show a side of happiness even in odd scenarios. The circus paintings show a side of solitude that we don't see in the other paintings. 

5. Sculpture- The sculptures are massive in size, but you almost have to expect that as Botero portrays volume in ways we haven't seen before. "Cat" is one of his famous sculptures, and really shows that there is no limit when it comes to space and time.

 

Children's Day

In South Korea, May 5th is officially recognized as Children's Day. While this is an important holiday for children, it's also important to us teachers. It meant that we were going to have our first day off of work since January. YES! 

On Children's Day parents give presents to their children, 

take the day off work, and spend as much time with them as possible. Obviously this is make up for the fact that they never see their fathers because they're always "working" and their mothers put them in academies from as early as 7 am until as late as midnight. 

Many of my students went to the zoo, or took an extra day off and went to Jeju Island (Korea's Hawaii). Poly had a sports day for the kids and it was actually an awesome time. 

Check out the photos, they speak for themselves. 

Teacher's Day:

Last Friday was Teacher's Day in Korea. Teacher's Day at Poly is almost like Christmas morning when you were a kid. The gifts pour in, the kids love you all day, and you have a silly grin on your face from 9-7 (at least I did). 

Like I mentioned before, I love teaching kindergarten. 9:35-1:50 is the best part of my day, and even though many days I'm ready to put those kids on the bus at 1:50, I am always very happy to see them on Monday morning. They welcome me with a big "good morning" and a huge grin on their little six year old faces. I feel like Superman five mornings a week. 

Friday, at first, was like any other day. I grabbed Starbucks and yogurt on my short 60 second walk to work. I prepped for my classes and did some marking, and then I made my way down the stairs to my class. I was greeted by three familiar faces: Johnny's Mom, Sean's Mom, and Stella's Mom! To my surprise they had a cake for me (a whole CAKE, who do they think I am!?) In addition, they had an envelope for me and a card. They all hugged me and told me how much they appreciated my hard work, etc. etc. You know, I'm not going to lie, I felt good. I waited until break time to open my gift, but I was shocked. The moms put a collection together and gave me a 200 dollar gift certificate to one of the department stores here in Seoul. I also got a 50 dollar gift card to Starbucks. You would think that was the end of it, right? My other kindergarten class gave me a 100 dollar gift certificate, a jacket from Zara, and Bulgari cologne. See, I told you it was like Christmas! Thanks to the generosity of my kindy moms, I happened to spend all my gift cards this weekend. I'm now the proud owner of some new running shoes (courtesy of Puma) a new watch from Levi's, and a few clothing purchases from the Gap. 

I don't need gifts from the parents in order to know that I am doing a good job. Most days I love what I am doing, but the gifts are always a nice bonus. 

Seoul: Top 10

Time Magazine recently released its list of 10 things to do in Seoul in 24 hours: I saw it on CNN travel and thought I'd share. 

1. Gyeongbok Palace, the main palace from the Joseon period 

2. Bukchon Hanok Village 

3. Shinsegae Department Store, an extremely overpriced department store with about six different coffee shops on the first floor. 

4. Bugaksan Mountain, a mountain near Gyeongbok Palace and the Blue House (the President's house) 

5. Itaewon, the foreigner district 

6. Namdaemun Market, a huge open-air market in Seoul (it puts Stanley Market in Hong Kong to shame) 

7. Cheonggyecheon Stream, a man-made stream that flows through the center of the business district 

8. War Memorial of Korea, a Korean War Museum 

9. Seoul City Bus Tour, get on and get off at your own leisure tour around Seoul 

10. Korean Feasts, aka the best of the best when it comes to Korean food.

I've experienced all of these except the Bukchon Village and I would argue that some of these do not belong on this list. Then again, I wonder if it'd be possible to do all of these things in 24 hours. 

So, here you are folks. My perfect twenty four hours in Seoul, South Korea. 

I would start by waking up in Gangnam (one of the busier districts in Seoul). It's a good resting place for those who come to visit Korea- as it's busy and almost centrally located. I'd open the curtains to see a mad rush of people on their way to the bustling subway. But not I! On this day, I'm simply a tourist, not a resident. I'd get dressed and head out to Butterfingers, a western-style breakfast place in Gangnam. Although you may be disappointed that I didn't head for the traditional rice and kimchi breakfast, you will be proud to know that Butterfingers has a delicious assortment of foods- one of my favorites being he waffles! 

After a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of joe, I'd be on my way. Where to start I'd wonder to myself?! With a whole day and a million things to see, this could be quite the action packed day. I'd start at Coex. If you're a fan of fish, then I'd definitely recommend going to the aquarium. While it can't even compete with the Shed Aquarium in Chicago, it still has an awesome shark tank that would spook any fish fanatic. After an hour at Coex, I'd head to Dongdaemun while on my way to Insadong. While in Dondaemun sway through the streets and spend some of your hard earned money, however, be prepared to have to carry those shopping bags all day. Clothes and accessories are cheap here! Check out the Dondaemun gate on your way out (as the one at Naemdaemun burnt down last year).  

Next, head toward Insadong for some traditional souvenirs and to check out a traditional tea house. Enjoy a cup of peach tea (my favorite) and wander in and out of the shops. Hungry for lunch yet? I am! Next head to Itaewon, the foreign district in Seoul. While Itaewon is neither the cleanest nor safest area to live in, it's home to the N Seoul tower. N Seoul tower sits on top of Namsan Mountain. You have the option to take a cable car up and down or to hike the mountain. If the day is nice, take the hike! On your way up, there is a cartoon museum that will provide a giggle or two. You won't be disappointed with the view (unless it's monsoon season, yellow dust season, or an other typical bad weathered day in Seoul). The view really gives you a sense of how jam packed the city is. Either way, it's awesome! Enjoy brunch at the revolving restaurant at the top. Although pricey, it's worth it :) 

After Itaewon, it's only a hop, skip, and a jump to Cheonggyecheon, a man made stream that runs through the city. What I love about this spot is people watching and the music festivals that they almost always have in the spring and summer. The stream never disappoints as it houses a museum and usually some great art too! Don't be afraid to take off your shoes and dip your feet into the stream, the Koreans do it, and so can you!  On your way home it's a must to see the changing of the guard at Gyeongbok Palace. Some can spend the whole day here, but I'd give myself an hour and pull out my good camera. There are many beautiful photo opportunities. When the light is right, make sure to snap those photos! 

The day is coming to an end at this point, but you must check out the Han River, the longest river in Korea. At the river, have a picnic or rent a bike! My all-time favorite Han River activity is kite-flying, and if the wind is there, you too can fly a kite for 5,000 Korean Won (4 US dollars!). 

Later, meet up with friends for galbi, traditional korean barbeque and don't pass up the kimchi or the soju-- as it's a must! Head out to Hondae, a great bar area, for some more drinks and laughs! Eventually find a taxi and head back home. Bask in the glory that this is your life, and it definitely can't be beat! Although your tired from your day in Seoul, you'll sleep peacefully.