One Week and No Plans

photo credit: Sam A. Gray

This was the sky on Sunday afternoon after we'd abandoned any stray thoughts of biking through the farmlands of Korea. The morning was full of medium style rain. My friend Becca had informed me that Sunday was supposed to be the most severe of the heavy rains this week. It seemed the typhoon was moving over to pay a visit to Hanguk-land from Taiwan, where 6 people had already died. Although, this photo clearly shows a spot of sunshine plaguing our plan to abandon ship. Crikes!

We tried to clear the cobwebs of the 'should we go, shouldn't we go' syndrome and took a trip to a few new places in Seoul. We headed to the arboretum and played around with our cameras. I took nothing noteworthy, but got some practice. It began to rain again and we thought 'Alas, we won't look like dumbasses for not going. It IS raining afterall! ah- HA! We are so clever!'

So we headed to Coex Mall, a good place to be on a rainy day (that happens to be at the beginning of summer vacation break-which encompasses every grade level at every school in Seoul). Yeah, you get my drift. Anywhere you go in Seoul is packed with people anyway and the aquarium at Coex Mall was especially populated. Additionally, I'd been spoiled by the great design and forethought of Osaka's aquarium This was without a doubt the BEST aquarium I'd ever been to - if you are in Osaka, it is a must.

For starters, the Coex Aquarium was kitchy as all get-out, which is standard for Korean style. For example, we could examine wedding halls aplenty, and are decked out in what Koreans think is traditional western style wedding accoutrements. This always points towards a cheesy and memorable 'traditionally western' trailerpark wedding. Or we could look at clothing for all ages, which includes mixing stripes, plaid, and animal prints or men thinking they are classy while sporting the shimmery tinfoil-esque suits. I think most women exclaim in their heads "HE HAS MONEY!" when they see these salarymen. Then there's always the coffee shop or hof (beer and food joints) art deco decore (reminiscent of 1980s jams shorts) plastered all over the couches and walls.

But alas, I am straying from the point. The Coex aquarium was not worthy it and unfortunately I missed alot of the good stuff, like seahorses, because there were just too many people. I am not usually closterphobic and I was definitely toeing the line.

The day ended at Kyobo Bookstore where I found the English crafter's section. For this I am very grateful. I purchased a new book and then went to Dongdaemun searching for yarn today.
Even if this posting bored you to death, it will all be worth it when you enjoy this photo:


This made my day worth it.