Noblesse Merdian Seoul

... arrive at 5pm (the next day), we didn't sleep much, opting instead to nap and rest and then sleep once we got to Seoul to reset us to the Asian clock. We watched a couple movies - 500 Days of Summer and My Sister's Keeper.

Once in Seoul, our plan of action was extremely straightforward. Incheon airport is large, clean, and well-marked. Once outside, it was immediately obvious where we should wait for our bus into the city, which was incredbily clearly marked ...

... 4 lanes for the 20 or so foreigners that showed up for what I had advertised as the 1st Annual Justin Knoff Hanam-si Bowling Tourney. I guess we'll have to come back next year for the second one...maybe I shouldn't have specified Hanam-si in the title...hmmm...
I had some great games and in the 4th game of the night I thought I may have finally beaten Justin!! He needed a miracle in his 10th frame to get me, but in my experience ...

The intelligence test (IQ test) was created by a pompous bunch of intellectuals. Its design was merely to allocate names like moron and imbecile to those that might use other forms of intelligence to navigate their existing reality. Neglect it does the emotional intelligence, drive and will power, street smarts, or any other avenue that may be used to interpret reality positively and successfully. I am ashamed that such a device might have very well ...

... or sex slaves. We knew that that was what was happening. So, as my sisters were being sold to these men (why is it that one of them looked like Cheech Marin?), I would tell them that I was going to find them and free them from their situation. I even got Cheech's business card to locate the sister who went with him. But when it got down to just myself and one sister, we decided to run away. Of course, it ...

... to Korea. Ironically, since many Japanese historical sites have religious significance the Japanese cannot excavate in their own country.

Professor Kim advised us that as we study Korea then v today to be careful to note that Korea of the earlier periods was very different and full of controversy. Additionally, he recommended being careful of nationalization of history and ethnic groups.

He continued his overview through the centuries. During ...

... As it continues to simmer, it is very clear that this soup has a plethora of garlic added as well. Yum! So, the first phase of shabu shabu is the meat. Plates of paper thin slices of beef are brought to the table.

Originally, I was taught to take a piece of meat and throw it into the pot of soup for five seconds or so because it cooks really fast. However, a friendly bunch of 6-7 year old Korean boys helped instruct us how to eat ...

... all about biological timing, that he or she will nod off entirely and intuitively wake up a stop before needing to get off the train. Others will say they put their cell phone on vibrate and set an alarm for when they have to get off. Either way, subway napping can be dually impressive and hilarious, especially when your shoulder starts to become a headrest for your neighbor.[There I was, drifting off ...

... Koreans who suddenly turn a bit mental after getting married! We went back to Nowon afterwards and ate at my old haunt, namely TGI Fridays. I'd actually been in the previous day to give Chester (the barman) some CDs that I'd made for him - anything to help a fellow Teenage Fanclub fan! Anyway, we then retired to my apartment and ate strawberries and popcorn, admittedly a strange mix, whilst watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Unfortunately I didn't check the download ...

... we did not take the opportunity to see toy bears dressed and arranged in scenic backgrounds. There are three options to reach the top of the Namsan mountain: take a bus or a cab, take a cable car, or climb 1 1/2 km of stairs (which is free). So we decided to earn our view by walking. And boy did we earn it. But we think the photos speak for themselves. Until next time - we say ta-u-me poe-yo (see you later).

... a post-exercise high, easily pleased by just about anything, it also made me sweat like a pig and feel ravenously hungry.

The solution to this problem was to head to the Namdaemon markets for a bite to eat before heading hotel-wards. Unfortunately, this plan was foiled by an extremely pig-headed and sleazy male who followed me through the crowded markets calling me "baby" (shudder) and describing in explicit detail how he was going to make me "happy" (grr ...