My cousin Adam came to Korea to visit me for two weeks! Adam and I are only 9 days apart in age, so we've been good friends our whole lives. I was so excited when he told me that he wanted to come visit me here! This is his first time visiting Asia and visiting South Korea, and our first chance to travel together without parental supervision ;)
He arrived on Thursday evening, and Sagar picked him up at the airport because I was at work. We met up halfway between the airport and my apartment for the "handoff". Adam was tired but in good spirits about having survived an 11 and a half hour flight.
Fresh off the flight!
He packed a backpack full of his stuff for his two-week stay that weighed 10 pounds, and brought a 40-pound suitcase full of stuff I asked for from home...powdered coffee creamer, peanut butter M&Ms, boxes of Kraft Mac'n'Cheese, clothes from my closet at home, as well as some super sweet handwritten notes from my family! My mom surprised me and also sent a beautiful blanket that she had made with pictures of my family and friends from home on it! It was such a special gift, one that I will treasure forever.
-----------------
On Friday morning, I took Adam to Garak Market, an enormous market not far from my apartment. It was going to be my first experience at this market too, so we didn't know what to expect. However, whether it was because we went at the wrong time of day, or came in at the wrong entrance, or something, all we could see were rows and rows of vegetable vendors. We decided to bail and have something cold to eat, because it was getting warm! We sat down for enormous bowls of 팥빙수 (patbingsu, shaved ice with red beans).
I went to work for the evening, and when I finished work, Adam and I met up at the subway station in my neighborhood to head up to Noksapyeong. There we met up Sagar and two of our friends from Korean class, Suzanne and Miles, for pizza and beers at an underground brewery called Magpie Brewery Co. We had draft beers, and veggie pizza and cheese pizza...both to die for. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of us there...blogger fail!
This is the only picture from that night: seen while walking through Noksapyeong.
-----------------
On Saturday, Adam, Sagar and I went to Gwanghuamun Square for the "must-see" tourist spots...Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Insa-dong.
Gyeongbokgung Palace.
A small pagoda that was put up for Buddha's Birthday next week.
The changing of the guard.
Haechi, the mascot of Seoul.
Courtyard of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
We walked through Gwanghuamun Square, where there were fountains on in front of the Admiral Yi Sun-shin Statue. There were lots of kids splashing in the water!
Sagar and I decided to be kids for a few minutes and play in the water too ;)
From there we walked to Cheonggyeccheon Stream. When we arrived, we noticed yellow ribbons everywhere. A volunteer showed us a sign in English that explained that the yellow ribbons were tied up as a memorial for those whose lives were lost in the Sewol incident. People could write messages on the ribbons and tie them up to show their respect and offer prayers for those who have not yet been found. We wrote messages and took a moment of silence to recognize this horrible tragedy.
South Korea is truly in a state of mourning over this tragedy. There were so many yellow ribbons everywhere we went.
There were also lots of paper lantern figures in the middle of Cheonggyecheon...possibly in preparation for Buddha's Birthday?
Sagar graciously made Indian food for us and packed it so we could have a picnic by the stream! He made potato masala and we ate it with tortillas. We got lots of curious looks from passersby!
From there, we walked to Seoul City Hall. This building is known for its interesting architecture and interior decor.
This large sign posted on the outside of the Seoul Metropolitan Library building (next to Seoul City Hall) says "we're sorry" and is followed by a message wishing for the safe return of those who are still missing and the peace of the souls of those who were lost in the Sewol ferry tragedy.
Seoul City Hall.
And from there, we walked to Insa-dong, a touristy shopping area with different displays and performances going on at any given time. It was so busy that day!!
That evening, we went to Sagar's place to have more delicious Indian food with him, his Indian friend, and that friend's Korean girlfriend. Sagar and his friend made daal and chapati (lentils and flatbread). Then we all went and played ping-pong at a "ping-pong room" near Sagar's place!
-----------------
On Sunday, we rested for a while during the day (the amount of walking we do here is no joke!). In the evening, Adam, Sagar, Park, and I met up to Noksapyeong for Middle Eastern food and a trip to N. Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower). We visited Petra Restaurant, which is located on the corner where Itaewon and Noksapyeong meet. None of us had tried Middle Eastern food before, so it was all a new experience! We ordered falafel, pita bread, hummus, couscous, and some other dishes that I can't remember the names of! Everything was delicious!
And on we went to N. Seoul Tower!
Reminiscent of Seattle and the Space Needle.
-----------------
It was such a fun weekend! This week, we're going to visit a cat cafe, check out another big market (hopefully with more luck this time), and possibly do a small hike. Adam is also going to visit my work with me this week and observe some of my classes, and then this weekend we're heading to Jeju Island for the long weekend! Stay tuned for more pictures!
