Seoul Searching - Day One (May 5, 2012)

Our flight was 1:00 am so we went straight to NAIA after work, Friday of May 4, 2012. Before the flight, we had our dinner at Pancake House then we just took pictures while waiting to board the plane.

 

 

It was a smooth four hours flight after all. We arrived at Incheon International Airport at around 6am. Korea is an hour advance to Manila. Our group was separated from Chris because one of his friend, Diwi has her auntie nearby Myeongdong Area where they stayed. I'm left with Eric, Katits, and Pat. We went straight to the Shuttle Bus going to COEX Mall near our hotel in Gangnam and rode the taxi from there. Upon arrival in Hotel Highland, we took a rest and went out after lunch.

 

Around 1pm, we went to Paris Baguette for lunch. It is one of the best bakery I have tried. I ordered a lot.. as in a lot. Since our stomach is full, we are off to go.

 

 

We started the tour with the ever famous place in Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace which translates to "Palace of Shining Happiness" - it was such a big Palace. I am amazed with it. Since I am not particular to the details of the building itself, I just took pictures from the outside. It was such a nice view. By the way, a Korean student volunteered to join our tour. She is the one who is talking and giving all the historic information about the Palace. I think we visited around 5 palace in that area. She's even willing to tour us to more palaces but we are so tired and we thought it won't be necessary. After all, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main attraction here.

 

 

 

 

 

Upon exit, we also dropped by the National Museum of Korea where you could see the history of Korea when it comes to clothing, food, culture, etc. but we didn't enter inside because it was too crowded. We just took pictures outside the museum where there are many beautiful flowers around.

 

 

We felt hungry after Gyeongbokgung Palace so we looked in the lonely planet book to find a good recommended place to eat. While reading the book, we saw a street food stand so I bought a strwberry filled pancake. Patrick got one too but I don't know what it is, mine tastes better though. =)

 

In the book, we found Semarkan is a good place to eat somewhere in Dongdaemun Market. So we rode the taxi and went there. Unfortunately, we can't find the restaurant after one hour of searching and looking around the area. We are getting irate already so we just bought another street food to fill up our stomach. We loved it. A sausage wrapped with cubes of potatoes for arounf Php 75 is not bad. It is enough to fill our stomach for more action. 

 

Finally we found this Hong Kong restaurant in a basement where we ate our dinner. Not bad at all. We ordered their best seller noodles (which is very spicy!) and another one life a sweet and sour pork meal (which is very spicy again!). They wer all very delicious and we are all satisfied.

 

 

 

 

We finished at around 9pm so it is very cold when we went outside, we are really chilling. Then we saw this Cheonggyecheon stream and stopped to take pictures. It is such a beautiful scene. It's like full of serenity. If it is not because of the cold weather, I could have stayed there longer.

 

On our way to the hotel, we rode the MTR which is very complicated. I could say it is not so tourist friendly. There are so many exits and the signs are not translated to English. Glad we have Eric as our navigator who could somehow understand their MTR system.

That's our first day.. a bit tiring already because of long walks but the weather is good so I can say we are just chillin' in Seoul!

Tomorrow is Lotte World! =)

Then He Stays With Me

This is In response to my blog "Then He Sleeps Again"..

I have now understood everything. Sometimes, all we have to do is understand each other. Yeah, miscommunication can really harm a relationship. From the very start, I should have been prepared in this kind of situation. I'm glad we have talked about it and we know that it is hard and the distance is killing us but we will stay with each other. We have to make some efforts especially on his part as the time difference is not a good setup. It's funny, this time around, he slept while talking to me. If that is what we need then so be it. Still, I know this could work.. together we will make it work. Sigh.

Then He Sleeps Again

It hurts you know, being away from someone special to you. After a long day, all you want is a text or call from him to somehow brighten up your day.

But what if he doesn't show his commitment to you like he often sleeps and forgot to even text you? Maybe he is just not that into you right?

I never believed in LDR, but I tried.

It may have worked with others, but that is because they have the same feeling. They have the commitment to hold. And they have the time for each other.

What love? Maybe you should ask yourself.

If this is how you will show your love, it won't work you know.

Goodbye for now.

I'm in love with Paris Baguette

If you are going to Korea, never ever fail to have breakfast in Paris Baguette. It is a South-Korean based French Boulangerie. It first began in 1988 and has grown to become the No. 1 franchise bakery in Korea. Almost every subway station and street in Seoul has it. I wonder why there is no PB here in the Philippines. If you like 'Bread Talk' here in Manila, then you'll love PB. Believe me, It is better. They have a ton of options of different pastries, breads and baked goods along with sandwiches, salads and desserts. They also have juice, coffee, and tea. Here are some of the pictures. My favorite is the egg and sandwich. I also ordered the yummy cinnamon swirl. Waaah I miss PB a lot! Oh, I heard it's coming to Singapore. Please bring it to Manila too!!!

My favorite!!!

My favorites ham and egg, cinnamon swirl, and their version of coffee bun.

Again, egg and bacon, with egg tart!!!

I'm Really Back to Reality

After my May and June escapades to Korea, Coron, Taiwan, and Singapore, I am back again to blogging. So many stories to share. So many memories that I want to bring back. It seems words are not enough to describe how my world stopped for a while and enjoyed life. No worries at all. Where do I start? Of course, I will start by sharing my Korea Trip last May 5-9. Whew, I am still in awe as of the moment. In a span of almost two months, so many things happened and changed that will likely shape a part of my future. I just like to stop right now as tomorrow is another work day for me. I'm back to my daily routine.. the real world. But as the saying goes, go with the flow. But yeah, I want change already.

Kobe Bryant HD

Being a Kobe fanatic since 2000, this video gave me goosebumps. Tears. Watch it. One of the best Kobe videos ever made.