March 31st Palaces, Gardens, and Street Food

 We start the day in a nice hotel and an early morning breakfast either Korean or Western. Your choice.

Then off to the main palace in Korea, Gyeogbokgung.

The changing of the guard.

                                                             The Main palace Gate

The Throne Room

                                                         Behind Palace Walls

Koreans love to dress in Traditional dress. Plus you get into the Palaces or free. We chose not to rent traditional dress which you can do. These sweet girls allowed me to tack their pictures. 

Stupas behind the palace. Or vents for the floor heating system.

Talk about a hot couple!!!

The City from the palace grounds. Old and new

Same thing

I had something similar in my front yard. These were in font of the Folk Art Museum which was closed when we were there.

More totems

Long Story. The Traditional Korean House we are stying in was hidden in a maze of streets Korea is famous for. To make it worse, there was a street fair going on so our taxi had to dodge people walking all over the street. Our Taxi (Tripps and Mine) managed it well. Gary and Mary Ann's not so well and dumped them off short of the goal. It took many calls to get them to our house for the next two days.

Then off to meet our friend who had gotten us tickets to the Secret Garden of ChangDeokPalace that we lived next to for a couple of years when in Korea. Other people have more pictures than I but here are a couple.

I know it does't look like a garden, But I was too exhausted from walking to take pictures. Plus I had so many for some 50 years ago. I asked our guide above places I remembered and she said they were closed off. I had brought copies of some of my photos of the Secret Garden from over 50 years ago. I gave them to her and she was excited to see and get them.

More of the Garden structures.

Back at the traditional house and Tripp is sitting where the local scholar would sit and write poetry.You never know.

Our beds in the Traditional House we are in.

So Gary T and I go in search of the famous Beer and Chicken Korea is famous for. Where else to look than MeyongDong in downtown Seoul. Also famous for its Night Street Food.

And yes we found a place. Nice Father and son outing.

After our Beer and Chicken we bought some street food to bring home. Here are special potatoe chips.

Lobster anyone?

Our home at night. Very peaceful.

Candied fruit to end the day.

March 30th Departures and Arrivals

 Today saw us depart early from our first place of stay which was a mistake on my part and an apartment that was misadvertized from the first. Way too small and no taxi driver could ever find it. Here is what I mean.

                                                                    First set of stairs

                                                                Second set of stairs

                                                          Stairs to get into the small apartment.

Enough said. We left a day early to a hotel with real beds. We do not mind Yos or Futons, but object to ones that only have one side in or out. 

Best part of the day was picking up Gary and Tripp and taking them to a Korean Barbeque restaurant. 

Yes we are happy

Mary Ann at our favorite Coffee house having left for a Hotel.

                                                     Rabbits seemed to like that roof.

Tomorrow is Palaces and the Secret Garden and hopefully sme night time street food.

March 29th - Subways and Markets

 Well today was a rainy, wet cold morning so the only thing to do was sleep and txt. That we are pretty good at. Then it was off to Seoul station to store an extra bag in lockers they have there.

Then off to a market to see what we can get and also eat. You know I love markets all over the world.

And yes here you can eat Boneless Chicken Feet, and other delicacies. 

It's not all just food Sheri.

                                             Assorted vegetables everyone uses today.

Did I mention that we got on the subway going the wrong way. I think I have it figured out now.

This is the stream that ran through Seoul for centuries until the thirst for modernization covered it up. Luckily they rethought it and now it is a public walkway. More on this later.

But they did modernize grinding beans.

So after a busy day in the Market and Subways, what's a fellow to do.

Makolli and KimPop (GimBop) from my favorite vendor. Will bring the boys back for boneless chicken feet which is just in front of me.

March 28th

 Not much happening as we recover from 24 hours of travel. But we did find a great place to have brunch which I will share again. Notice the grin.

And a great GimBap or KimPop or well you decide place. Toilet paper is for napkins.

Finished Product. Well almost finished. believe me there is nothing left as I type.

Outside our place near a university. Tomorrow we will explore Meyong Dong Night Street Food. Are you starting to see a theme?

March 27th. Day One in Korea

 We arrived last night supper time exhausted fro 24 hours of traveling.  But I will say that KAL took good care of us and fed us very nice Korean food. It didn't hurt that I had a good supply of Valium with me.

The Bird taking us to Korea. "In the Early Morning Rain" plays here.

Occupying oneself waiting to board.

Typical Airline food!

 

No meal complete without KoChuJang

And now for a good movie. 

Trying to find the place we are staying. Last one like this.

Our First Meal in Korea on March 28th.

Lunch/Breakfast for us.