Seoul Train

My birthday has come and gone. Although I have just turned 24, according to Koreans I have been 25 since January 23rd (the New Year). Being 25 for 2 solid years should be pretty interesting (and slightly depressing?). There was nothing depressing about my birthday weekend however.

Aaron, being the stud that he is, got us tickets to see Wicked the musical in Seoul. We decided that since we were making the trek up there, we would make a weekend out of it. On Saturday morning we got up early and made our way to the train station. Side note: there is nothing more shocking (or upsetting) than running into your boss at 7:00 on a Saturday morning in the Dunkin Donuts line, but we made it through. The KTX is a "high speed train" that runs between Gwangju and Seoul. It was Aaron's first time on a train! After a brief moment of confusion with our tickets (miscommunication led to us having to buy tickets again although we had paid for them online blah blah blah), we were on our way. Although travelling on trains is great fun, we both decided that we will be sticking to busses from now on. Trains are considerably more expensive and only knock off 30 minutes of travel time.

Aaron's first train ride!

The Han River.

Seoul Station.

We arrived in Seoul at around 10:30 in the morning, and after running up and down 5 flights of stairs, while trying to figure out the subway, we threw our sweaty bodies onto the correct line and made our way into the city. At this point we both had only two things on our minds, food and dogs (but not in the traditional Korean sense). We disembarked into a trendy, hipster type neighborhood and wandered around like lost children looking for the Bau House (a highly recommended dog cafe). After discovering that our map was for a location no longer in use, we were given directions and finally found what we were seeking. Having an hour or so to kill before the cafe opened, we took off down the street. We had gone no more than 20 yards when the mouthwatering smell of fresh bacon pulled us into a converted basement boasting "fresh, homemade Irish breakfasts." There was homemade bread, thick cuts of bacon, sausages, tomato slices, potato pancakes, cabbage soaked in lemon, and eggs; all washed down with an iced Irish coffee (that sadly had no Jameson in it). We were in heaven. The restaurant itself was tastefully decorated with snippets of Irish news, fresh herbs, and old fashioned knick-knacks.

In the cafe.

Best meal in Korea so far.

So happy.

After successfully stuffing ourselves we headed back up the street to the dog cafe. Happy barks welcomed us as we walked in the door, and it took all my self control not to instantly throw myself on the ground to roll around with the playful pups. Dog cafes can be either really great or just kind of sad. Aaron and I attempted to go to one in Gwangju but we left immediately after seeing the cruel dye jobs and rough handling of the animals. The Bau House was heaven on earth however. Well groomed, loving, and happy dogs surrounded us as we made our way to a table. Naughty Dalmatians climbed right up on the table to get a better look at us (and whether or not we had any treats), a small, playful cocker spaniel found its way onto Aaron's lap (and into his pockets), a pregnant golden lab settled at our feet, and a sweet mixed mutt rested his head on my shoulder. After buying a drink (admittance is free but a drink order is required) and a pack of treats for the dogs, we settled down for some much needed canine affection. I could have stayed all day.

The flocked to the treats.

My favorite guy.

This puppy loved Aaron and his pockets.

Naughty dogs.

We begrudgingly dragged ourselves away from the sweet dogs and headed to the hotel to check in. I have never been so excited to see a bathtub. Our bathroom (and whole apartment) is tiny and we shower while standing over the sink, trying to avoid the toilet, so a tub was an added luxury. After escaping the heat for awhile we fancied ourselves up and headed to dinner before the show. Pasta with rib meat and truffles accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine was in the cards for me. At this point I could no longer contain my excitement and we headed to the venue.
There were witches, monkeys, and hats hanging from the ceiling creating a kind of Halloween inspired, haunted house feel. All around the venue were different stands explaining character development and costumes; I have never seen such intricate costumes before. The doors opened and we hurried to our seats (only to sit in awe of the set for 45 minutes). The set was more impressive than I can explain. A giant metal dragon hovered above the stage as gears and wheels making up a massive clock created a dramatic backdrop. The show itself was breathtaking. I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the performance, laughing, gasping, and crying. My first experience with a real Broadway show was something that I am not likely to forget. Absolutely spectacular. 

Yay.

The map.

Drunk on happiness, excitement, and exhaustion we found our way back to our hotel and passed out. The next morning, after a continental breakfast and bath, we both got haircuts. Why haircuts in Seoul? Because after going to the same hairdresser for years (love you Janelle!) I was a bit hesitant to get my hair cut anywhere else, let alone a place that doesn't speak English. A fellow expat recommended Hair and Joy in Seoul: a place where the hairdressers are all familiar with the thin, western hair and speak perfect English. It was successful. A quick stop at H&M (close to two hours) was next to find swimsuits and shorts, and then we headed to the bus station (only getting lost once) and caught a bus home.  

My actual birthday was on Monday and I was showered in small cards from the kids reading "Kerryn teacher, I love you". I was also spoiled with a massive cake from my co-teachers. Life is too good to me here. <3

Gryffindor class.

Lancaster.