Holiday in Seoul part 1 - Trash Panda Included!

Good end of November, folks! Had an internal job switch so was a bit busy running around for appointments. Those who go for appointments will know that the actual tiring bit is the travelling involved. 

Just yesterday I took 30 mins to get to Woodlands Industrial for one, the actual appt lasted all of 20 mins... And then trying to take Grab out was $48!! Even though I can claim from company, my stinginess decided that wasn't a fair fare (hee hee) and so I went for breakfast before taking a bus to Woodlands Interchange. The Grab fare went to a more fair fare (hee hee) of $17. 

But enough about work, it's boring. It's time for some escapism! On to SEOUL, baby!!

peeeewww (sound of plane flying)

We took a morning flight, so we had to get to the airport by 6am. Tiring... And we were once again the last to board, so there was running involved. Nothing new there.

Unlike most tourists, our priority in Seoul wasn't about shopping. Mainly because we are online shoppers, but also because the season there would be Autumn, and so the clothes might be too thick. And I perspire easy. We were even in thinner and lighter clothes on one of the (trash raccoon) days!

I have to say, I think Seoul is a really, really clean city, comparable to back home. Despite the lack of dustbins, you really dun see trash in the streets. And I have to give special kudos to the toilets. Even the toilets in the subway are amazingly dry and clean. This is very different from back home where even some shopping mall toilets are dirty. Colour me impressed. 

But on to the strolling around. So much cute stuff to see! 

I love Peach. Sickening face.

Fantastic things to see when we walk around in Myeongdong and Hongdae. Having soju while walking around makes it even better, cos when it gets cold, just take a sip and you'll be all warmed up.

I should have taken a picture of the subway map, it looks really complex but at the same time really easy to follow. The stations indicate what is the next stop, so you hardly ever take the wrong side. Oh and please download Naver Map when in Korea, it works far better than Google Maps.

And the view from Namsan Tower, or Seoul Tower for the sua-ku (uninitiated) people out there.

breath-taking

this photo is here cos i look slim

We also took time out on the warm day to find the cafe with a few trash pandas. They live in air-conditioned environment, and have ropes and places to climb. And their faces, so cute!!

my new bff

relak one corner

albino raccoon!

scratching backside

I really wanted to see raccoons up close, so this was absolutely enjoyable for me. They have a habit of washing their food, making sure it is just that food before they put it in their mouths, and they love eating ice cubes too! But to take note, they are much heavier than they look, and the fur is bristly instead of silky. But aiyo, so adorable!!

So that's it for now, the second post will be about the food we had. Cos damn shiok. Slurp and burp.


Signing off,
KJ
















Fun Fact: Raccoon cafes are not for raccoons to order refreshments and chill-out with friends.

Surprise proposal in Seoul!

So for those of you who are unaware, i have recently gone from single to attached. And what can i say, she's the best i could ever wish for in a partner! Funny, sociable, caring, understanding and able to give good advice, in short, a female me. Except she's so much better looking. Like so so much (arms wide apart).

This short post is simply to show the sequence of that proposal, for all those who missed it on Instagram and Facebook.

It all started when we were planning for an Autumn holiday to a cooling country, so that we can get away from work to just unwind and recharge. And since we absolutely love Korean food, it made sense to go where we've never been. Anyeonghaseyo!

I have to say, they have a very extensive underground system, pretty much gets you anywhere without walking too much. But more impressive is their network of toilets, like even the ones in the Metro stations are clean! Can you imagine using the ones in our MRT stations? Maybe can la, when freaking desperate. But I'll talk about Korea another time, this post is only about the proposal.

long bus ride where we were both doing neck rotation exercises along the way

short boat ride

lovely scenery in Nami Island

I tripped while walking behind her

she thought i was proposing!

I quickly borrowed a ring from a passerby...

and then used it to propose

reverse angle!

still in shock

must place on the finger

reverse angle

I think it looks great on her

So yeah, that's how the surprise proposal went, surprising for both of us! I'll add in another post on our travels soon! The beautiful ring is courtesy of Infiniti Jewels, excellent designs which doesn't hurt the wallet!


Signing off,
KJ

Fun Fact: Seoul is pronounced as soul, not as C-hole. Man was i embarrassed.