Busan and Back

Just to start: WOW! I never though that a Korean city would be on my list of places to visit or live in. Busan(부산) is better in every way, architecture, tourists, locals, attractions, and vibe, than anywhere else I've been in Korea. The older buildings that seem to have had their own architects that are nestled on the lush mountains right on the sea is a refreshing sight. Even the way the locals sound less whiny that those in the north.

Getting to Busan from Incheon is easy but a little bit of a headache. The trip between Incheon and Seoul Station is about 90 minutes by bus (without traffic) or subway and then three hours by KTX highspeed rail to Busan Station. Tickets on the KTX range from 48,100w to 71,100w depending on if you get economy or first class. You get there just as quick and even with the extra leg room I couldn't sleep well in first class, so the value is your call. In town I skipped the subway, but I hear it works well. Taxis were similarly priced to those in Seoul, but it seemed traffic was even worse here and I would advice agains traveling across town via taxi.

For a weekend trip, this was a great deal. KTX can be cheap enough if you get economy and the hotel was w40,000 a night for three people and was across the street from the beach. It was too cold to swim or sunbathe, but not to enjoy a brew or two on the beach. Eats were varied with us trying Chinese shabu shabu, k-style tacos, and a western place that thought it was New York style. We tried the Paradise casino where I left up 100%, Andrew ~150%, and Renee down everything. The casino is nothing compared to Vegas, but they had baccarat, black jack, slots, and roulette. Jagalchi fish market was interesting to see and The Piff is a nice place to have drinks in the Nampo area.

Korean Toast

Sometimes all it takes to bridge the language gap is French toast.
I was a Home Plus staring off into space in the pots and pans aisle when a Korean man excuses himself for grabbing my attention. His English was fairly good, but it was clearly not his first language. His simple, but interesting question was, "How do you make French toast?" I was taken aback, but I understood his question and proceeded to inform him of the minimal bread, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon recipe including hand gestures to bring it all together. I loved after how simply I explained the ingredients and process, he just stared at me blankly with a "Now tell me the secret step" stare. He just couldn't believe that such a "fancy" dish could be conjured up so easily. He even elaborated that he has indeed tried and enjoyed French toast before when he had worked with the U.S. Army as if letting me know that he couldn't be fooled and that he knows what he is talking about. I reassured him the simplicity and we parted ways, but I think he will still Naver his inquiry just to be certain.

With a Cherry on Top

The 2009 cherry blossom festival on Yeoido island was better than sitting at home all day. After learning that these cherry blossom are not that same ones that come from trees that produce cherries, I was slightly discouraged. Luckily, it still worked out for the best. The best news from this glorious message from the gods is that winter has ended and spring is starting/right around the corner. Namely, after the horrible cold with windy conditions, anything different is welcome.
Heading out to Yeoido is the normal excursion that is required when you set sail from Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon. After the obligatory 1.5 hours subway tour we were greeted to a nice Han River walk from Dangsan Station surrounded by tons of other people on the same pilgrimage. The throngs of people aside, there were vendors, performances and cherry trees for everyone. I head out with several coworkers and I believe everyone had an enjoyable time. It was nice to see the Korean National Assembly and business area. Given it was a Saturday, there were only really tourists around, but it was great to be out and about with other people.