When one is traveling, the last day is usually the most hectic day. No matter how one tries to organize his or her schedule throughout the trip and shop little by little, the usual rush in shopping still happens. In addition to that, packing suitcases and bags becomes harder as he or she returns to the hostel. Isn't it crazy? But we all know it's part of the fun in traveling. If one gets to accomplish this, then he or she could be called an experienced traveler.

As I close my Seoul diaries, I want to emphasize how great traveling with God is. If fun and leisure is the only purpose we are after, then we might miss out on a lot of things that God wants to show us and tell us. We might not experience His promises to us. Missing on those is not what I intend to do. And I do hope it is not most people's intention as well.

Our last day in Seoul consisted of shopping, eating (less due to lack of time), and more traveling (toward home). Fortunately, we still woke up on time even though we slept late because we had to finish packing. We still got to eat breakfast in the hostel. We even took some pictures before we headed out.

Computer Area and Free Wall

Kitchen

Message Board

The table on the left side was our favorite spot.

Watching a reality show on TV during breakfast

Writing a message for Mori (:

With our Chinese Roommate (:

The first shopping place we visited was Namdaemun Market. It was a big market filled with shopping stalls along the streets. There were also buildings with more shopping stalls. The items for sale varied from Korean food, winter clothes, household items, souvenirs, and lots of others. It was similar to Divisoria's 168 Mall and Greenhills Shopping Center. The video below showed exactly how the market looked like.

Owl pillow

OWL HAVEN. O_O

We only bought souvenirs in Namdaemun Market. Honestly, we didn't like it that much. I think it was because of the selections, especially the clothes and how it was organized. Magulo kasi. Parang Divi lang talaga. Hahaha. We also did not stay long because we had to buy other items in Myeongdong.


Our next and last stop was Myeongdong. For us, Myeongdong was "Seoul's Shopping Haven" (Insa-dong was number 2). We can walk more comfortably in Myeongdong. Though the items might be pricier than other stores, Myeongdong was more accessible and convenient. Actually, it depends on the item. In Myeongdong, makeup is cheap though the clothes are expensive if you go inside local Korean stores. But there is a lot of SALE ongoing in foreign brands such as Nike, New Balance, etc. So you really need to look around first if you want to get the best price. It's pretty much the same in Manila, Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. What is also great about Myeongdong is that Money Exchange stalls and most of the stores of popular brands were everywhere. Some foreign shops even appear twice or thrice in different corners. Because of this, it became more favorable for us. We promised ourselves that if we come back, we will stay in Myeongdong.


Bags were cute and affordable in Korea. They were also made with good quality materials. I was able to buy the bags I wanted to give to my brothers. At first, I was having difficulty with choosing the bags for them. But the picture below that I sent to my brother really helped. He sent it back to me with circles around his most preferable ones. LOL. It was a good thing that free Wi-Fi internet was available in some areas in Myeongdong. I was able to communicate with my brother Luke while shopping. Clap, clap, clap for #FirstWorldCountryPerks. ((:


For our very late lunch, I got to taste Kimchi rice!!! Joni ordered it actually. But it was too spicy for her so we exchanged meals. I know she was having difficulty with eating Korean food because there were a lot of strange ones. I, myself was okay with anything spicy and saucy.

Kimchi rice

Sorry, I forgot the name of this dish. ((:

Side dishes, of course. (:

I have to thank God for He gave me the right amount of money I needed in this trip. Though I could have shopped more if I have a lot of extra money, I am already contented with what I bought. With what He has allowed me to experience in Seoul, I am already overwhelmed. I know that He would give me more than what I deserve and what I need. But I also know that He would have me buy first the things that are in the top of my list and not just my wants or desires. By His Grace, I did not feel that I lack. Instead, I felt satisfied with what He has given me.

Just because it's Peppero Day! 11.11 <3

In order to sum up my Seoul diaries, I am allowing the letter below to speak of His awesomeness. I am in awe of His greatness.

Dearest Kaye,

            You are better off than when you began. Now is the time to put all the regrets, disappointments, and consequences in the past years behind. I am restoring all the things you have lost with greater things for my Word stands firm and eternal, thus everlasting. "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten." (Joel 2:25) No matter how great or young your locusts are, I am greater than that army. I can turn something broken in you into something amazing.

             Remember, I am the God of new beginnings.

                                                                                                                                   Love,

                                                                                                                                                      God 

To You, God I give everything.. <3 The End of Letters from Seoul © 2014