I AM A-O-KAYE: My Seoul

Letters from Seoul: Namsan Tower - November 2014 Day 5

Sunday, December 28, 2014

I enjoy climbing towers despite my acrophobia. Whenever I overcome this fear of heights, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Namsan Tower or N...

Sunday, December 28, 2014

I enjoy climbing towers despite my acrophobia. Whenever I overcome this fear of heights, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower could have been the fourth tower to climb but my friends were not planning to climb it that night. We also did not have a lot of time. I also did want to climb it alone. So, I'm saving the climb for a day in the future. Maybe a cable car ride to walk to the tower will be better.

The tower sits on top of the Namsan Mountain.

Seeing the tower reminded me of Boys Over Flowers when Gu Jun Pyo waited for Geum Jan Di. ((:

The cityscape is the main reason why the tower is worth the climb. The other reason is to see the Love Locks, which is kind of similar to the Love Lock bridge in Paris, France. I never got to find the bridge when I was in Paris. But seeing the Love Locks in Seoul was a relief. I got to see what the locks really looked like in person. I also did not plan to grab a Korean man (or even a boyfriend if I have one) and secure our love in a teal-colored padlock with a pink heart in the middle and throw the key into the wilderness below. Noooo! Though it would be love suicide, I just don't think it is the perfect way to show your love to someone. Two or three years hence both of you might break up and end up with different lovers.

Though I think love locks look cute, I just do not believe in their power. When it comes to taking pictures of the love locks, they do not look good in pictures at night. We even had to simultaneously use our phones to add light to the love locks. So if your goals is to take good pictures, it is better to go during day time.

Love Locks

In various sizes. ((:

The famous bench.

The city night view was awesome. It was one of the best night views I have ever seen in my life. With a bird's eye view, you can see the city of Seoul.

While I was walking, lost in thought, by the tower, I remembered how God revealed portions of Himself to me throughout our trip. I just kept on trusting Him and listening to what He has to say.

Dearest Kaye,

I am your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer; I am your God, your strength, in whom you will trust; your buckler, and the horn of your salvation, and your high tower. (Psalm 18:2)

So do not fear or worry. Remember this, though seasons change and people's feelings come and go, my love for you does not. I am giving you a relentless love.

Your Best Friend

In Myeongdong, we all ended the day with shopping first and then eating after. Women can really bear without food as long as they are shopping! I am thankful for how kuya Nono and kuya JM bore with us and held their patience for us. One thing Joni and I realized is to find a man who can patiently wait for us. 'Yun eh.

Myeongdong is make-up haven.

At Etude House | Amen to the writing on the mirror.

Three princesses met from Manila to Singapore to Seoul. <3

The perfect Owl outfit. ((:

A dog sure knows about fashion.

We ate kimbap (Korean sushi rolls), kimchi, yellow radish, and noodles for dinner.

Up Next: Gyeongbokgung Palace - Day 6

Letters from Seoul: Riding Bus 5001-1 - November 2014 Day 4

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

On our fourth day in Korea, we were bound to Korean Folk Village. It was located outside Seoul. We had to ride the 5001-1 red bus at Gangnam...

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

On our fourth day in Korea, we were bound to Korean Folk Village. It was located outside Seoul. We had to ride the 5001-1 red bus at Gangnam. This may sound funny but I have only heard about Gangnam in the popular song, "Oppa Gangnam Style."As the song suggested, Gangnam looked and sounded sophisticated.

Rows of buildings and popular foreign and local shops could be found everywhere. If Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Insa-dong have a relaxed atmosphere, Gangnam has a more serious atmosphere.

Despite the serious atmosphere, Koreans were too kind who would go out of their way to help a poor stranger. When I asked one Korean girl for directions, she literally lent her hand to me. She led us to the street in front of the right bus station.

My Dad requested to take a video or pictures of the Express Bus Transit in Korea. Since we were not taking buses on our first three days, I had a hard time spotting it. So being at Gangnam Station was a good opportunity to take the video and some photos for my Dad. This is what happens when you are a daughter of a transportation engineer. ((:

The bus passed by the highway. I bet if buses were this fast, safe, and efficient in the Philippines, I would not mind paying a high amount.

Two ladies in the bus told us about the Korean Folk Village bus station. This was one stop before Myongji University bus station where we would be meeting ate Sen later in the evening. The sons of the two bus ladies were sitting beside us. They were visible in our pictures below. We kept on smiling at them. But they kept on staring back at us like they did not know how to react. They must have thought we were crazy. ((:

Since this was our first time to go out of Seoul by bus, I felt like we were on a fieldtrip. I'm excited to blog about the Korean Folk Village! I learned a lot about Korean culture there.

Up Next: Korean Folk Village

Letters from Seoul: Seokchon Lake and Dongdaemun Design Plaza - November 2014 Day 3

Friday, December 12, 2014

With my feet dead tired and my craziness almost gone, I dragged myself to Seokchon Lake. But then I found myself thankful for the opp...

Friday, December 12, 2014

With my feet dead tired and my craziness almost gone, I dragged myself to Seokchon Lake. But then I found myself thankful for the opportunity to see a beautiful park similar to our own U. P. Academic Oval. The red brick road that goes around a lake was filled with trees from sides. I suddenly missed home.

The only difference between the Seoul's Seokchon and the U.P.'s Academic Oval is the Lotte World, the most popular theme park in Seoul, which was situated at the center of the lake. Imagine having a run around the lake, hearing shouts and screams of people from the mad houses and rides. This is pretty much different from running around the Academic Oval. But at least there is less pollution here in Seokchon. ((:

Around the park was a mini stadium wherein I saw an overview of the lake.

The main reason why we went to Seokchon Lake is the Rubber Duck Project. A big yellow rubber ducky is making its away around the globe. It was currently in Seoul then. Joni's wish was to see it in person. Though we had to walk around the whole park just to catch a glimpse of it and have our pictures taken, it was a good sight to behold.

After seeing our pictures, I could not help but remember Sesame Street's Ernie's "Rubber Ducky" song.

Rubber Duckie, you're the one,

You make bathtime lots of fun,

Rubber Duckie, I'm awfully fond of you;

(woh woh, bee doh!)

The walking did not end here for we had to go to our last stop for the night: Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Our main reason why we went here was to see the LED fairy tale flower field. I love the concept so much! Walking in the field was not allowed. But we managed to walk in it and take pictures when the people were not yet being prohibited by security. Pasaway lang! Hahaha.

Aside from seeing the LED fairy tale flower field, I got to see a lot of art.

Window

Chairs

Soft chair

Library on the Wall

Lighted Eiffel Tower

More Towers

If the weather was not too cold and I was not too tired, I would probably love to sit down and hang around more, taking the time of my life. This explains why I did not take a lot of photos too. My camera battery died after seeing the LED flower field. So, I only took limited photos using my phone. Still, our visit was quick but enjoyable!

My favorite was the architectural exhibit. Free admission. It reminded me of my family.

I have once dreamt to be an architect or an interior designer when I was entering college. But I know I did not have the skills (Math and drawing) and the courage to apply. So I am dreamt (and still dreaming) of marrying an architect or an engineer instead. At least, that dream is more reachable than my first. LOL.

While I was walking around the exhibit, God spoke to me.

Dearest Kaye,

When a dream dies, plant another dream. Maybe you can see that dream alive in others. But a new dream (becoming a teacher and a philanthropist) that is rooted in good soil grows. Focus on that dream for I planted that in you. Nurture it with water everyday. Guard it with all your heart. Fight for it. For that dream will trigger you to bloom.

Your Best Friend

On our way home, we were not able to alight at our station because it was past 10pm already and the last station going to Gwangheungchang has passed by. So at the train station, we met a Mechanical Engineering student and a guitarist who not only guided us toward the right exit but walked with us. We were so blessed that night because of his kindness. I could not help smiling at God. (((:

Older Posts

Letters from Seoul: Namsan Tower - November 2014 Day 5

Letters from Seoul: Riding Bus 5001-1 - November 2014 Day 4

Letters from Seoul: Seokchon Lake and Dongdaemun Design Plaza - November 2014 Day 3

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