Under the Subway Tracks

One weekend, I decided to explore the area around Pusan National University (PNU) which is a 10 minute walk from my apartment.  Like the streets surrounding many college campuses- there is lots to see, eat, and do.  I spent most of the day perusing through clothing & stationary stores and sitting in cafes.

As I was about to get on the subway to head back home, I heard music coming from near the station.  Beneath the elevated subway track was a small gathering of people and a stage.

Beneath the subway tracks.

The stage.

I had stumbled upon a small concert of local musicians!  Performances ranged from DJs to acoustic, from rap to hip hop.  I didn't have anywhere I needed to be, so I sat and stayed for a while.  The stage sparkled with Christmas lights and a cozy fire was projected on a make shift hearth. There were fire-pit roasted potatoes and mulled wine being passed through the crowd for everyone to enjoy. 

And although I couldn't understand much of what was being said/sung or who was performing or what this was all for... I loved it.  There is just something so joyous about sharing in live music.

Here are videos of two of my favorite performances.  This first is of a group called Ska Wakers.  They are usually a seven piece ska band, but not all of the members were present. Instuments used were a guitar, a trumpet, a melodica, and a cajon. Their music was super groovy.

The next video is of a guitar duo.  I was instantly captivated by their resounding vocals (this video doesn't do them justice) and folksy tunes.  Also each of them played a harmonica and kazoo, respectively. Unfortunately, I don't know what their names were, so I have no idea how to find them again :(  

Ah well, I am happy for the memory they gave me any way.

What an abundance of joy and beauty this city holds!

메리 크리스마스!

메리 크리스마스!

I had to work on Christmas.  But don't feel bad for me (at least I'm getting paid), feel sorry for the students that had to be in class. 

Apparently, Christmas in Korea was considered more like a "couples holiday" versus family time spent in homes. Though most people have the day off, all of the stores and restaurants were open and full of people.  I had never seen Home Plus so busy!

To celebrate the day, Anne and I had lunch at NTMY Garden Kitchen a very impressive and cozy restaurant.

NTMY was named after the song "Nice to Meet You" by Gavin DeGraw.  The resturant is located in the PNU area and had its grand opening only three months ago.  

The ambiance is stunning.  Everything from the chalkboard walls to the potted lights and mason jar spice shelves, adds to the welcoming atmosphere.  The food was well prepared, delicious, and very reasonably priced. 

And Gordon, the owner, is a very gracious host!  As a small x'mas gift he opened a bottle of champagne to share.

The moco loco.
Their menu serves traditional English brunch items as well.

Just got to give a shout out to another amazing niche in Busan!

'Tis the Seaon

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”  - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

photocred: Jane Balagtas

This is my first holiday season away from home. And along with others who are also away from the people and places most familiar to them, we create a community.

Blessing of peace and happiness to everyone this season and always.

Cat Cafe

On the streets of Seomyeon is Cat Cafe.  What is Cat Cafe you ask?  Follow along and you shall find out...

Signs to Cat Cafe

The entrance

Cat Cafe is a place where you purchase a beverage of choice and then hang out with cats for as long as you want.  At this particular Cat Cafe there were 36 cats and 11 kittens, though not all of them were out at the same time.

meow are you?

You can buy food and treats to feed the cats...

There are toys and boxes and plenty of climbing space for the cats to hang out.

the white guy has no idea...

cuddle puddle

owner about to feed the cats

This is a video during their special feeding time.  The owner puts a small dallop of tuna on your hand and the cats come and eat it.  Please excuse my silly fits of laughter and the noises that come from my mouth.  I was pretty excited.

Seomyeon Shopping

The Seomyeon area has a huge underground shopping district.  Lots of clothes, bags, etc., anything you could want for very good prices.

x-mas decorations in Seomyeon's underground shopping

But what impressed me more than the sheer amount of stores and merchandise was this:

Human billboards in Korea are supreme.

Momos Coffee Lab

So, I don't have internet in my apartment yet. Boo. I have to wait for my Alien Registration Card to be processed. Until then I cannot sign up for internet, purchase a phone, get a bank card, etc...  For those coming to live in Korea, start the ARC process as early as possible.  It could take up to four weeks to finish.

Any who, I have been in search for my "local" cafe dive to sit and check my emails in peace.  After trial and error (and even a couple of PC Bhangs later), I have found my cafe of choice!

Located just outside exit #2 of Onchenonjang Station is Momo's Coffee. I could sit here for hours. The ambiance is so beautiful and peaceful.

very impressive coffee selection

Also, I rate cafes based on their pastry selection. And though nothing compares to Crixa Cakes, Momo's has some tasty treats.

My favorite thing on the menu.  Kind of like an almond croissant, but way better.

You'll find me here often <3

Directions

From Oncheonjang station take Exit 2. Momos will be right in front of you, slightly to your right.

Trekking

The city I live in.

I took a trek up Geumjeongsan with a coworker of mine.

Along the hike were stone carvings and cave shrines.

At the top!

Also, this furball was on a walk with her owners.
Every dog  I've encountered in Korea is so so so barf in your face adorable.

Afterwards, we rode a cable car back down the mountain.  Such a beautiful place 5 minutes from where I live! YAY!

Snowing

I witnessed my first real falling snow! So beautiful!  Here's a 10 second clip of what it looked like outside my window.  Re-live the moment with me!

Mountain Climbing

perspective

This weekend Anne and I took a hike up Jansang Mountain to gain some perspective.  I had a really difficult time adjusting to to work the first week.  It was necessary to get away from it all and reconnect with why I decided to come in the first place.  To experience the world, right? Oh, I was doing that already? Cool.

Hiking (or trekking as it is called here) is predominately for the older generation and sure enough, we were the youngest ladies there.  I felt like such a n00b, compared to the locals.  Slipping and sliding at every step--  I could only watch in awe as all the ajummas and ajeossis passed me by.  They were so so so cool.

I will be putting many miles on these shoes.

Seriously though, this is a trail?

View of Hauendae, a city by the sea.

Then of course, Anne and I had a fantastic feast! Something I definitely love here-- inexpensive, delicious food with many side dishes!

We counted 16 different items that were placed in front of us.
::DROOL::

Also, just a random seafood market we stumbled upon.

One of many more great days to come!