So in an attempt to let you all know where in the world I am and also as to keep a bit of a diary, I thought I would try to write a blog, however please be warned that I am far from a creative writer and have actually not written anything for anyone else to read in well over 10 years!! But here it goes....
So after a week of fairly emotional goodbyes with friends and family we were on our way...first stop Seoul, S.korea!!
One of the most populated cities on the planet, it was in with a bang, humid, cloudy, filled with high rises and busy!! However also so organised, very friendly, super fashionable and filled with the most amazing food on every street corner.
We have gone days without seeing any other westerners, but whereas in other Asian cities I have been to I would be used to many a stare or wandering eye, but here is completely the opposite, mainly as the seoulites can the majority of the time be found either taking selfies, or adjusting their hair/studying their own reflection!! Is clear that fashion is a huge part of their culture, with even the old ladies looking more stylish than Ali and I!! A new trend to me is that couples wear completely matching outfits, right down to shoes and socks, and are often be seen in well rehearsed poses infront of cameras on portable tri-pods!
While in Seoul we visited palaces, local fish markets, climbed the n.seoul tower, had a little dance in gangnam, but the highlight would definitely be visiting the DMZ, which is the border between North and South Korea. It was a fascinating insight into the history between the two countries, and allowed us to stand across the border in n.korea whilst in the UN meeting house, we were at all times watched by a n.korean soldier with binoculars! We also got a peek into n.korea where they have built a fake village for us to to see 'propaganda village' which has fake houses and no residents!! The whole thing was a slightly tense but amazing experience!
We also met up with some of Ali's friends from IVSA, who took us for dinner and drinks! We have mainly been enjoying Korean BBQ's where you BBQ the meat on the table your sitting at and have it with a huge variety of side dishes, mainly kimchi which everyone's seems to love, and can only really be described as pickled cabbage..yum! We have also been drinking the local vodka type drink called soju, which costs just over a pound for a small bottle and the locals either drink straight or mix into there beer....it's rather potent! Have also tried to appease my wine withdrawal with rice wine..also potent and defo no pino g.
We have just spent 4 days in Jeju, which is Korea's version of Hawaii, while being beautiful did not quite live up to its own promise. In parts it's quite run down, but still very popular with s.koreans as a holiday destination, definite parallels between Brighton can be seen, while other resorts certainly have a western/middle eastern luxury to them. We have mainly been climbing... Managed (just!) to climb the tallest mountain to s.korea, Mt Hallasan, also to the top of a volcanic creater Seongsan Ilchulbong for sunrise which was amazing, also rode 16km around beautiful island of Udo on a tandem...because it saved money, not because it was romantic!! Hehe!!
But ultimately loving S.Korea...
Just heading to Busan, second largest city here, famous for night life and seafood.....
Love Shereene and Ali xxxx