12:16 - Just left Itaewon (which is basically a bevy of shops on shops on shops and food) and a place that is supposed to be the only mosque in Seoul - the Seoul Central Masjid - having committed a very huge indiscretion. I have learned in the past that if you are to ever enter the area of a mosque there is a strict dress code you must adhere to. Given the fact that 1) I planned on going to an amusement part later and 2) I sincerely didn't think I would find this mosque, I realized my mistake all too late. The guard came up to me and said a lot of things in broken English (most of which I just couldn't pay attention to but he was basically telling me the error of my ways combined with some mild gesticulation) and when I realized what I'd done I poured out a million apologies and promptly left the area. I am beyond mortified at my complete absentmindedness at this point and only hope that the guy took my apology seriously. #firstworldtrouble-maker
12:42 - So I missed the 12:30 fountain display at Banpo Bridge, I think it would be smart to move on to Namsan and N Seoul Tower so as to maximize the use of my time. I can always swing back around for the 15:00 show and get to Lotte World at a perfect time (there's an "after 4" discount!). If you haven't noticed by now the way I've been talking about money, I should let you know that I am officially almost broke (well in South Korean won that is). My goal was to survive three days of traveling and eating and being a goofy tourist on $200. After yesterday's souvenir fiasco I am very near the end of my funds. I could go to the many Citibank branches around Gangnam and get more money but I don't really need to because 1) I have enough to do the things that are left on my itinerary and 2) I don't think I told my bank/credit card folks that I'd be in Korea too so they would red flag me in a heartbeat. Needless to say, as long as I have enough to get to the airport I'm perfectly fine. And the way my Seoul Citypass+ (transit card) is looking I have plenty left over for that. I've also got food in my room so I am pretty much set all around.
15:04 - Didn't make it to Banpo (eh, no big deal) but I was absolutely blown away by the views from N Seoul Tower (and the wind almost). Photographers would have a field day here due to how clear it is on a nice day and I'm sure you can get the best panoramic views at the top of the tower. I wandered around the Myeong-dong area (a MAJOR shopping center which I don't have time for but highly recommend to all future travelers to Seoul) and found some information guide peoples with maps readily available. They pointed me in the right direction (thankfully because I was being drawn in by all the merchandise). I caught the free shuttle up to the cable car station (my first time in a vehicle here), and bought a ticket for the cable car ride which was only 8,000 won for a round trip. The cable car ride itself was only about 2-3 minutes - where the start of the fascinating views began. I didn't actually plan on walking through Namsan Park so I stayed up by the tower to take advantage of my "pro" camera.
As I was walking around I happened upon a peculiar sight - mountains of locks affixed to the little gates bordering the upper observation decks and to some artificial trees on the lower one. I found out that these are "love locks" for people to show their feelings for/with their significant other. Since mine is currently doing his thing in Chicago, I decided after reading one pretty heart-wrenching tag to buy one of my own.
The gift shop was a bit pricey and while in there I hadn't truly set my mind to buying a lock just yet but eventually I found one within my price range. While the lock itself is merely a symbol of my love it stands to reason that I love him [more than] enough to make such a gesture (it's actually quite similar to something that is done in France so as you can see I am a hopeless romantic at heart).
Ms. Pigit approves.
I got pretty teary-eyed writing my message and seeing couples taking pictures together or with each other in that cute little way couples have, wishing that I could be with my boyfriend right at that moment. I spent the majority of my life without anyone special just for me and this place really emphasized how much I miss him. Nevertheless, I ended up taking pictures of myself and Ms. Pigit and am now moving on to . . . LOTTE WORLD! See you later!!!
15:51 - Had a pleasant little walk from Namsan Cable Car Station down to the train. There was a nice meandering path leading from the side of NCCS to the train and I passed by some small shops/restaurants along the way. It's very scenic during the day in nice weather especially the area right before the stairs down to the train but I think I'd pass walking alone at night (might get lost even if your body simply works with the gravity that is forcing you to walk down). Just thought I'd comment on that.
17:48 - Lotte World, what can I say about Lotte World? It is essentially a child-oriented underground theme park with all the same accoutrement of Six Flags minus a ton of roller coasters. There's the delightfully over-priced food and souvenirs, the diverting arcade games, the hilariously animated characters running around (I asked one of the dancing pirate girls who clearly wasn't Korean where she was from and apparently she and the other non-Koreans hail from Ukraine and Russia [summer job much?]), and a relatively decent park size (includes all the million and one shops attached to the main amusement area). The one thing it has that Six Flags doesn't is a pretty cool ice rink. I've only been on one ride since I've gotten here (think Roaring Rapids [white water raft ride] at Six Flags) because most of the rides are geared towards kids.
There was a lady and her two sons behind me in line for that ride who did not understand the concept of personal space, taking pictures all over me and bumping into me excessively. The guy in front of me with his girlfriend got bumped by one of the kids and we made eye contact - I think we had a moment of common understanding then.
As of right now I'm in line for the sole roller coaster I've seen in the joint - Pharaoh's Fury. It looks promising, has the appropriate loops and turns. Plus it's underground so this should be good. There's a couple behind me eating some food very obnoxiously. I've gotten used to the whole liquid-based food slurping to the point where I don't even notice it but this is just plain excruciating. But I promise not to hurt them, it's not that serious.
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I get up to the ride and see people holding their bags ON the ride, just like on that first ride I went on. It is my assumption that the park does not assume any responsibility for people's possessions by not offering a place for them to put anything at/near the ride. Nice that there's no liability for the park, but it probably sucks if you are a careless individual.
18:41 - Rather disappointing ride. The ride was less roller coaster and more tame action/thrill ride with one fun dip in it (which I completely enjoyed). At the end of the day it's one of those places you definitely have to visit with friends. It's a really cute and endearing place nonetheless.
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I have been thoroughly duped. By my own self. I forgot there was a whole other section of park (Magic Island) that is outdoors and devoted to us big kids. I mistook the track that I saw inside as part of a really exciting roller coaster when it was really a part of the monorail that leads to the outside (see how quickly my opinion of the place changes? lol). Outside, there is the one real roller coaster (that I don't have time to ride) that looks spectacular, two baby giant drops (one is a straight drop while the other bungee jumps the riders), and a gyro swing (like that super awesome Revolution ride at Six Flags). I should have started here but unfortunately I don't have the time to do anything because I have an early flight so that's going to be a no.
Sad face. :(
I can't even imagine how these young folks would feel going to an American theme park (the way they are eagerly lined up) because, not to be biased, but a lot of ours are pretty freaking sweet. Next stop . . . COEX Mall!
19:39 - So this part of the journey was actually supposed to happen this past Saturday but you all know what happened that day #lateness #strugglebus. I finally arrived at COEX Mall and after a desperate run into Dunkin Donuts to satiate my starving body and an orange Fanta to wash them down (not the best combo but oh well), I continued to make my way through the area. Out of nowhere two Korean Jehovah's Witness ladies stopped me. The main speaker apologized for her "bad" English then proceeded to give me two magazines about their religion and the need to stop domestic violence. Needless to say, while I won't keep them I appreciate the fact that she tried talking to me (despite the proselytizing nature of the conversation).
Right now I'm sitting in front of Todai (woo! Woodfield Mall!) and I remember the first time I ever went to one. It was for a food project I did in my high school freshman year Japanese class. We just had to visit a place that served Japanese food and write a short paper on it. Ah, the good ol' days. So far COEX seems pretty awesome. It has a variety of stores to explore and buy from (if you have the money, lol). I'd definitely come back if I had time so I could visit the mall's aquarium and theaters (movie and live, cool right?!?!). Oh well, next time!20:34 - And with that, my last day is finally finished. Despite the downs and because of the ups I must say that this short trip was well worth taking. Gangnam may be a hilly son-of-a-gun but it was an amazing place to stay. If I had it any other way I'd want more time to visit places at a leisurely pace (and redo parts of day one) but aside from that I am a happy camper. I'll still never get used to motor bikes riding on sidewalks all over the place but I did get used to (if only in passing) life in Seoul. Also, even though it only fulfills half of the statement, I believe I can let this let this moment stand for the completion of #13 (Visit Ah Ra [a former college roommate] in Korea) on my Japan Bucket List! With this chapter done and thoroughly enjoyed, I will begin anew in . . . OSAKA AND KYOTO!!! Tune into the next posts to follow my silliness there! じゃまた！
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