Had a leisurely morning – a nice lie-in, watched a little TV, unpacked and repacked everything, realized somehow everything no longer fits and I will probably need to pick up a small suitcase to take back since I don’t trust checking my thin packable duffle that I used as my carry-on (and I already have a backpack and my tea-set taking up the allotted carry-on).
——I’d add a “read more” here so you won’t have to scroll past all my little ramblings but unfortunately tumblr mobile mystifies me and tbh I can’t wait until I’m reunited with my laptop——
My vague wanderings this afternoon led me to Myeongdong, and since I was feeling relaxed and peaceful, decided I could handle the chaos for a few hours. Besides, I want some of those Tony Moly Pokemon sets!
Got here in time for all the street vendors to start dragging in all their carts and prepping them for tonight. Decided to grab my new favorite black tea latte from Gong Cha (so yum! And I love that I can specify so much to my exact tastes!) and kill a little time until things get going and I shall eat my way down the road.
I only belatedly recognized the pretty celebrity face on all the promotional posters as Lee Jong Suk, so if any fan girls want to drink something endorsed by that specific pretty face, here you go. I vaguely feel like a traitor to myself since he’s not one of my personal favorites, but the tea is just so yum who cares about what pretty face is on the poster. (Lee Jong Suk’s agency, that’s who.)
Also I don’t know if this normal but I’ve already been accosted by a cute Korean girl shouting “welcome to Korea!” at me as she cheerfully shoved a little gift bag in my face. I was so startled I actually accepted it – looks like it’s something sponsored by the Grand Sale Festa whatchicallit, so I assume there’s some coupons in the booklet, in addition to the pack of face wipes and cute pen.
And yes I know there’s loads of street food near my hotel and I’m sad I didn’t brave the queue to get a hotteok last night (omg also I’m going to try and remember to take a picture of all the pojangmachas because seriously there was one every ten feet – the street was just tables and chairs and tents). Also I know there’s a bazillion places to find all the cosmetic shops. But I’m a tourist dammit and I need to experience the chaos at least once.
And of course buy all the cute socks! They have Joseon ones that I’ve been eyeing since day one but I told myself souvenir shopping would wait until I get back to Seoul and knew how much money I had left. Well I’m back and I seriously somehow have more money than I thought I would so the next two days are gonna be fun!
Currently planning to head to Hongdae in AM for a wander and to check out the “flea market” because I am a sucker for crafty things, then maybe return to the hotel but get off the subway at City Hall to enjoy a bit of Cheonggyecheon stream along the way. A quick refresh and then figure out where to spend my last night in Seoul. Maybe the Han river? I’m not a nightlife kinda girl so going back to Hongdae or down to Gangnam doesn’t appeal, but it might be nice to see the bridges all lit up.
(I really should have put more thought into my itinerary, but then I realized I have actually put a lot of thought into it, there’s just so much I’d like to do and that I’d be so easily delighted with just about anything, that it’s been too hard to narrow it down. I’m already planning a visit again soon to do all the things – and eat all the things – I wasn’t able to do! Of course “soon” means in at least two years because my vacation time is already accounted for next year and lemme tell you I love Seoul but Paris is the true city of my heart and it’s been too long since I’ve been back).
Was thinking of swinging by DDP tonight once I’m tired of Myeongdong to see the plaza at its best and also stop at the market to find an inexpensive suitcase.
OMG and I just remembered I promised to pick up some EXO (specifically Xiumin) stuff for LP but those Kpop stores intimidate me. I am fearless when it comes to ahjummas in the market but put me in a tiny space filled with cheap and ridiculous souvenirs and I’m like a lost, frightened deer.
Mmmkay, I’ve relaxed for an hour here. My phone and my spirit are recharged. Time to brave the masses and nom street food!
The Obsessive Dilettante 