Relocated (Happy mother's day!)

So, BCM finally pulls through, and I move into the new apartment on the last day of April. The new place is modest in size; however, it's light years ahead in class compared to my old place. The nearest subway station, Hwarangdae, is right down the road, and it's only a 15 minute walk from there to Hwarang elementary. My third floor apartment boasts large windows, an air-conditioner (an absolute necessity for the hot, hot summer days to come), a quiet side-loading washing machine that doesn't bounce up and down like a thing possessed, a non-claustrophobic layout, a bathroom with a sink, mirror, and cabinet, lights that don't flicker, crack-free tilling, and a key-pad combination lock on the front door. BCM moved the old dresser, TV, and wooden cabinet into the place, but provided me with a smaller fridge, bed, and desk/dinning table, which I am thankful for. Also, the neighborhood is quieter, the sidewalks are broader, and there is far more greenery everywhere. Even the cats are less skittish and healthier looking. There are a few restaurants and couple of middle schools just down the block, which is a great improvement over an alley of brothels and shouting neighbors.




Notice the "Jordan Ave." sign stuck on the hallway frame. (thanks Oma- the kids at school cant get enough of those stickers you sent me)

Notice the location of the washing machine: right beneath the stove, where you would expect to find the oven in most western homes. Ha!

The view from my third floor window.

On the left is Hwarangdae station exit 3, partially obscured by the row of small trees. On the right is the escalator entrance to Kim's Mart the underground grocery store and food court, which boasts Korean-style Indian and Chinese dishes, in addition to the usual fare. Just beyond the frame, to the immediate right, is Pizza School, a popular joint where 8-slice pizzas sell for $5 - $9. Needless to say, I've succumbed on several occasions. Right next door are WOW (a little pork cutlet place), and Cafe Tiamo, with its impressive selection of coffees and gellato ice cream.

En route to Hwarang elementary. I'm thankful for shaded walkways.

Below is the road that cuts through the heart of Seoul Woman's University, just past the turnoff to Hwarang elementary:
It was a holiday weekend when I finished breaking in the new apartment, and the sun was doing its thing, so on Sunday I ambled about the carefully groomed (and surprisingly western looking) university grounds with Jeff, taking a few snapshots along the way:

April showers

On the first Friday of April, Jared and I decided to try our luck at the luxurious foreigners' casino near Coex mall, just south of the Han river running through central Seoul. It was Jared's first time at a casino, and my second time (the first time being in Canada). The place had motion-sensor escalators that moved only when you stepped on them, a free juice bar, and free pool tables (pocket ball! - rare in Korea, compared to all pervasive snooker tables). We had to show our passports at the door, to "prove" our foreigner status, as it is actually illeagal for Koreans to attend! Despite Jared's dictum that the house always wins (at least in the long run), we both came out on top after and hour or so of plunking coins into the slot machines, and wisely decided to call it a night early, and escape with our winnings. Final tally: me-$75; Jared-$30

I spent the the greater share of my winnings with Nick, Shannon, Kaitlin, and Jeff the same weekend. We went to Itaewon for dinner and drinks. There are more Caucasians and other foreigners walking the streets in Itaewon than anywhere else in Seoul, due to the presence of the American military and their families. Jeff knew I missed Rootbeer, so he showed me to only place he has ever seen it it all of Seoul: a middle-aged woman hocking cans of the precious stuff for $1.50 by the side of the street. I think I bought six. Then we ate a mouth watering dinner at a place called The All American Diner. They had fish & chips (halibut) burgers, ranch dressing: enough to satisfy the most demanding of western palates. (Koreans do all sorts of strange things to their fish, and their burgers are just not the same). We finished the night at Rocky Mountain Tavern, the token Canadian bar in Itaewon, with Hockey playing on all the screens all the time. It was a bittersweet evening, as we all knew that Nick and Shannon had already booked their tickets home to Halifax. They were planning to leave their job without warning, to escape one of the more monstrous employers that Korea had to offer.

Bunnies huddling in a basket on a street corner in Itaewon. Poor things. Happy Easter.

Quite the amazing contraption: A cotton candy maker on wheels!

Nick really enjoys a good roll

Above: The entrance of Seoul Woman's University. Below: two views of the teachers' office at Hwarang elementary school. That's my desk with the coffee mug and laminator.

On the banks of the river that runs through Uijeongbu, just a few minutes from Nick and Shanon's apartment.

The nine of us chilling by the river, enjoying the evening air.

Nick and Shannon wanted to go out with a bang at their local Noraebang.

Back in Nowon, recovering from my case of pneumonia, I went to a cafe with my girlfriend called Dr. Fish. Not just another funny name. It took me a while to suppress the giggling.

Seoul Best Toilet, 2003. Clean, nice art, classical music, fresh aroma: you can't go wrong.