I was thinking of going all the way back to last weekend, but then I thought that you'd miss this weekend, or even today, but then I really want to write about last weekend before I forget. So which would you like?
Last weekend it is then.
Last weekend I went along to Busan with a couple of Canadians, one of whom was running in the Busan marathon - OK slight lie, she ran the 10k with someone else in the group and then 2 others in the group ran the 1/2! We trekked down there, sitting on buses, enjoying the views as we passed them, chatting about their impending month long holiday to the Philippines (so jealous!!)and what they're planning to do while they're there. I can't wait for winter vacation! Only 2 month away!
Anyway, we got to the bus station, disembarked and got on the subway. An easy feat you might hope, except I made a complete fool of myself by trying to do something with the ticket gate and holding a whole bunch of people up, and made people laugh! Silly English girl, silly blondie! Aaaw! But we got on the subway - so much bigger and cleaner than the Underground in London. We sat there for almost an hour, changing a couple of times, but we got to the stop we needed (I found a cash machine that I could actually use my UK card in, yay!) and we walked to the hostel.
Now, when I say hostel, what do you think of? A small, probably slightly run down sort of a place. The beds are 'clean', the room 'fresh', etc? That's what I thought, because most of my hostel experiences have been roughly that. This place was HUGE!!! Gigantic even, and the room was really nice :) there were 11 of us staying in total, and there was room for a couple more if we wanted.
When a couple of others arrived we took a walk to the beach, Haeundea Beach (there was a film made about it once, look it up!) which was good. There were slide rides, an Hawaiian man in a thong, Korean 'sunbathing' and all sorts.
Then at Burger King (because there are only a few times I'm going to be able to eat Western food while I'm here - big cities.) I showed how British I was by getting confused by lever pushing for straw dispensing. OK, so maybe more blond than British, but you get my point. I don't think I've ever been somewhere where I have to push a lever to get a straw! Have you?
Then we wondered round before dinner at TGIs and the we all went to the cinema to watch 2012. IT was so bad it was funny. I wish they would make an end of the world film where the world actually ends. Then I might not laugh. Then I might be caught out! Go on, I dare you!
We got back to the hostel late and then tried to settle down for the night. We all had to be up early to get to the race, which started at 9. So we attempted to go to sleep while a bunch of Korean's were partying down the hall. For a quiet and conservative bunch, the Korean's know how to party, and party hard! At about 2:30am we'd had enough and so one of the guys went out and shouted so loud and scarily that they left. All I can say is sorry and thank goodness!
Waking up at 6:30am after a major lack of sleep wasn't anyone's idea of fun, but we did it. No one spoke, zombies roamed the halls between the dorm and the bathrooms. Until it was time to leave. Then rush and panic ensued.
At the race a couple of us looked after the bags while the runners got ready and then started the race. It was bitterly cold, but the atmosphere was warm and bubbly. I think I fell in love with competition meets. I only wish I'd run is all. Joining in would have been awesome! Instead we valiantly cheered while the runners ran, and jumped for joy when everyone had finished their race! All of them beating previous times and the times they wanted.
On the way home a nice Korean guy helped up to the subway terminal and then we were on our way to Pohang (where we change to get back home). We stopped off in HomeMart for some well needed house supplies and Christmas stuff. I was a little overwhelmed by all the stuff - it seems that being away from CMK for only a short while has almost quashed my shopping habit. But fear not trusty reader. I bought some nice things for the house and all are being used so I don't feel one iota of guilt :D So neeeer :p
Getting it all back to mine was a mission thought, and I had to ask a nice Korean gentleman to help me with the bookcases to the taxi. After the taxi driver helped me back at mine, I thought it only right to tip him, and that made him smile :) Everyone was happy!
I was glad to be home, in my own apartment, safe and sound. After a long but very good weekend!
Isn't it funny how at home I feel? I mean 6 weeks ago I looked around and wanted to cry and get on the 1st plane home. So, looks can be deceiving, I'm happy and smitten in my own little apartment, with my new stuff and friends to bring the place to life!
So, I hope you've made it this far. But aren't you glad I didn't tell you everything all at once?
I am nice to you, I promise!
cant believe you have written so much and didnt tell us til now. bah. it will take us ages to read it all. bah. glad you lovin it. we all cant quite believe it. i am stalking you now though. ha x love and miss you xxx
ReplyDeleteI know! I'll try and write more today, about last week, and then the day after I'll try and write about the weekend! Aren't you glad you aren't working all those extra hours :p Love you and miss you too xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat is so special about the way Korean's 'sunbathe'?? I am intrigued?!
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