Hello Korea

first night in my Korean digs

I arrived in Seoul late Tuesday night, greeted by a middle-aged Korean man who drove me to my apartment. He did not speak any English, which was nice because I was in no mood to talk. My silent escort took me to my place and gave me a ‘tour’ of my place. TV on, the fridge opens, and he’s gone. There I was, alone in my new digs. My first thoughts were, “What am I doing here?!” “Why did I sign up for this?” I got my pjs and bathroom stuff. A shower should make me feel better. The shower was less than expected, there is no shower, or rather the whole bathroom is the shower. Nonetheless, I felt like a new person when I finished. For how tired I was, I couldn’t sleep but eventually I drifted off.

early morning view from my window

Jet-lagged and one restless night later, I pull myself out of bed. Shower number two. Thankfully one of the teachers is meeting me at 10 to get food and help me settle. I am so thankful that voting day, a national holiday, is my first full day here. Why? NO SCHOOL! I’m greeted with Midwest hospitality, I haven’t been away from home too long but it’s comforting to see an America. I get some food items, nothing special, it’s difficult to think of eating when my stomach is in knots and my body has no idea what time it is or what is going on. Walking around and seeing a little bit of my neighborhood, Dobong-gu, is nice. We drop my stuff off and then I tag along with some of the other teachers to a park on the Han River. The weather is perfect, maybe a degree or two on the warm side. Either way, the sun and fresh air do me well.

After a nap in the park, we’re hungry. We go to Itaewon, a part of Seoul that has lots of foreign shops and restaurants. Who would have thought that my first meal in East Asia would be Mexican? Not me. I order a steak burrito and a margh. Am I in the orient or at the local taco truck back home? This place is so different but I think I can adapt. We’ll see.

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Korea's Got Seoul

I've started packing my bags for the next big adventure in my life. I am moving to Seoul! Some folks may have an idea why I chose South Korea (SoKo, what people say who are in the know...get used to it), there are endless opportunities for native English speakers to teach English. Thus far, my experience has been a red carpet rolled out for me. Although I'd like to think myself a big deal, the majority of people applying to teach English in SoKo have a similiar experience. Let me tell you why I'm sold: First, the opportunity to live and work overseas! Second, it's a pretty small risk financially. The schools provide you with housing, along with a monthly salary, and pay for your flight over.
I will update on my adventures more regularly upon my arrival to Seoul. For now just a quick post and a pic!

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spin. discover.

image from highstreetmarket

The other day I went to Saver's not with any intention to buy, just browse...sure. I was with other people who were looking for Halloween Costumes but I already had my git-up. Anyway, as I was passing by the kitchen stuff, a 12-inch globe caught my eye. I paused, lifted it up and checked it out. I was drawn to the muted colors and the sturdy oiled bronze stand. Ten bucks, plus and extra 20% off because it had a yellow tag. hmmmm. One of the employees was commenting on how cool it was and started to become little protective off it, I claimed that I was buying it. I did!

I dusted it off and and started noticing that Russia was still USSR, Germany was one country, Iran was Persia, and no Israel. This was older that I thought. I looked up the company that made it, Replogle Globes. I started digging deeper. I learned that it was made in 1940! I looked at some antique shops and globes like mine were priced at $90! I was beginning to feel a little antique roadshow-ish with my purchase.

My ACTUALLY vintage globe looks quite nice in my bedroom and would look even better with a friend or two.

Here are some different rooms that have incorporated vintage globes into the decorating. I dig.

Image from katiedid

I don't really like this room's 'look' but I do like the globes tucked in here and there.

Image from Coastal Living

I love everything about this – all the globes from large to small, the different colors on each globe, the old map of the US...uuhhh!

Image from Terramia

I learned through my research that in the 1930's globes were produced with a black ocean. Now these globes are being reproduced and are resurfacing. Isn't it stunning? I want one!

Image from apartment#412


I hope you are inspired by the globe and it's endless wonder. Ooh and have a Happy Halloween.

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Longing for the South.

Life has started up again and I haven't been inspired thus my 2 month absence. Lame. Today brought a surprise, adventure, and inspiration. I received in the mail the October issue of Southern Living. Random. I asked my parents if they bought it for me as a gift, no. I still have no idea where it came from, maybe they started sending it to me and I'll eventually receive a bill in the mail. Anyhow, I am inspired and inclined to get up a move...or take a trip to the south tomorrow leaving my west. Hiking through the Appalachians, biscuits in small southern towns, and bungalow homes in Chattanooga with a healthy dose of southern comfort have drawn me to this part of America steeped in history and tradition.

I recommend checking out the issue, but I will share my favorite inspiration & southern delights. These are home decorating ideas I am going to try...

I love the idea of taking an old letter and scanning and enlarging it into a piece of art for your home. The framed envelope was addressed by the home owner, George Krauth's, great-grandmother to her uncle in 1917! I love how this isn't just some prefab 'art' from Target but a piece that tells a story and family history. I have some letters from my dad's side of the family that date back to the civil war, I think they would work perfectly.

Another delight was the use of maps as wallpaper. This image isn't from the October issue Of SL but it's a cool example just the same. Now this is a pretty popular home trend as of late but what this homeowner did was use vintage Chesapeak Bay maps. George has a love for the colonial port towns and also the mustard yellow color.

Other Resources:
Tchochkes
decor pad

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Odds & Ends

House Beautiful Magazine

Check out these fun wallpapers that let you travel while you are cookin' in your kitchen.
wallpaper destinations

established by Swedish hostel owner, Oscar Diös
JumboHostel.com

Is this for real?! I guess if I want to sleep in an airplane...on the ground, this would be the way to go.

Royal Suite, Four Seasons George V: Paris, France $16,000 a night

Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Even if I had the money, why? See more Royal Resorts

More curiosities later.

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if i had only 24 hours in Rome...

My mom and dad are going on a Mediterranean cruise this May and prior to cruising they will spend three days in Rome. My mom has been asking me how they should spend their 72 hours in the eternal city. But what if there was only a day? I read an article in an issue of National Geographic Traveler that had a 24 hour/give me a migraine, Roman holiday. Impressive was the schedule, but enjoyable? No.

So if I had only 24 hours in Rome what are the must see's, must do's, must have's, and must stay's?

The Roman Forum from the Capitoline

I would take a guided tour through the Roman Forum along with the Palatine. Learn about Ancient Roma and stroll through the best lesson of history you'll ever experience.

After the Forum, I'm sure a panini, a siesta, or gelato...or all three are needed. I prefer to eat cheap for lunch, like a panini to-go, take it to your favorite piazza in Rome, maybe near the Pantheon.

In the late afternoon and early evening I would stroll along the Via del Corso with the locals. My agenda would consist of people watching and shopping.

Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain

After my stroll, it's time for dinner. Although loaded with tourist, I would choose to eat on the Piazza Navona. This ever changing piazza is full of eateries and entertainment.

The Tiber

My other choice would be to spend my evening in the Trastevere, on the other side of the Tiber. This is a gem of a neighborhood and will not disappoint.

Sitting on the steps of the Pantheon watching a family play ball...like it aint no thang.

For lodging, I think staying near the Pantheon is fun, there is always lots of action, and it's central for getting around.

My main concerns for my Rome itinerary are strolling and gelato. There are loads of other activities and places to experience like, Saint Peters at late afternoon when the sun is low and casting holy light on the marble and the miracle of no crowds; The Bourghese Gallery...I wont even try to describe, just go; The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the list goes on! Take it easy, don't stress out, and if you are invited to see the city on the back of a motorbike...GO!

Lodging near the Pantheon
http://www.albergosantachiara.com/

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il dolce far niente

"the sweetness of doing nothing"

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