April 27, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

The heart-pumping championship game between Lakers and Celtics took place just a while ago, leaving Lakers supporters all pleased as they dust off to continue their office work. I’ve got hundred of friends’ statuses talking about this game. And I am left with only little information about it. Haha.

The most nearest I had come to a historical sports venue is in Seoul. This is the World Cup Stadium boasting as one of the 20 venues of 2002 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the first World Cup held in Asia, the last in which the “golden goal” rule was implemented, and the first tournament in World Cup history to be hosted by two countries, South Korea and Japan.

With a seating capacity of 68,476, there is no way Korean fans can never witness their team fought in the international football competitions. South Korea became the first and only Asian team to reach the semi-finals. They are considered as one of the most successful international football teams in Asia. And because of such humbling experience and international recognition, the stadium has been continually renovated to a more exemplary venue for sports competitions in the future.

April 24, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

This is the N Seoul Tower. I took this photo squatting underneath a cherry tree. I posted number of phlogs regarding the tower but did not actually let you see what the tower looks like. HekHek. =) So here it is.

April 27, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

We were not anywhere near but I asked Mame if I can go alone to Gangnam while she do her last minute shopping. I stumbled on an article the night before about Goo Hye Sun’s Tango book signing in Kyobo Bookstore. Although it was not the same branch, it is the largest they have and thought that they must have it.

I had 2 hour-alone-in-a-foreign-city experience like a wet chicken in the long stretched district of Gangnam. It was raining and I didn’t have an umbrella. I need to find someone who I can talk to and help me find the book. The people in the counter are of no help. An english speaking visitor volunteered to accompany me. She asked me if I can read korean.

“No, but I will buy it so I can read it after I learned the language.” And I was mouth agape.

April 22, 2010 – Gyeongju, Korea

When we went Shilla Millenieum Park, the shooting venue of the drama series Queen Seon Deok, we wore the traditional dress of Korea — the hanbok. The above photo is the Jeogori, the basic upper garment that covers the arms and upper part of the wearer’s body. This one has shoulder pads and is only one of the many designs of hanbok. Koreans has introduced number of designs that combine traditional beauty and modern simplicity.

I believe I wore Princess Cheon Myeong’s pink and blue hanbok, with an embroidered patterns on black belt above my waist and some gold ornaments hanging from it.

April 24, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

As Mame and I walked down the road of Mt. Namsam, we were welcomed by more cherry trees blossoming like a field of cotton. My favorite scene while walking underneath these cherry trees are lovers holding hands but only few words are being exchanged looking like the moment is already enough for more talks.

Another scene is the walk of a father/mother and child. I was first inspired to get a glimpse of cherry blossom when I saw a photo of father and daughter walking and smiling underneath cherry trees. And for some chance, I saw this mother carrying her daughter on her shoulder (because the daughter was wildly running).