Namsam tower in all of its glory by moonlight
Locks of Love Display
Couples put locks all over the trees and fences surrounding Namsam Tower
Pictures don't do justice...locks cover every square foot
Imagine this covering about an acre of trees and fences
A video of the Namsam Tower light show
Standing at the base of N. Tower
Molly in front of a lock of love tree
At the top of the tower with world travel distances posted on windows
U.S. cities included LA, Chicago, NYC, San Fran, and Denver
N. Tower holiday bear
It was cold but the impressive tower kept us outside
After Namsam Tower, we went to Itaewon, which is where the U.S. Forces are based. It is at large an extremely foreigner friendly area with a lot of western restaurants and stores. We went to an Irish bar and an American owned bar with Arkansas Razorbacks memorabilia everywhere. After being in South Korea for about two months, we experienced reverse culture shock seeing Americans and people from countries throughout the world everywhere.
Our friend Currin having a good time at the Razorback bar!
Guinness was on tap again
On the second day of our Christmas weekend we went shopping at the Coex Mall, the largest underground shopping center in Asia, and went went to the famous Coex Aquarium, which are both in Gangnam. Gangnam reminded us of what a U.S. city looks like with skyscrapers and a street scene typical of a Chicago or a New York. Also, we found what is probably the closest thing to Millennium Park's 'Bean' in all of Asia! During the night we went shopping in Myeongdong, which is a famous outdoor shopping area in Seoul.
Street view in Gangnam
S. Korea memorializing trade partners from around the world
Found this 'bean-style' structure in the middle of Gangnam after popping up from 6 hours of underground shopping and eating at western restaurants such as 'On the Border'
Our best attempt at a picture!
Video of the street shopping scene in Myeongdong
Coex Aquarium entrance
This shark kept swimming towards us
Only in Asia (Squirrel on a toilet)
Shark Jaw Display
Up close with some jelly fish
Awesome customized aquariums everywhere
A giant tortoise
Huge Octopus (I don't think Koreans eat these guys)
Classic sign
Again, only in Asia
Christmas decorations throughout the Coex Aquarium
During the third day, we went to a place called the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae. This museum was unique and it was great to find a place off of the beaten path. The wall murals are painted in a way that makes them seem three dimensional. After the museum, we went to a dog cafe, called Sunnyne. Dog cafes are a popular place for tourists and locals alike. You basically walk in and order a coffee drink and then enjoy the company of about twenty dogs who are rescues. Molly wanted to go to the Hello Kitty Cafe but I was happy when we were unable to find it! Maybe next time, but hopefully not.
Climbing through a wall
Mural covers two walls and the floor
Molly is actually laying on a bench
Although it appears to be a prop, this is simply a painting
Video from the Sunnyne Cafe
This dog was trained to take checks to the cashier
Molly with dogs that wouldn't leave her alone (she didn't mind)
During our last night in Seoul it was Christmas Eve. There were a lot of Christmas festivities going on in Myeondong where we were staying. Here are some pictures:
Christmas was fun; however, it was very different being away from our friends and family. Somehow Skype seems to make us forget that we are halfway around the world, but not being with the people that we love was surreal for Christmas 2012. Thanks to all of our friends and family who sent cards and packages. It
really helped during the holiday season! We love you and miss you!
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