Sunday, February 8, 2009

Zoo and Weekend Shananagans


This weekend was great! I met up with a friend from university, Jen. Jen and her roommate Wendy and I went out Friday and Sat. Saturday was a lot of fun. We went to this place called Carny Station. Its buffet and all you can drink for 2.5 hours for $23. Then to Monkey Beach, a bar where they serve drinks in small sand pails and straws! So cute!


Not to mention, we grabbed a beer between places from the local corner store and drank it down the street, you know, the norm. Ha Ha. It’s so liberal here!

Then on Sat night I met at least 10 new girls at Carny/Money Beach, all sweethearts! In fact, one went to WLU in my year, and we didn’t know each other! Two of the girls are from Niagara and others the GTA. It’s funny to go all the way across the world, and find yourself with people who are so much like you. And it’s so comfortable to speak with them about stuff that you can’t on a daily basis with Koreans (i.e. Craving Tims double double and bagel toasted with herb and garlic cream cheese) haha. (Side bar-I saw Phily cream cheese in the store…. $5!! A watermelon… $14! But then other things are so cheap, it’s inconsistent). I also got to see 2 buddies from uni, which was unexpected. AND Josh asked me to play on his baseball team! WOOT WOOT! I'm stoked!

Foreigners stick together... Even when you see someone in the subway station or on the street, foreigners smile and say hi. Everyone is really in the same boat and meeting one night and hanging out, is basically accelerated into knowing each other for 4 years home time. Because you hang out and make plans again like your besties from university. It’s great!

Saturday during the day, Marcia and I went to Seoul, Grand Park Zoo. And I swear, there is some voodoo that I have or something. Too many times I think things/timing have been perfect and it makes me go ‘hmmm.’ For example, I knew my friend Shawn and his buddies were going to the zoo too, but had no idea when. Well wouldn’t you believe, when walking up from the subway I hear “Rebecca” We were on the SAME TRAIN, and the thing is, trains come every 3 minutes so we could have been on the train before or after, and not seen each other all day at the zoo because it’s big. Timing was impeccable. So w e had some more company for the zoo. We took a gondola up to the zoo from the subway stop. It was nice, but I bet would be beautiful with more lively vegetation in the spring. The zoo reminded me of the Toronto Zoo. I was anticipating more “Korean” animals, but then again…what is that? It was mostly African animals and others from around the world. Tigers, Zebras, Giraffe, Wolves, Bears, Birds, Monkeys, Crocs, Roos, Beaver (Even Canadian Geese..,making a terrible squawking which reminded me EXACTLY of being at Mom and Dad’s at 6am when the Geese decide to have a concert). Good day, felt like a kid again!


Well, that’s it for now. I spent the day shopping for birthday gifts for my family members. It’s fun to get stuff for others that they can’t get at home!


Ta Ta For Now!


**Fun Fact***
***Red lights are optional. In cabs mostly, at night. Every time I take one home, we run at least 4. No one is coming through the intersection. But, still. An option. What the heck?


***To follow that, no one gets in accidents! I haven’t seen one yet. Everyone here is very aggressive when they drive, and cautious because there is so much darting in and out. Heck as a pedestrian I am overly cautious because cars drive on the sidewalk to get to parking areas. My theory is, there are more accidents at home because people are too relaxed when they drive and not ready to react when something happens. Who knows?

2 comments:

  1. You're right! I didn't know anyone who got into a car accident there, but I was hit with a car...twice! And yes, one time I was even on the sidewalk (don't worry- just a bruised elbow).
    Aren't the monkeys at the zoo sad? I wanted to free them.

    I miss Carney Station SOOOO much!! And how 50 year old men can get loaded beside 4 year olds all night.

    ReplyDelete
  2. How about 1 year olds in the BAR at night. IE Polly's Kettle.
    Or Babies in baby seats in the FRONT facing FORWARDS. Naughty, naughty...air bags!

    Yes. I am likely to get hit with a car or scooter at some point in my time here. HAHA

    ReplyDelete