At The Races

It was a nice, slow weekend here in Seoul. A welcome change of pace. I spent a lot of time talking to loved ones, climbed a new trail on the local mountain, caught a group of Korean university students performing Portuguese music, and, on a whim, went to the city's horse racing track. It's the horse track that proved most photogenic, though, and this entry is mostly a photo dump for exactly that. I mean, it was a lot of fun!

It was my idea, I'll admit, but it was Seth who truly got excited about it, see:




I mean come one, there was only one horse in the paddock!



But, nestled next to Gwanaksan and the Han River, I have to admit that even on a drizzly day the grounds were pretty nice and the view impressive.




Eventually we found an English-language betting book, Seth taught me how to bet, and we made our wagers. There is a bit of a learning curve, apparently, as Seth's first bet (and only winner of the day) didn't count. I won a few place bets myself but still came in behind for the day. Nevertheless, Seth's enthusiasm was infectious!



Plus the horses were really pretty!




(Although favored to win, this guy did not - he did, however, place, netting me a cool 100 won [nine cents]. I'm much, much too conservative to be a real gambler!)

Matt-ilda.

This just slid across my proverbial desk and its too good not to share. Also from the Halloween scavenger hunt, here's Matt showing off some cars at Yongan Station. I think he's got a real bright (blue) future, don't you?

Seoul Scavenger Hunt 2009

It's amazing what you can do with a little free time and enthusiasm. Take the above image - the best I can do with my limited graphic design abilities - or the event itself as an example.

See, it was my friend Matt's idea but my execution.

By the way, this is Matt (on Halloween, at least):


Have a beer on a bus.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The idea was simple.
1) compile a list of things you can only see or do in Korea;
2) find or complete them;
3) take pictures (for proof - and later botched political campaigns).

Here are some sample items:
- Convince a stranger to do the "Sorry Sorry" dance with you.
- Fish market costume contest.
- Walk into a hagwon* and insist on signing up for English lessons.
- Give away "free hugs"

* Private English Academy

The event itself was hysterical. Althought only about fifteen people turned out because of the rain and cold (damned weather!), we all still managed to have a blast.

Here are some of the highlights:

Locals dressed up for Halloween

Finish in a costume


Meet people from different countries: this Australian showed us his umbrella/didgeridoo


Relax on a couch left in the street.


Team member in a Korean traditional dress. Bonus: a male team member.