Monthly Archives: April 2012

Biking And Mcdonalds

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Wait…isn’t that any oxymoron?

No..no..just done all for the love of vanilla soft serve ice-cream. (Will explain further in a bit)

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day! The sun was out in full force and the temperature was actually in the upper 70’s. Ahh… I knew after church this morning whatever my plan involved, it was going to involve getting out and enjoying the amazing weather.

Fast forward to noonish, ate lunch quickly at home, texted back my friend, and made a plan that we were going to get out and about.

Biking! We decided to take the bike path that runs parallel with the subway and see how far we could go. We started in Dongducheon and road until we were in Nogyang. Needless to say we biked our little butts off. We had a blast though and that’s all that mattered.

So you are most likely scratching your head wondering where the vanilla ice-cream comes into play. Well, we decided if we road our bikes all that way we might as well get a treat for all that hard work. Besides, our bums hurt! We needed something to take the edge off, plus ice-cream makes everything 10x better!

The best part about the bike path is that you can ride as far as you want and not have to worry about riding back. Yes! You heard me right, you simply catch the subway back bike and all.

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Cheers to Sunday adventures!

Head In The Flowers

2012_04_28 Wondering around Seoul

2012_04_28 Wondering around SeoulApr 27, 2012Photos: 39
 

Saturday morning I was out the door before the sun peaked the horizon behind our apartment. I had a train to catch for a hair appointment in Seoul. I could already tell today was going to be a good day. The air was much warmer than most mornings in April.

I couldn’t get over how green everything was from the rain we had over the week. I literally walked around with my head in the flowers. Snapping pictures every few feet. I would have drove Mr. B completely batty. To say I took full advantage of my day alone is an understatement. Days like this are what I live for, why I fell in love with living abroad. I can’t really explain the feeling that comes over me, it’s just a strange comfort. Whatever it is, I hope to always hold on to the feeling within me.

After my appointment I sought out to find the kimchi pot lady and her little shop located near the US Army Yongsan base. I was so proud of myself finding the location on my own, however, the shop was closed! No dice on this plan. You have to know by now that I typically always try to have a plan B in the event of such luck.

Ajoshi, to Insadong! I caught a cab and went to Insadong. Stumbled upon homemade vanilla bean soft serve ice-cream. Found the little somethings that I was looking for and a summer scarf! Mission accomplished.

On my way to locate subway line 1, I found a vegetarian restaurant. I saved the menu you to share with you all. Again, totally taking full advantage of my alone with me time, of course I ate there.

maoz menu

As you can see the restaurant is called Maoz, and I must tell you this was my very first experience with trying a falafel. what’s the verdict? Pretty tasty! For those of you unfamiliar with what a falafel, it’s a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Usually served in a pita bread, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as lafa. Maoz served their falafel balls in a nice fresh pita. The best part is after they fry and stuff your pita with the falafel, you head to to the topping bar and create the rest your way. You top with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. MMmmmm!

The only disappointing and confusing part to me is that the menu serves kimchi and bulgogi. I’m not certain but the last time I checked these two foods were not vegetarian friendly? Also, the toppings bar didn’t include a typical eggplant or tahini option. Otherwise, loved it!

After my late lunch I decided it was time to catch the subway back home.

When I got home I decided to check on our patio garden I believe we mentioned it few postings back. It had taken me a little time to find a long window box to grow all our veggies. Finally, after endless searching I gave up, did some improvising, used Mr. b’s handy work, and atlas I had something to work with. I was delighted to see that We now how little sprots poking up. I’ll keep you all posted as our garden continues to grow.

Happy weekending!

Catch Up

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Sorry, I’ve been MIA a few days… I’ve been a bit under the weather. Oh! speaking of weather…

Forecast:
It’s raining, it’s pouring….
Mrs. B:
Happy, yes! Everything’s turning beautiful shades of green. Not to mention the weather is soothing when I’m a feeling a bit under the weather.

You see, often rain brings a certain sentimental longing of the past…
Slowly driving home, the wet pavement, the little Korean school kids dressed in cute rain boots and matching umbrellas, Elderly Korean couples out strolling (a little rain doesn’t keep them indoors) tree’s bark soaked and black.

Crisp air, land of the morning calm fog.
Snuggled up in our big comfy over-sized chair reading a book, listening to the rain lightly tap against the window.
I just can’t get enough of it.

A Rainy Spring Night

Is there anything better than…
enjoying a delectable chicken breast topped with mushrooms and onions cooked in sherry
sipping on a new white wine

on a rainy spring Saturday night

while watching Julie and Julia with the love of your life?
I think not.
Bon Appétit!

Blossoms

Today, while most of Korea was still sleeping (including Mr. B), I snuck out into our apartment complex and snapped a few photos of the cherry blossom trees before the rain forecasted for today and all of tomorrow set in.

2012_04_21 Cherry Blossoms at home

 

Yes, I graced the world with my bare shins for the first time in at least six months.
While snapping I realized that my legs were as white as some of the blossoms I was capturing.
But, I didn’t care. (Don’t worry no scary photos included!)

Honestly, I am not sure what my obsession with these trees are. I know I drive Mr. B crazy when we are walking under them and my head and eyes are pointed straight up to the sky with my feet barely shuffling. I’m mesmerized by the beauty of the blossoms. When the wind blows, the delicate flowers fall from their branches, covering the earth like a blanket of pink snow. It is such a magical experience that I look forward to each Spring.

(Hmmm…another lost in translation shot?)
I made it in just enough time, as I was wrapping up I felt tiny spritzes of rain starting to fall from the sky.
Happy Weekend & of course Happy Spring!

 

Things That Make You Go Hmm…

Sometimes you can’t help but go hmm… when getting out and about in South Korea.

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Today, I had the chance to get out of the office for lunch with a darling girlfriend of mine.

We decided to give a place called New Chinese Kitchen a try.

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The atmosphere was cozy and fun!

Plus, we made it in after the lunch rush so we had the entire place to ourselves. (Perfect for plenty of our girly giggles, and goofy pictures!)

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The views of New City – Jihang’s tucked away streets aren’t too shabby either!

The owner’s sweet wife waited on us and was practicing her English skills. We asked what the best dish was and she was super excited to tell us various things about the menu and her husband the chef.

We perused the menu…

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and a few things just made us sit there and go hmm…

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After helping the owners review a text message she was composing to her son’s English teacher, we ordered our lunch.

We opted for Set A. Not entirely knowing what Set included…Hmm…however, we knew it included some green people and that in itself is pretty exciting, right?! When you travel around South Korea you will quickly learn that sometimes when things are translated from Korean to English they just don’t quite make sense.

Our lunch came out hot and prompt. We were totally digging this place for a meal switch up.

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Hot loose leaf jasmine tea

A sweet cabbage

Shredded kimchi with a bit of a spicy kick

Crab meat soup

Sweet and sour beef

Noodles topped with seafood black bean sauce

Spring rolls

Green people with beef noodles

Desert -sliced up fruit

I know I sparked your interest with the green people dish and now want to know what exactly it is. Well, first we must say that the dish was rather tasty. It was green peppers and beef noodles with a side of two steamed buns.

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After lunch we decided to swing by Dunkin Doughnuts for a sweet treat.

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Hmm…decisions…decisions…Chewisty or a cheese pizza Special D (that had ham and cheese on it?)…What exactly is a chewisty? It turns out like the green people dish, it’s rather tasty too. A Chewisty is 8 small rice flour donuts bonded together into a ring.

If you ever find yourself strolling around the Dongducheon area with a hankering for some Chinese food, I’ve included the New Chinese Kitchen Menu just for you. The restaurant is located on the second floor above 7 Gram Coffee Cafe. Enjoy!

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Right Now

I’m loving my cat Bean. She can be a monster, but this little lady brings us a lot of joy. We love waking up in the morning and finding her snuggled up close to our heads… (Who are we kidding here, she is totally waiting for her automatic feeder to drop her food)

Okay, Okay Sometimes she gets a little demanding…

BUT who wouldn’t love that face?

Happy Weekend!

Happy Easter (and Passover) Weekend!
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Here’s to hopping your weekend was filled with sunshine,
 

beautiful new blooms,
 

yummy food,
 

and love. <3
xoxo the Bees

Directions to Suji's - Take subway line #6 and get off at NOKSAPYUNG STATION, Stop 629, Exit #3.
Located on the right corner as you enter Itaewon - From Exit 3, walk to the pedestrian crossing light, cross the street, turn right. Suji's is just a few feet from the corner. Look for the menu-board on the sidewalk. Suji's is on the 2nd Floor of the building)

Crannies

Just some crannies of our South Korean life
according to that little iPhone of mine 😉
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1. Can it really be?! Bits of green and teeny flowers springing up!

2.These two obviously up to no good...

3. From the snow storm this week

4.The snow-covered mountain view from my work

5.Peaceful sunset over the subway station

6.mMMmm Chilsung Cider. We may or may not be a little overly obsessed. Plus it's still served in a glass bottle what's not to love?!

7. Always a blast sharing our favorite chicken place with good friends

8. Hmmmm.....

9.Miss Beanicus Maximus go-to position, laying on anything I'm working on

10.No post can be complete without including a picture of the light, fluffy, Korean strawberry cream cake I enjoyed this week

Simply The Best

There is something about throwing around some dough, enjoying a glass of red wine, and listening to Dean Martin’s Mambo Italiano, to end a manic Monday…
Thought we’d share our favorite pizza with you too…
 

We pretty much think it’s the bees knees!
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It’s simple….yet colorful.
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It tastes really good too!
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Here’s a list of the Ingredients:
-Homemade pizza crust
– Red sauce
-fresh mozzarella cheese (well as fresh as one can get in South Korea)
-Fresh broccoli
-Grilled peppered chicken
-Fresh basil leaves
-Red cherry tomatoes
-Minced garlic
-Red onion
-Olive oil
-Feta cheese

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YUM-O, RIGHT?
I guess all those years In high school and college working at an Italian restaurant paid off…oh wait..I was a waitress…Okay, maybe it was osmosis!
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MMMmmm. Hope you enjoyed as much as we Bees did!