Category Archives: Outdoors & Parks

Seoul: Enchanted Flower Garden

I recently the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also called the DDP (see prior post) and sought out the enchanted flower garden exhibit located on the roof of one of the buildings.

I was immediately drawn to the exhibit, because of a photo taken of a woman making her own path through the exhibit of flowers. Don’t ask me why, but I thought to myself,”Surely that isn’t the path you’d take through something like that”. “Why would she do that and go directly through the exhibit like that?” You’d need to see the photo to know exactly what I’m talking about, but humor me and use your imagination here.

When I finally made it to the exhibit I was snapping away, watching various couples and families throw their kimchi fingers in the air, kiss, hug, pose, etc. I saw most of these couples and families stay on the outside border of the exhibit, but noted a few that made their own random path right through the flowers for the perfect photo, like the women in the photo I mentioned.

……But why?

Here is why…. Because we all are on our own paths in life. I’ve learned that to get the most of your own path in life, you need to be happy for others on their own path. Even though we find ourselves comparing sometimes, no single path is right for us all. Think about it…Does it matter that they are going a different direction than you? Does it matter that they are making their own path through the enchanted flower garden of life? No. So when it comes to your own personal path, why let others paths discourage you?

The takeaway is simple, we all need to encourage, celebrate and support our friends, co-workers and families on their own path through the enchanted flower garden we call life.

Enjoy the views and don’t get discouraged on your path!

Backpackbees

Information:
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza- D section design lab, take stairs to top
Cost: Free, reportedly there only until November
Subway stop/ exit: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 1

Seoul: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

When in Seoul, take metro line 4 and exit at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station exit 1. As soon as you exit, you will find yourself standing inside a futuristic looking space, but don’t worry your subway ride didn’t send your straight into a sci-fi movie. No, you’re in Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also referred to as the DDP.

At first you might feel like you are going to get lost within the structures. You just might, but I encourage you to do it! Get lost and discover the plaza from all the interesting and unique angles! After you get completely lost and find your way back to my blog, message me and let me know what you thought.

Backpackbees

Labor Day Delay

Whoa! It’s not hard to see that I am running a week behind…again… EEK! I feel like we just try to squeeze every drop out of what is left of summer! It doesn’t stick around to long here so I feel uber guilty if we don’t get out in the evenings after work, and that is preciously what we have been doing.

Anywho, without delay I’ll get to it with the Labor Day fun!

I joined Mr. B on the east coast of Korea where he and a group of friends planned a weekend of diving. I have decided and told Mr. B that when we retire we will live on the beach or at most a block away from the beach. I couldn’t ignore my huge heart singing out relocation, to the ocean, the sand, the sounds… it just calms and soothes whatever your current mood or state of mind is and seriously, if the weather wasn’t being the biggest show off too! Not so hot with a slight autumn chill in the air. It was the most welcomed break and I took advantage of every minute it had to offer by catching up on my Kinfolk Magazine, sunning my pale leggies, strolling leisurely along the beach line. AH! Oh and then the drive home up, over and through the lush green mountains. I never imagined Korea to have the mountains that it has.

Here’s a tip…If you ever make a trip to Korea, do yourself a favor and get outside of Seoul, or whatever touristy city you choose to see the countryside and mountains too. You won’t regret it.

Backpackbees

Sisters in Seoul

I love when the sky looks like cotton candy or a beautiful water painting. That was the view from our place of Friday evening. It just begged to be captured for beautiful memories in the future.

So, Mr. B’s other cousins, Kelsey’s sisters, made it to Seoul to visit and travel around with Kelsey before she departs South Korea. They asked me if I’d like to meet up with them on Saturday morning and swing by the flower market at the Express bus terminal, and grab brunch. Unfortunately, the flower market was a bust. I think it has to do with it being so darn hot here. It was a shame they couldn’t see what we did from our last trip in the Spring. Nonetheless there were still some beautiful flowers. (I didn’t photograph).

After we left the flower market, we headed to Dean & Deluca. I’m so infatuated with this place. Each time I go I find myself wanting to learn more about seasoning salts, oils, and whatever else grabs my attention and mind. I picked up wild porcini sea salt and pumpkin butter. To say I was pretty excited is quite the understatement.

Two of us had the summer seasonal ricotta salad, one had tiramisu French toast, and the other the ricotta banana pancakes. The food just doesn’t disappoint! (Again, sorry no photographs)

From brunch we headed to Yeouido island only a few short stops away. We walked through the park taking in all the green, but keeping an eye on the really dark large storm clouds that looked like they were creeping in.

Do you see the gourds that are growing from the top and hanging down? We all joked about it falling on someone, but seriously all jokes aside, that would hurt if you didn’t expect something like that to fall on you. Eek!

From the park we crossed the road and went to the waterfront. Kelsey and I really enjoy the last time we sat with our feet dipped in the cool water. At that time it was really relaxed with minimal people…this time hardly any elbow room. Check out all the tents and children! When we walked under the bridge all you could see were tents upon tents. It looked like we were on some hippy compound, I was digging the vibe. Eventually we settled on a place and relaxed. This really is one of my favorite spots of the city. I love watching the people at the park, looking at the talk buildings across the way, and watching the Seoul boat tour putter up and down the river.

Addresses:

Express Bus Terminal: Lines 3, 7, 9.

Gangnam Flower Market: Exit 1 of the express bus terminal train station, the building next to the Shinsegae Department Store and the Bus Terminal. Go into the bus terminal, turn right and look for the escalators, go up to second floor.

Shinsegae Department (Gangnam) store B1, 19-3, Banpodong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Dean and Deluca: Located on the basement food-court in Shinsegae Department.
Website : http://www.deandeluca.co.kr

Yeouido Park
120, Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 영등포구 여의공원로 120 (여의도동)

Backpackbees

Summer Saunter

Keeping with the same mantra, determined to squeeze every ounce of summer out of the season, I met up with Kelsey in Seoul early Saturday morning. Of course it was drizzling on again, off again. You know the rain that makes you feeling like someone is constantly misting you? Yep, that was the type. We had umbrellas so we didn’t let it spoil our plans or fun.

We started out by treating ourselves with a pedicure. We both struggled not to fall asleep in the chairs and thought maybe, just maybe, this should have been the final stop of our adventure? LOL! (I know what you are thinking right about now…life is hard,right?)

With our freshly painted tootsies, we headed to an area near Insadong that I wanted to share with Kelsey. I adore the Bukchon Village area, it has lots of sparkle and tons of areas for her to snap photos of the city.

The first stop was at Brick and Wood. This is a ridiculously charming brunch, lunch or dinner spot! I stumbled upon the place the last time that I took a quiet saunter with Mary while in the area. I had only went into the bakery last time and knew just from that I needed to get back to enjoy the restaurant too.

The space is rustic yet has a fun modern flair with its old wooden floors and it’s open, airy, exposed brick and concrete walls. The kitchen is out in the open and made us feel like they were preparing private dishes just for us. I love nothing more than to take a peek on how chefs are preparing dishes and the techniques they are using.

We hit the Bukchon Hanok Village area at a perfect time! The rain kept the large crowds tamed. We strolled casually all over, checking out tiny little boutiques, stopping to smell flowers, making friends with two handsome pups and their British owner, admiring the views, people watching, and of course enjoying green tea potbingsu at the Café Terrace.

(See the couple below?) They were the sweetest couple attempting to take a selfie under the we are young graffiti, so we offered to take the photo for them. They were so pleased with the offer they insisted on taking our photo too! Kelsey and I were swooning over the couples cuteness because we could tell they were just newly dating.

Saved some of the best for last. Yum! Green tea and watermelon who would have thought?

Backpackbees

Addresses:

Brick & Wood Restaurant & Bakery
Locations and website here.

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)
Check out more here.

Last Weekend

You must excuse me for the lack of post from last weekend. The majority of our July has been spent staying outside until the last very last second possible, or until the rain moves in. We are in monsoon season here in S.Korea so getting out and about when the sun is shining is imperative if you are trying to squeeze every ounce of “clear” sky out of the dwindling summer.

We trekked slowly up the base of Soyosan to marvel at the lush green trees. Soyosan is prime people watching too! During the hot season’s Korean’s often lounge and cool themselves in the trickling streams that come off the base of the mountain. You never know what you might see or get invited to join.

Don’t worry we’ve been properly hydrating with lemon water and practically turning into rabbits nibbling on all of our vegetable greens. (Beats turning on the oven in the humidity and heat).

I have a new Korean friendship blossoming and we enjoyed a really nice dinner together at a unique little restaurant near both of our homes. We dined on duck and a soup made of perilla leaves.

Not familiar with perilla leaves? Don’t worry it is most likely because it grows in Korea, China, Nepal and India. It’s a flavor I really cannot explain. The taste is quite pungent and has a nutty peppery taste to it. It is a herb that is often referred to a wild sesame. I was told that this heart-shaped leaf is a Korean staple and you can find it almost year round served in Korean homes. Plus it gets better! Of course it has healing components to it as well. If you are feeling tired, suffer from frequent headaches, need some anti-inflammatory relief, detoxify fish poisoning, combats morning sickness. WHOA! Talk about a marvelous little leaf!

and here is where I let you all down…. can you believe I ate the soup before I took a photo to share with all of you? Oops… trust me.. it would have just been a photo of a bowl of soup.

Kelsey stayed over too! She came sharing her newest sweets with us. What a sweetie!

We hopped on an AM train into Seoul and ran about in the on again off again rain to a vegan bakery called PLANT owned and operated by the sweetest girl, Mipa. Enjoyed a peanut Thai bowl and grilled chickpea sandwich. Both incredibly sumptuous and we shared one anther’s lunch family style. We are family after all! We then went to Maybell Bakery where I introduced Kelsey to a fabulous European bakery with freshly baked focaccia, baguette, croissants. I think it’s safe to say she’s in heaven.

We got home and felt like “grilling” hot dogs. I whipped up a vegan macaroni salad and she grilled the dogs. We were quite the little team in the kitchen if I do say so myself.

Howbeit it wasn’t as exciting of an update, it’s summer folks! Get off the Internet and GET OUTSIDE!

Backpackbees

Places to go:

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (Candy Apples)
Addresses in Korea here

PLANT (Vegan Bakery)
Check out Facebook site here.

Maybell Bakery (European bakery-But hey make me a deal and don’t buy up all the bread before I get there)
737-2 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
South Korea
02-792-5561

Soyosan (Local Mountain / park)
Check out more here.

Sandy Oasis

I may be the only one that feels this way, but what is it about the ocean that just makes you chirpy? We spent the past weekend in Busan at the beach, celebrated Mr. B’s birthday in style, hopped aboard the never-ending Busan city tour bus, feasted on some rather delicious celebratory foods and adult beverages. Relaxation all around. (Minus our amature booking the wrong hotel location snafu..oops). Check out that beach crowd, looks like we weren’t the only ones with the idea to escape to a sandy oasis for the weekend.

Cheers to sandy toes, salty hair and smiles all around!

(Pardon my unintentional gang signs, I was caught off guard with the kimchi fingers)

(Scary bus)

(We learned whipped cream potatoes literally is whipped cream…who would have thought)

(AKA Creeper Mode)

We’d love to hear from you, any fun summer adventures planned?

Backpackbees

Busan Addresses:

Busan City Bus Tour
Tour price: Adults (ages 19 and up)-10,000 won, children and teenagers (ages between 4 and 18) – 5,000 won

Phone reservation: ARS +82-1688-0098 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese), TEL +82-51-464-9898 (Korean, English) * Receive your ticket from the bus driver on the day of the tour.

(Please note that you may have to wait an hour or two to board bus at each stop you get off)

Haeundae Beach 해운대해수욕장
Jung-dong, U1-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan-si
부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264 (우동)

Zennin Restaurant (Highly recommended by we bees)

EENIE MEENIE MINIE MOE 해운대 (Best Potbingsu yet!)
Busan (Pusanshi) Haeundae (Heundegu) middle sinuses (Chundon) 24 Paredo~ushizu Commercial Street No. 1-7 or Address 부산시 해운대구 중동 24 팔 레드 시즈 상가 1-7 호
070-7360-9513
Hours:12:00pm to 10:00pm

Burger & Pasta
수영구 광안동 193-4번지 대우아이빌 102호
Busan, South Korea
051-751-6631
Hours: 11:00am to 2am

Kuala Lumpur Day 2

Day 2 we woke up, ate breakfast and headed for Batu Caves. For the trip I used places and points of interest that my Uncle recommended from his recent visit to Malaysia, as well as my, “36 Hours Travel Guide” published by Time.

Ever since viewing the photos that my Uncle sent me, I was memorized by Batu Caves, Tamil: பத்து மலை. I knew it had to be on our list to see and do. Luis was our faithful driver and tour guide, he had already seen and done Batu Caves, but decided to join us anyways. All 272 steps up and all 272 steps back down.

In doing some research I learned that, the cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. The limestone forming Batu Caves is estimated to be around 400 million years old. Some of the cave entrances were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan people a tribe of Orang Asli. To be honest even looking at the photos now I couldn’t get over how small the place made me feel. The cave and steps leading up to it are just massive and endless.

Fortunately because my Uncle had recently visited, he let us in on the secret that once you climb up the first set of steps you might think that you are done, but ohhh no you are not…there are three more sets to climb if you want to get into the entire cave to see it all. I wished I would have remembered to grab my Fitbit off the charger before we had left S.Korea because I know we killed it on steps that day.

Outside of the Cave there the world’s tallest statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity. The status stands 140 ft and cost approximately 24 million Malaysian rupees. Murugan is made of 1550 cubic meters of concrete, 250 tons of steel bars and 300 liters of gold paint brought in from neighboring Thailand. WOW! Again with the feeling ever so small standing below or beside this status on the steps.

In respecting the Batu Caves Temples as a religious place of worship, there is a dress code to follow. Basically anything above the knee is not acceptable. Certainly not my white shorts that match my freakishly tall white legs. I had to pay a small fee to borrow a wrap to cover my legs to be permitted up the steps of the Cave. Once I got back I returned the wrap and was given my fee back.

We took multiple photos of the monkeys that live at the Batu Caves. Let me tell you, these monkeys have a prime setup with all of the tourist in and out of the caves. These little guys look so cute, but in reality these things are crazy! They swoop down so fast and grab anything that you’ve got in your hands. Bags, cameras, food, flowers, all fair game for the monkeys. We witnessed one monkey trying to take a yellow bag from a women and her husband as they tried to leave the caves. The woman made a huge commotion while flailing her arms and yelling, “NO!”. We then saw a small child with her parents carrying food that the monkeys immediately took without any hesitations. I read afterwards that these monkeys can be quite territorial and visitors needed to watch for biting. Again I read this afterwards. HA-HA so if you are visiting now you know before hand.

Backpackbees

Whew! That’s ALOT of steps! Do you think you’d make it up them?

Kuala Lumpur Day 1

For Memorial Day weekend we Bees hopped a flight to visit a friend in Kuala Lumpur. It took us 6 hours in total and we flew Malaysian Air. I was a bit uneasy at first when I realized we booked with the airline, however in the end we arrived safe and sound at KUL -Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It didn’t take much time to clear customs and grab our baggage before we met up and were greeted with a welcome sign from our friend Luis.

We loaded our baggage up in the car, the car with the steering wheel on the right side I might add. We three giggled about that car the entire time we were there. For only being there for a few months, Luis quickly got acclimated with driving on the opposite side of the road from S.Korea and the US. It was comical to watch Mr. B’s reaction sitting as a passenger on the left side of the car and not the right. At times it often feels like the car beside you is going to turn into you, or you see the passenger on the left side where we are used to seeing the driver absolutely not paying attention and you think, “Oh lord they are going to crash that car! Pay attention!!” Then after your short moment of panic you remember that the driver is on the right side and not the left. whew.

It took us about 40-45 minutes to arrive at Luis’s home in Damansara. Damansara is a central commercialized hub that houses several affluent residential areas. His home was located within walking distance to two large malls and multiple shopping complexes. Very convenient! We arrived just in time to see his neighborhood in the daylight and to watch the sunset from his balcony and gorgeous tall windows.

We got all settled in and decided we needed to grab dinner and drinks. We talked about our travel plans for the duration of the trip, as well as caught up discussing whats been going on in all of our lives. It was so peaceful sipping on our margaritas and people watching from an outdoor balcony that overlooked a twinkle light lit marketplace. I just sat back and took it all in! “So this is Malaysia,” I thought to myself feeling so excited that we were actually here.

Backpackbees

Do you have any plans for Memorial Day weekend?

Picking Strawberries 딸기

There’s nothing quite as sweet and springlike as eating freshly picked strawberries right off the vine. Somehow last year I missed out on strawberry picking season. So I did my research and made sure to know when the strawberry season would occur for the new year. It just so happens that April is peak strawberry season here in Korea.

Back in the states, I absolutely loved to go strawberry picking. I mean what’s not to love about eating your own body weight in berry goodness? Plus, I cannot think of anything more peaceful than wandering down rows of bright berry beds and carefully selecting the perfect gem to come home with me.

Today I roped my two counterparts into checking out a local berry farm. I wasn’t sure of the actual address, the hours, or if it even really existed. All I had was a hunch and a belly growling for berries, so off we went.

We were able to easily find the place, but when we pulled up and did some investigating the place looked sort of empty. Unsure, I walked around the backside of the building and took a look. Peaking into the greenhouses from the road I could see long lush rows of strawberry plants. Okay, perfect! This was the place! Hmmm….but where were the people? It was noon-ish, on a Saturday. I called the number on the sign posted out front. A sweet Korean man who barely spoke English answered. Between my limited Korean and his English, he arrived 3 minutes later!

For 10,000W, think $10.00 USD, the farmer handed us three plastic containers for our strawberries, led us into the greenhouse and proceeded to show us how to pick and enjoy the berries. He proudly emphasized eating the berries as we picked. Of course we could absolutely get on board with that!

The strawberry picking experience was slightly different from in the states for me. In Korea the strawberry plants are lifted off the ground on these 4FT planters, making the entire picking experience much more enjoyable!

As we picked down through the greenhouse we came upon a bee hive. Strawberry flowers need to be pollinated, without pollination berries usually result in misshapen fruit. I learned that a recommended bee hive size for greenhouse strawberry is one with 6,000 to 8,000 bees per 11,000 sq feet per small hive. Buzz, Buzz……

Backpackbees

Directions:

Located in Yangju off of highway Three. Coming from Dongducheon, turn left when at Yanju City Hall. The greenhouse is Located right on your left, after you make your left turn.

010-7666-9720
10,000 W per container, all you can eat