Day 79: The New Guy

Brad and I ended up sleeping in pretty late today and were surprised to discover that Steve and Andrea were already in Seoul by the time we got out of bed! It didn't matter so much to me, I had my own plans for this afternoon anyway. I was meeting up for the first time (in Korea) with this guy I know from Vancouver, Steven. Steven is 23 and a family friend of my old boss at Delany's back in BC and had just arrived in Korea 2 weeks ago to begin his year of teaching. I phoned Steven and we made plans to meet up in the city.

It was really cool to hang out with Steven today! Not only because he's a cool guy and fun to be with, but also cause for the first time since I've been here in Korea, I get to be the guide and lead someone around. I'm no longer The New Guy! I can hand that title over to Steven and it feels good to be a bit of a 'resident expert' even though I've only been here just under 3 months.

Steven and I went and toured Gonjeongjong Palace (where I was with Steve back in March) and it was still as beatiful and splendorous as the first time I laid eyes on it. The ancient palaces in Korea really don't ever become dull or boring - they're amazing each and every time you see them - no matter how often you go. Steven was blown away with the detail and majesty of Gonjeongjong and we spent a couple hours just wandering through the grounds of the sprawling palace complex.

After the palace we were absolutely starved so we went out for dinner. I took him through Insadong on the way and he really liked the street (it always impressed the tourists - hehe!) It was as busy as it always is down there in Insadong even though it was a bit rainy today. We went to TGI Fridays and had an awesome dinner - chicken fajitas for me! The bathrooms at TGI Fridays are certainly noteworthy - each of the stalls have a mini TV screen at the back of the door so you can watch clips of music videos and advertising while sitting on the can! Cool!

He wanted to know a good place to buy English books so after dinner I took him to Kyobo up the street. And then after the bookshop we went to Starbucks to sit and relax and rest for a while. I was feeling pretty beat as I've done a lot of walking around done this weekend all over Seoul! He had to get up early the next day so we hopped on the subway and it was off home. He lives on the same side of the river as I do, but off a different line. Another great weekend comes to an end!