SSDD

Today was my first full day in the office since my return, and although it was lovely to be back on certain levels (friends! english! coffee! mexican food!), I'm struggling to get back in the flow. I think I'm just over this. I'm tired of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting new results. Isn't that the definition of insanity? So, I'm back on the hamster wheel but I'm making plans for a brighter future.

And I'm thinking this is going to be my last post here. I may start up a new blog, but I can't go on being "Seoul Cliched" forever. Any suggestions for a new blog title?

I didn't sleep on the plane.

Cloverfield
- Gossip Girl Meets Godzilla
- The One Where You Hope They All Die
- I Think I'll Switch to VH1 Now

National Treasure II: Book of Secrets
- What Happened To Nic Cage's Face?
- It's Like a Monkey Skull Wearing a Wig
- No, Seriously, WTF Happened To His Face?

P.S. I Love You
- Does Anyone Really Like Hillary Swank?
- No, I'm Not Crying. I'm Sweating From My Eyes. I Swear.
- Fabulous Shoes & Men With Accents: A Dream Come True

So, I'm home. My house is filthy and my car battery is dead, but my skin is allready improving & I'm unpacked. So far today I've eaten Mac & Cheese for breakfast, taken Sabine to the park, watched 4 episodes of 30 Rock and taken 2 naps. X brought over my Box O' Mail and I'm going to attempt to go through that today and figure out what my financial situation is. But first, I may take nap number 3.

Travellin again

Jeeves was late to pick me up. Not late enough to be troublesome but late enough to really put my hackles up. I was already in a bit of a tiff because the checkout at the Dormy was a cluster, naturally. Plus, it was about 80 degrees outside and I was standing in the sun, in a black sweater, with all my luggage.

But all is well, and I made it here and through security. I'm in the Singapore Airlines lounge, enjoying small cuts of American Cheese Food on chips with salsa and Hite. Who knew Ghetto Nachos could be so satisfying?

The airport here, and in most countries I've visited, is much more efficient with the check-in and security processes than the US. Of course, the fact that I have a business class ticket really helps too. I caught my self chuckling as I flew past a bunch of people in line and then reminded myself that will be me again soon. I best take advantage of this luxury while I'm able so I'm gonna go grab some more cheese and booze. Maybe I'll try the Chilean wine this time. Or the ice cream. Decisions, decisions.

Got my bags all packed, I'm ready to go...

After spending the last two hours packing and re-packing I'm finally satisfied that I'm ready to leave, and I only had to throw away 2 outfits to make room for gifts! Keep your fingers crossed that I'm not over the weight limit because I really don't want to have to open these bags at the airport.

I'm so glad to be going home. My stay here has been interesting but I'm starting to have negative thoughts about many things Korea, and that makes me sad. This city can just be very unfriendly and, let's be honest, kinda filthy. My skin and lungs and sinuses are gasping for fresh air and I can't wait until I can spend a day without hacking or having to rinse my eyes because they burn so badly from the pollutants.

That said, I spent most of the afternoon in Insadong, my favorite area of the city. It's the one place that feels unique to Korea and is full of little boutiques and art galleries. It was a beautiful, sunshiny day and I got a slight sunburn walking from shop to shop. I spent a slight fortune on souvenirs, but compared to other cities the prices are pretty reasonable. And I think you guys are probably worth it.

Be home Friday afternoon. XO

Too grumpy to sleep...

So here is a random link post.

For my design junkies- subscribe to this feed immediately:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com

If you're ever bored and want to know what everyone else is looking at:
http://www.buzzfeed.com

Send your secrets to Frank, or just read about your neighbors:
http://postsecret.blogspot.com

The most depressing blog ever:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/homicidereport

Celebrity Sleeze with witty commentary, except by a strait dude:
http://www.wwtdd.com

When in doubt there is always YouTube:

** I know it's shocking, but yes, they really do use scissors to cut all the food here.

Sad Face, Happy Face

My lovely little camera is gone. Some scam artist took off with it and some great pictures I took Saturday. Hopefully, my American Express travelers insurance will replace the camera but there is no way they could replace the photo of the Ho Barn. Or the photos of Mere and I doing shots off a particularly interesting ice sculpture at the Icebar. Or the wicked cool pictures I took at Oi, the "Flinstones bar." Ce La Vie.

I'm bummed I won't be able to take more photos of Konglish while here, but the weekend was a lot of fun. Friday was Lotte World and Saturday was neighborhood hopping with Mere. We got our nails done in the subway, did some bar hopping in Hongik, sang our hearts out at a Norebang (Kareoke room) and had some breakfast before going to bed at 9am. I haven't been out that late since college and I remember why now. But it was a great last weekend in Seoul.

Tomorrow I'm going to see about getting some new glasses- opticians are super cheap here so I might as well stock up, no?

The Happiest Place in Korea

Last night we went to Lotte World, or "Korean Disneyland." Although not quite as large as Disneyland it's certainly a lot of fun. The lines weren't as bad as expected for a Friday night and we managed to hit about about 12 rides in 4 hours. My voice is a little hoarse today from all the screaming.

The Gyro Drop was the one ride that really terrified me. It's a 24 story freefall- at least it's over quick!

Fancy a snack?

These are Korean Good Luck charms, a man and one ugly lady on the right:

Translation: You will bang your head around a lot on this ride so don't complain if you earrings go through your skull:

Korea may be the only place on Earth I'm considered tall:

Hanging with my Hommies - Lotte & Lorry