Saying Hasta Luego

One thing about living abroad is that you are constantly saying goodbye to people. Your environment is only temporary and therefore at one point, you will say goodbye or 'see you later' to everyone you meet...whether they leave you or you leave them. It's part of the deal. Sure when you're living in one place for a long time you have the occasional friend that moves away. But when living abroad for a one year period, there is a lot of peace-ing out.

On one end of the spectrum, it's really awesome. You meet infinitely many people from other countries, cultures, backgrounds, religions, philosophies, etc. Each new person that you meet can only provide you with a new perspective of which you've never had before. Sometimes you meet a person, say two words to them, and then never see them again. Sometimes no words are spoken at all yet you find yourself watching/observing this new person from said culture/background and learning so much from just watching. And then there's the times when you just really connect with someone. You can't believe, you are half way across the world, and you are fortunate enough to have come across a really cool person. I've been lucky enough to have this happen to me. And, I've already said 'hasta luego' to two of them.

The serendipitous way in which I met my friend John on the subway in Busan when I was running away from a crazy man blows my mind. His contract is up and now he's traveling in Malaysia. See ya later hopefully.
Then there's Matt, one of my ex-coteachers --who at first introduction I thought was pretty unfriendly. Later I come to find out we had so much in common and could just talk for hours about music, life, philosophy, etc. We made some pretty mean fajitas together. :) Now he's back in the good ol US of A.

Who will be next? Who will I meet next that benefits my life and I can only hope to do the same? And to whom will I next say goodbye? Only time will tell.

Tokyo--el fin: the fish market

The original plan was to get there by 5am in order to see the tuna come off the boats and see the auction...however when we got there they were closing the doors as they only let 140 people in and apparently we were about # 146,47,48 & 49. Bummer! Either way...we still got into the most recommended hole-in-the-wall sushi place, right in the market. We walked up as they were opening their doors and swoop--the four of us were sitting on half of the stools in the place.Waiting patiently for our first piece of nigiri: excited much?!

I have to be honest, I was a bit skeptical at the thought of eating raw fish at 5:30 in the A.M., but the atmosphere of this little place, the sarcasm coming from the sushi chef in my face, and the taste of this fresh-off-the-boat fish left NOTHING to be desired. Hands down best sushi I've ever had in my life. SO fresh tasting--like O.M.G melt in your mouth good. Grood even. I think the squid was actually my favorite.
ANDDDD back to the hotel for a post sushi nap. After all, it was only 6:30 in the morning. Post nap it was time to make the long trek back to the airport. Sad but true, our Tokyo trip was coming to a close.
Once again a strange realization comes over me when I go from Tokyo "home" to Seoul and Jared and Co. go home to Chicago...
Sayonara Japan...you've been oh so good.

Tokyo: almost complete

Day Two dinner: Roppongi Hills.

View of Tokyo Tower from Roppongi

Roppongi Hills, aka 'Artelligent City' is a large property complex that incorporates office space, apartments, shops, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, a museum, a hotel, an outdoor amphitheater and more. Needless to say, not really a cheap area for dinner, but when in Tokyo...

So we dine at some sushi fusion place...kinda reminded me of Sushi Samba...where the food was good but I felt as though the place just seemed overrated. Cool lights in the restaurant

Some African dudes playin the drums and singing in the middle of the complex
After dinner we stumbled upon an Irish pub in the area and had some Saturday night bevs.

Sunday morning we opt to head back to Shibuya and Harajuku street to do some shopping. We just can't get enough of this area. SO much to see. SUCH incredible people watching.Harajuku Street, officially

Japanese Boy Band...

We stop for lunch at this place called Mominoki.

It is a "food concept" restaurant. The food is all organic, and Stevie Wonder and Elton John like to dine there when in town. I pretty much think that if they like it--I will too. The place was quaint, beautiful and cozy. The staff was so kind and the food was delicious.Our entirely organic meal--YUM

View of Shibuya from Irish Pub patio

After a few beers and walking around we head back to our hotel for free noodles. Yep--every night at our hotel they serve free, fresh made ramen. I find myself wondering now why we didn't take more advantage of this. Free and delicious?? Anyway...we eat at the hotel and have some beerS from the vending machine because well that's what you do when you're getting up at 4:15am the next morning to go to the Tsukiji fish market...aka the largest seafood market in the world.

The Meiji Shrine

Shrine Entrance (Torri gate)

One of the cultural things we wanted to do whilst in Tokyo was see one of its traditional shrines. We visit the Meiji Shrine, which is a Shinto shrine. If you'd like to know more about what Shintoism is, click here, because I have read about it and can't figure out exactly what type of religion it is...or if it is even a religion at all and is actually rather a philosophy. It seems that it focuses on folklore, history, and mythology--and if you are a Shintoist you take part in a set of practices; which is a way to connect present day Japanese people with their ancestors. Still, the vast majority of Shintoists also take part in worshiping Buddha.Another Torri Gate

While that's all good and interesting, I am just sure you have all day to read about Shintoism. I digress yet again. We enter the first Torri Gate (see above) and walk on a path through a gorgeous forest until we come to the shrine. The first thing Shintoists are supposed to do before entering the shrine walls is to wash their hands and drink water from this basin. They are actually supposed to follow a specific procedure by ladling water into their left hand, washing it first, then their right hand, and then drinking water from their right hand to be purified before entering the shrine. Although I am not a Shintoist I think, well it's only natural that I take part in this ritual. Done--Don't I feel fresh!Purifying Ritual

After going into the shrine and watching some of the practicers do their praying by bowing a couple of times and then clapping twice, we walk out and see a bunch of hanging prayers around a tree.

Prayers

The prayers include an eclectic array of languages including English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and many others. You can write your prayer/wish/meditation/philosophy on a wooden block and then hang it on the post outside of the shrine. I like this very much so I, once again, participated.

Prayer block

Shinto Wedding

After witnessing a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony--we head back to Shibuya.

Tokyo: Part Deuce--ShiBUya

Tokyo subway

Day two in Tokyo we decide to wander another ward of the city: Shibuya. Shibuya is known as one of the most prominent fashion hubs in Tokyo, particularly because it includes Harajuku street, a shopping district that is famous all over the world for its unique fashion--including both posh boutiques and affordable street shopping.

Kimono anyone?

As we exit Shibuya station, the first thing we stumble upon is a thrift store called "CHICAGO." What a pleasant surprise. A little bit of the Chi coming our way...all the way to Asia. Although I don't believe any of the items in the shop were actually from Chicago, it was still nice to see the name.

Post spending some time shopping around...we wander our way to the Meiji Shrine to take care of our some cultural requirements. See "Meiji Shrine" post.

Free Hugs?

After our peaceful visit to the shrine, we head back to find Shibuya crossing. Shibuya crossing, aka 'Shibuya Scramble Crossing,' is a pedestrian crossing outside of Shibuya subway station. When it is time to cross, all traffic is stopped thus allowing only pedestrians to walk in all directions through the intersection. It is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. It was pretty intense!Everyone anxiously waiting to cross...

And it's GO time

And we're still crossin...

I digress. Did I mention it has been over 90 degrees the entire trip thus far? This type of weather requires constant water/beer/ice-cream/something delicious and cold.
Pit Stop: Mouth watering gelato at one of the many cafes on Meiji Dori. Don't worry, it only cost about $10 for a small cup. :D

Some photos I just had to capture:

Harajuku girls anyone?

How I LOVE to see this sign!

Ok, it's time to head back to the Dormy and get ready for dinner in Roppongi Hills!

Tokyo: A

Shinjuku night life

Fancy Express Train (cost $35 for one hour!!)

Jared, Jon and I arrive at Narita airport on Friday around 1:30pm. We catch the Express train to Tokyo station to get to Shinza, the district where our hotel is located. It is an hour train ride which takes us through some pretty valleys and small towns outside of Tokyo. We follow some random directions and somehow make it to our hotel: The Dormy Inn.Ahh the Dormy Inn.

Mine and Steph's cozy room


Vending machines in our hotel, beer anyone?!

It is just perfect for us. The rooms are small but because we don't plan to be in them unless asleep, it's all good. The hotel staff is SO kind, saying "HI!" with every response as that is the Japanese way of saying "yes." "HI, HI, HI!" Slightly addicting to say.Awesome suspension bridge outside our hotel.

View from our room.

We walk around our area, having no clue really where we are until we find a place to eat. We get back to our hotel after our first meal, and low and behold, Avery has arrived!! Time to get ready to go out in Shinjuku. Karaoke anyone?!One of our MANY walks through the comprehensive subway system.

Our first meal altogether, in Shinjuku, at a Japanese style chicken place. This is where we ate chicken sashimi. Yes, seared rare chicken. I was a bit apprehensive, but everyone was doing it...so I figured, when in Rome (or Tokyo.) It didn't taste great, but my stomach handled it so I was happy.

Duet: Jared and Avery (notice psychedelic lighting)

Jared solo...Can't remember if it was Eminem or Queen.

Post karaoke-ing we wander around being harassed by club promoters. We realize it has gotten late and we opt for a taxi home. Don't worry, taxis in Tokyo only start their fair charge at over $8!! Yep eight BUCKS--before you have even traveled a centimeter. Anyway...back to the hotel to prepare for the next day of exploring!

Family and friends in Korea!!

My brother came to visit me in Korea!! Before I left the states, he said, "Jac, if you go, there's no way I'm not coming."So, Jared and Johnny K (his good friend) make their way from Incheon airport to my school on my last day of work before my one week of summer break. Jared gets to sit in on two of my classes and see how a good of a teacher I am. ;) That evening I take them out for traditional Korean BBQ aka galbi, at my favorite local venu. Beer, Soju, and some BBQ beef has them pretty satisfied. It was delish as usual. Mmmm galbi and all its complimentary side dishes!!

Andddd big bite!

Wednesday we got up early and went to climb the Seoul Fortress at Bugaksan.

A third of the way to the top of the fortress at one of the few allowed photo ops. Once again, a perfect example of how Seoul combines both a very metropolitan and nature-esk feel.

Just some elephant ears and petunias on the walk up to the fortress entrance. (Posted for Mike Melnyk)

This mountain is where the President's pad is, aka The Blue House, and with a passport you can climb the mountain along the fortress walls.

The "Blue House" (Pres's pad)

The fortress was originally built in the 1400s and surrounds the entire city of Seoul. There were army guards at the lookout towers. The climb to the top was INTENSE--but well worth it and so awesome!

After that 4 hour hike we head to the Jamsil baseball stadium to witness my first ever Korean baseball game! It was the LG Twins vs. SKTelecom Tigers. There was a lot of team spirit. They don't have cheerleaders per se, however, they have this one Korean dude, dressed in a jersey standing on top of the dugout who leads the crowd in song with 4 girls dancing behind him. SO Korean. :)Jon and Jared showing some LG team spirit!

Last day in Korea Jared and I run the mountain in my backyard, go to the Yongsan Electronics Market (one of the top 3 largest in the world) and I take the boys to eat some more traditional Korean food for dinner.
Then we go and have some beers at this funky bar.Next morn, off to Tokyo!!

The lyrics to "Smells like teen Spirit" on the place we ate.