Seoul

I love this town. It's so busy and fun. We had a fabulous time on our girls trip. I can not believe how much were were able to cram into a day without kids in tow! I'm tired from thinking about all the walking, shopping, talking, and laughing.

We rode the bus from Osan directly into the Yongson Army base in the heart of Seoul. We dropped our bags off and hit the streets. We went to Dongemun and walked around the shops. Christa wanted some cool fabric for her photography business. We were directed to this old building that may or may not have been a sweat shop. I'm just saying - we didn't belong! These people LIVED in this building with thousands of sewing machines going off like crazy. There were walls of the fake jeans pockets and all the fake labels. It was very cramped and not a shopper to be found. All workers. We left and had lunch at a Vietnamese place. Again, so nice to not have to make a decision on what the kids may or may not want to eat. The weather could have been better. It snowed off and on all day long.

Next up was Meyongdong. MORE SHOPPING! This place was my favorite. There was even a Forever 21 store with clothes you would find in Amercia. I hit a sleepy nap wall and had to buy and drink my first Starbucks coffee. I think I am in love. It was REALLY good. It gave me that much more energy to hit up and bargain with all the street vendors. We shopped there well into the night. All the Christmas lights came on and people were singing Korean carols in the streets. Seoul is beautiful at night. We finally figured out the Subway we needed and went back to check into the hotel. A quick freshen up and we were off to Itaiwan. The fake watch place was closed so we went to a very cool restaurant for dinner. Itiawan at night has so much character. The atmosphere is beautiful and chic. After dinner we found a little bar and sat down for a couple of drinks. GIRL TALK. It was nice to get to know people on a friend level vs. their comparable mommy level. Could you believe we all had former lives with likes and interests? Our low key evening was about to come to an end. We paid our tab and as we were walking out the door, someone befriended the table behind us. Turns out they were headed to "The Hill" for some dancing. Sounds perfect. The night got a little wild, but for the safety of the women I will have to harbor the remainder of events in my mind.

I will say this. At one of the bars I left my purse with almost $500 in it. LEFT IT. Like just got up and walked off with it sitting in the bar. I didn't realize it till much later and when we went back - the guy just handed it over. UNTOUCHED! That would never happen in the States. Shocking since Seoul's population is close to 20 million! We made it back and got to sleep in till 9:30! IN THE MORNING! We enjoyed a brunch at Dragon Hill, checked out, went back to fake watch place, more shopping at the PX toy mart, and found the bus to go home.

It was such a great girls getaway. The boys missed me and I missed them. At night we usually ask them what the best part of their day was. I was totally ready to tell them that mine was coming home, but Cole beat me to the punch. That sweet guy said "my favorite part of the day was seeing you"... then I had to change my answer. My favorite part was two seconds ago.

I love my boys. The break was needed on both sides. Keith had a good time with them as well. It was good bonding time since he's headed to the States tomorrow. A quick TDY and home before Christmas. Our time here is flying by!