Alley wandering.

So I have realized while here, and in my reading, that there is no such thing as a general "addressing" system here. So cab drivers, whilst already not really speaking english, and me not speaking korean, well we end up having some confusion. I found that even with a business card showing the "address" of the hotel, doesn't necessarily get you there. I was able to garble together some stuff about Shenseigai, and central bus terminal to get home last night, but it was touch-and-go. But before my adventure home, wandering the alleys!

So, in order to at least better know one of the "gu's" of Seoul, I wandered throughout the Itaewon area of Yongsan-gu. I have been wandering the area in search of the tailor who will make me some nice dress pants and maybe even a nice tailored suit. In my quest of the area to find a tailor, why not find interesting places to shop, dine, and drink. Well of course, you check out the main drag, see McDonalds, KFC, and even Coldstone Creamery (Now I am NOT missing out on the Coldstone on the 6th floor at work!). :-)

Anyway, enough of the main drag and corporate eateries, I have kind of wandered through a few bits and pieces of alleys, and have been given a few places to check out by friends, coworkers, and my lonely planet guide. SOO....Last night, got out of work alone, hungry and a bit adventurous. I saw a couple of places the night before I wanted to eat at and check out, so I headed up the hill. I ended up in a really nice Italian joint, with amazing gorgonzola-arugala rizzotto. Awesome! Julie, that was for you! Anyway, afterward, still early enough to look at what might still be open. Well, its cold, and I know that I would look just dashing in a new scarf, so bam $1o on the street, kinda spendy, but the only one long enough for my fat neck.

After finding a nice scarf, lets hit those alleys! Now I have already wandered part of one, and realized it was an "international" zone, lots of muslim and halal establishments - a place to come back to for sure. So I start wandering up and up, as I wander up the hill there are shady looking bars and "clubs" all over the place. Then it happens! Women start flinging open doors shouting "Hey YOU!" "Come in here!" "Hey YOU!" Well, I get a chuckle out of the near constant stream of shouts and cat-calls, when bam, one has grabbed a hold of me and is trying to pull me in. Well, I am not the least bit frightened, and not as giggly, because I want nothing to do with what they have inside. Press on, and have a good laugh at it all. I believe I heard this area was called "Hooker Hill." No wondering why. Looked at a few spots to come back to, Polly's Kettle House, and the King Club, but otherwise, not going to frequent those alleys at all. ;-)

Hope all is well with you all, and I am adding a few more pics from my adventure last night to the existing photo page. Later.