Scooter Girl Part Deux
Was bored at home so you know what that means? Hit the streets! The energy here in Seoul is unbelievable. There are just as many people, if not more, walking around at night as there are in the daytime. It’s Sunday night, people. People seem to literally eat and sleep at home and the rest of their time is spent outdoors.
Found some more scooters, as I hardly roam without my camera now. These were near Hyundai Department store. Since there are a lot of people at night, the stores, boutiques are open as well. I’ve decided to stay away from popular stores and focus my attention on boutiques so as to not walk around looking like a copy of someone else’s knockoff. As I am quite lucky, I found a vintage Burberry overcoat! It’s so “old man”! Price? Sixty thousand Won. Hmm, yes please!
By the way, the trench coat in the first picture is truly speaking to me. The red shoes! Steady on the grind!
Scooter Girl!
I’ve been wanting a scooter ever since a former French boyfriend told me, “Paris is ours!” as I held onto him tightly while we raced all over Paris on his gorgeous black scooter. Take me higher! I was in ectasy!
Of course I love the Vespa but there are other models of scooters that are just as striking, just as stylish.
I envy the girls who dare to drive scooters in Seoul. The traffic here makes New York look like a small town in Indiana. That’s the only thing holding me back from purchasing a scooter here. You see, I love breathing and I love walking on my two feet. Riding here in Seoul, might stop these two cherished activities. The girls here look cool as hell on their bikes. For now I will pretend that I am those tough, chic girls but trust and believe, I’ll have a scooter soon enough! I plan on going to the Vespa shop in Apgujeong next week. Stay tuned!
Leather, yes please
I must have it! I’ve always wanted a leather jacket. Some that I’ve tried on before made me look or even feel a bit butch, um definitely not my style. I was sitting in a new cafe in my neighborhood and found this jacket in one of the magazines offered. I love it! It’s something that I’d wear with a dress and funky boots. Can hardly wait for Autumn to come! If I don’t find it, you know that I’ll make my way to ITAEWON, and have a leather jacket custom made that comes close what you see in the photo. Hehe!
Three pastimes
The bright yellow attracted me initially but then I saw three pastimes that are very important in Korea:
1. Text messaging
2. Eating
3. Playing games
Tom Dixon, ladies and gentlemen
Walking home after having had a couple of drinks and giggles with some friends of mine, I passed the galbi restaurant where I took Mr. Dixon for a bite to eat some weeks ago. I initially suggested Italian but he wanted something more suitable. Galbi it is, sir! This is where I introduced Tom to Korean barbecue. You cannot have galbi without soju (I can’t drink too much of this) and/or beer. I like it but you have to eat it quickly or smoke will definitely get in your eyes. I like this place, it’s always full of people on the weekends and the gaudy Van Gogh on the wall always makes me smile.
Last night was a chilly one but I was reminded of the nice time that I had with a new friend and how funny it was to play “tour guide” after having only lived here for about four months.
Ratatouille
After spending time riding bikes around the lake and eating traditional rice cakes with my students, I bought the movie, Ratatouille. I wanted to see what my niece, Maryam saw (without me but with my brother) a month ago.
I love this movie! I know that I’m on the late train with viewing this movie but it has warmed my heart so much that I am inspired to cook as if I give a real damn as well as return to my second love, Paris. I have a month of vacation coming soon and I feel like I should return to Europe for a “minute” and see some very special people. I’ll then move onto Malaysia, Singapore…
The movie brought back all the food that I’ve shared with people that I love. Spending time in the Catherine’s kitchen, watching her cook…Oh! and then there’s meals cooked by former boyfriends over candlelight. After having dinner one of them sang a love song that they wrote just for me. For me! Not every woman has experienced this, but every woman should.
My favorite meal I will not share with anyone because it was made by my first love and it was the most wonderful thing that anyone had ever made me, given me up till that point in my life.
As I’ve said, I’m an extremely lucky person. One friend, Philippe, makes my favorite meal. I ask him and he makes it, very kind of him and it’s simply delicious. Philippe you’re the greatest. I’m so glad that I met you and that you’re a GREAT COOK! On top of that you’re French! Of course, I didn’t need this movie to remember just what it is I love about Paris, great food and great friends, some of whom happen to be French. The great thing about Paris is that once you love it, it loves you back for the rest of your life. I’ve been to many places around the world, but none that quite matches what this city has given me…and keeps given me, even in a cute little film such as Ratatouille.
Steamed rice cake
As we we entered my favorite teahouse I saw a saffron-colored cake on a miniature cake stand.
I had to taste it. Fifteen minutes after ordering our tea, the cake was brought to our table. Steam was floating out of the ceramic top that covered the cake. I inquired as to why it took so long to make, the reply was that it takes fifteen minutes to make it (I was very hungry, people). I was told that this cake is comprised of two kinds of powder and that these powders are put into a form and steamed. As the owner lifted the the cover, a beautiful, steaming hot cake was revealed and slowly eaten. It is not sweet, is quite spongy, very moist and perfect to have with tea. Delicious.
Before night is falling
I was sitting in my favorite teahouse and saw this building, in the background there were mountains.
I just like the lines it creates against the sky and the color before night is falling.
Changing moods
Looking for inspiration, a mood lifter, so I choose to look at photographs and dance around my apartment like a mad woman.
Feeling better already.
Akiko
Akiko is a lovely woman and I’m lucky enough to have her as a colleague. She is originally from Kyoto and she teaches Japanese.
Over refreshing tea and lovely steamed rice cake we laughed, talked and share goals for the future.
As the French would say: Adorable
