This Time in Seoul

This is indeed a strange place for me. I’ve been walking past this cafe ever since I discovered it last summer. Not only is the facade interesting in itself, so clever the different shades of corrugated steel but also the way that it is tucked in physically away from the main street, makes it that much more inviting to me. I’ve noticed for quite some time now that even though I live in a city twice the size of NYC, I find places that are intimate, off the beaten path, if you will. Some sweet, quiet spots I share with people, some I do not. I love the idea of being the only foreigner in a quiet cafe, not giving a toss about the millions of people outside, until I am with them again, feeling grateful to be in their presence.

I thank Mr. Kim for letting me come to aA yesterday and get some images.
This one is my favorite.
The chairs look as if they are having their own conversation.
I didn’t want to interrupt so I took a picture from afar. 

  
Poster Photo by Ellen von Unwerth

As you may or may not know it is Lunar New Year vacation which means yours truly has been off for two days now and will return to “work” on Monday. However, since I love walking and am relentless and insatiable photographer, I hit the bricks to find something to shoot. It was a ghost town.

Lunar New Year is not spent guzzling champagne and finding yourself in intimate situations with people, plural, you met on an hour ago. I’ve heard stories, never partook in any debauchery. Ok, well, there was this ONE time…

No folks, this is not Paris, London nor any lame party in the United States during New Year’s. This is Korea and that means spending time with family, eating great food and honoring your ancestors. So the streets were empty today. A few roaming the streets like myself probably escaping their families no doubt, looking for cafes, Krispy Kreme shops and things to photograph. 

I only took 38 photographs. This is nothing for me. It was absolutely freezing today. My hands were killing me, it felt as if something were biting me long and graceful fingers! Home Jeeves, me thinks the Frostbite his having his way with me!All was not lost, I found this little gem in Hongdae. Reminds me of so many great times spent in Paris with my dear friend Catherine, having the time of our lives.  

Hello folks!

I went to another store that I’ve grown quite fond of, it’s located Myeongdong. Myeongdong is a mad house full of stark raving mad shoppers. Literally if you are six feet tall (comme moi) or taller you will most likely see the ebb and flow of black hair as you hurry (you have no choice) along to whatever store that catches your fancy to escape the crowds. Whew! Now, I haven’t been in Aland (name of store) in awhile but I was on the hunt for some Moleskin notebooks and I thought that I’d seen them in this store. Walking up the third floor to find all stationary and home decor items I was surprised to find a new branch of Jenny’s Cafe tucked in a corner that used to display bed linens, etc. I don’t know if I like this very popular cafe in my (yeah, that’s right) MY store. I don’t know if it works for me. What do you think?  The third floor is my favorite space as it has paper, stationary, home decor items and overpriced vintage furniture, but to add to it a little cafe? 

I was hungry. So, I ate. I ordered a little pizza, it was filling but left me unsatisfied. You know, kind of like a guy that you’ve been crushing on for a long time and when you’ve finally kissed him, well, the kiss makes you think that you could’ve called that Italian guy you know you’ll leave in about a week (I’m being generous here) but is such so sensual in the sack! God, I love everything Italian! Whew! Ok, I’m back. Take a look and tell me what you think. I think there’s too much going on. So much is going on in this place, A.P.C has it’s on exorbitantly priced section complete with DJ stand (give it a rest), there’s a second hand shop on the fourth floor. I’m getting ideas for my biz but more ideas about how not to overload the senses. If I had this space! (sweat beads on my forehead) I need a nap.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My favorite Christmas was spent with my brother and my Mom in our home town of Portsmouth. We were watching the Ten Commandments in our pyjamas, the apt. was impeccable and cozy as usual and I do believe chocolate chip cookies and milk were enjoyed by all. I will never forget how everything was so peaceful and how happy we were just to be together. It was actually the night of Christmas Eve (the most sacred day, to me). I’ve noticed that ever since I was a child, Christmas Eve has a quiet, a stillness like no other day or night of the year. I believe that it is so because all those who believe in God, The One, The Great Spirit tune into their hearts and actually acknowledge how precious life is. I am not with my family this year because I live in Korea, but I am always with them in spirit and I take them everywhere I go, so I guess that I do have my family with me.

Thank You, God.  Thank You for everything.

Ladies and Gentleman I present to you Korea’s first vinegar cafe: Vine Eau.
Last week while strolling along in Shinsa-dong I peered into a sparsely decorated, intriguing space. Little did I know that I’d come to my first cafe featuring vinegar infused drinks! I was told just now by the manager of this branch that vinegar was all the rage last year as the media focused on its ability to help consumers shed troublesome weight. I give it less than a year for the States to catch on to this. You’ll be able to smell vinegar on more than half the population of the United States! Whatever helps!
Not only is vinegar great for losing weight, but also for improving blood circulation and obtaining and maintaining great skin. I’m sold! I don’t need to lose weight but I love having great skin! I learn something new everyday!
Note: Not in the mood for a vinegar? They also serve great coffe: Organic Coffee! Organic Mocha Latte, anyone?

P.S. “The Chinensis and Persimmon straight” vinegar drink is invigorating!

I would like to make a safe generalization by saying that a large majority of Koreans are quite trusting. Evidence A: cafe blankets. Most cafes here that have outdoor seating provide blankets for their customers when temperatures begin to drop. Only in Korea. Never in America. In the States you’d have to give them a credit card, your SS# and blood type and THEN get in line to get said blanket. Trusting people is a beautiful thing. Thank you, Korea.

I came across this sweet spot yesterday as I’m obsessed with interesting spaces and interior design.
This cafe is called 6:02 Cafe and is located in Shinsa-dong an up and coming area in Seoul. I could happily live in this neighborhood and preferably near this cafe as well as the international restaurants also located a few paces from this place. I met the interior/furniture designer. He’s an interesting fellow that I plan on interviewing next week. He was so kind to offer and pour me a good cup of tea and I just made myself at home after that. Keep your eye on this place. It has a certain “je ne sais quoi”.

There are three reasons why I find myself at this place once again: 1. I love the lamps. 2.I like looking at the outdoor terrace while sitting in low light inside. 3. the quiet. The coffee prices are exorbitant but this is Apgujeong so that is to be expected. What they do have however is a decent chocolate cake and did I say lovely lamps and low light? They are not hurting for business so I’ll keep the name of this establishment for myself as I would like that the noise level remain at a minimum.
Sidenote: As I was happy as a child sitting in the dark, eating choco’ cake, a beautiful woman came over to my table and lo and behold it was someone that I knew! We met in July. That’s her in the picture. It was great seeing her and it just reminded me that I’m beginning to run into people more and more as if I were back in the States. Are we home, Jeeves?

After having a delicious lunch at La Notte in Apgujeong (post coming soon) the owner told to check out Papergarden, situated just a stone’s throw away. Papergarden is many things, all combining things that I love: food, design, art, scent, the list goes on. Upstairs I wandered and fell instantly in love with the space before me. All that was missing was a chorus of angels! Ha! I loved the slick cement floors, the spiraling staircase, the light, oh the light! Of course they carry some great names: Commes des Garcons, Les Prairies de Paris and Hannoh among others. In my opinion this is not what makes this store and its concept so attractive to me, it’s the way that they use their incredible space, items are placed carefully throughout.
Also I felt welcomed as I was greeted by Simon (CF0) and Youan (PR) who so graciously answered my questions and gave me the background of one of the items I inquired about. On top of everything they are environmentally conscious and want to get to know their clientele. I respect what they have created and hope that you get a chance to experience the store for yourself. It was inspiring!
Check out their website http://www.papergarden.co.kr/