Yellow Dust

 While Seoul is amazing, and has amazing sights, it is also a polluted city. Yellow dust, a gift from China'a Gobi Desert, spreads in sweeping winds as particulate matter, and is carried to many parts of Asia in differing concentrations {typically in spring, but at any time; now it is particularly bad}. Which is often why Koreans are seen in the city wearing masks to cover their mouths. While in Seoul, the air was often so hazy it looked like a permanently foggy day. Seeing stars, even seeing the setting sun clearly, just simply doesn't happen: 

{The sun setting on a perfectly "sunny" day when we left Gimpo {Pronounced Kimpo} Airport in Seoul}. 

To compare: the sun above the haze from the airplane window: 

Interesting link on "yellow dust": 

http://usembassyseoulconsular.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/all-about-yellow-dust/

As Psy says: Gangnam Style

On a rainy day while in Seoul, what is one to do but shop. So Rachel and I had to check out Gangnam, an upscale district of Seoul known for it's good eats {and plastic surgery}, and made popular by the K Pop singer, Psy's hit song:  

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH1XGdu-hzQ‎

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Your welcome for that little gem. 

Before we left, we had a relaxing brunch in Itaewon for breakfast. I haven't had a real satisfying breakfast in forever. Gecko's may be the closest thing to an American bar as you can get, here. Meaning they play Katy Perry and know what bacon is. 

 {Salad, along with other items like white rice, and squid, kimche, etc. is commonly served with breakfast. While Koreans do serve "typical" foods at breakfast, they have other sides as well. Also jam is served on any imaginable carb here}. 

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Shopping!: 

 {A man crafting handmade leather shoes. My size (US 8.5) or 255 in Korean sizes *aka Bigfoot* is very hard to find here. Some stores offer to craft you shoes that are not available in your size. 

 {^^The store. And below, leaving with the goods. New winter heels and a red leather handbag. I literally made Rachel take a subway 10 stops and a solid hour back to buy the handbag.Ahhh indecision. My sense of direction is nonexistent and I found the shop on the crowded streets}. 

 {The bear outside a teen's clothing store. The bear reminded me of my teddy, Buke and of my boyfriend, Luke :) }.

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{The ^^ charming little shoulder shrug routine he's doing. Also Luke. Miss ya!}

Why hello, Hello Kitty!

Anyone who has carried on a relationship with me longer than they have a breath mint, knows I AM OBSESSED with all things Hello Kitty. And what better place to celebrate HK then in the motherland: Asia. (Sanrio is a Japanese company). If you don't know what Sanrio's is: stop reading, we are no longer friends. 

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Here are some cutesy, girly, frilly PINK pictures. Ah. Sorry, Luke. 

*Meow*

  

 {Just the toilet stall...}

{Sampling a few treats}: 

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{Posing with the life size stuffies. What's better than cake and stuffed animals}? 

 {This woman was a visitor traveling from China. I saw her discreetly take my picture a few times, and then she asked me to pose with her! Her style is super unique: Loved it!}

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{Leavingggg} :(

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{Blink twice and you'll still see shades of red. Oops!}

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