I was meeting N. from the couchsurfing community for dinner, and we met in front of the Hyundai department store entrance at 17:30. I was a bit early so checked out the street vendors selling all sorts of snacks in front of the entrance while checking the metro exits nearby as Sinchon had so many exits in front of the store. She was early as well and we greeted comfortably. It was always a bit awkward to meet people that were complete strangers as we hadn't shared much online before meeting up. But conversation was easy and she let me though busting streets of Hongdae to quiet streets with interesting cafe/bar concepts. I was completely disoriented but was enjoying the conversation as if meeting old friends.
She suggested a chicken restaurant, which seemed to specialize in the type of spicy chicken that we had (chap chae). I was astonished by the dish size however, as it came almost in a huge round platter that could fed 4-6 people. Matter of fact the other tables had parties of 4-6 and the serving looked the same.
The red peppers were not for decoration. The cold radish as side dish was not enough to cool me down as the spices got me sweating and crying in no time. It was very tasty but the spiciness eventually accumulated and got the best of me. So I had an additional soda and rice while listening to her stories form her trips in China, her life in Seoul, and her aspirations.
After the meal we walked more into Hongdae looking for the Nanta theatre. N. asked me if I like clubbing, and I sure did, but wondered if maybe I had reached the age considered to be past the age of clubbing. It was interesting to see the ealry rising of nightlife as fashionable, hyper and hopeful youth started to take over the streets. I was curious but had a performance to catch. We were a bit confused about the direction of the theatre and when N. asked into a convenient store she was almost yelled at because it was literally in front of us (and though we must have been joking). Anyway, it was near a preppy mall/performance centre and in the underground floors.
We walked down the spiraling stairs about 19:00 and I got my ticket before a huge group of tourists took the whole desk. It was a popular show because it was a non verbal show. I was curious, obviously because it was about food (kitchen chefs etc) and also because it was the first non verbal show I was seeing after Cirque du Soleil "Ka", almost 10 years ago.
N. left after our meeting and I hoped to see her again the next time I visit Seoul or elsewhere in the world. I was touched by our conversation as it was simple yet meaningful. I was not used to be comfortable with strangers, but we got along nicely.
I was first to enter the theatre and was seated front row smack right in the middle. I was wondering whether it was a good thing or not given that I was expecting some food to fly at me (could still see some cabbage on the floor). The stage was setup as a kitchen and I was anticipating the show. As more people entered the hall, I could see groups of Japanese, Chinese, a few Koreans, Westerners. The theatre was not full but here was a good number of audience.
As the show started, I was caught in 1h30 of hilarious dance, facial expressions and onomatopoeia made by the 5 members of the talented cast. I would probably check out a musical the next time, or a traditional orchestra, in order to get a taste of the traditional musicality.
The show finished shortly before 10pm and as I walked back to the hotel I was envious of all the groups going out on Friday night. I was taken back 10 years during University days, and how things were so glittery and exciting back then. I also noticed how tall people were as I passed by the populous areas. After 15min walk, I got back to the Sinchon rotary and decided to turn the TV on to avoid hearing another screaming lady next door. I wondered if I would still have time to come back and enjoy the night life in Hongdae or if it would be too late the next time I visit...
She suggested a chicken restaurant, which seemed to specialize in the type of spicy chicken that we had (chap chae). I was astonished by the dish size however, as it came almost in a huge round platter that could fed 4-6 people. Matter of fact the other tables had parties of 4-6 and the serving looked the same.
After the meal we walked more into Hongdae looking for the Nanta theatre. N. asked me if I like clubbing, and I sure did, but wondered if maybe I had reached the age considered to be past the age of clubbing. It was interesting to see the ealry rising of nightlife as fashionable, hyper and hopeful youth started to take over the streets. I was curious but had a performance to catch. We were a bit confused about the direction of the theatre and when N. asked into a convenient store she was almost yelled at because it was literally in front of us (and though we must have been joking). Anyway, it was near a preppy mall/performance centre and in the underground floors.
We walked down the spiraling stairs about 19:00 and I got my ticket before a huge group of tourists took the whole desk. It was a popular show because it was a non verbal show. I was curious, obviously because it was about food (kitchen chefs etc) and also because it was the first non verbal show I was seeing after Cirque du Soleil "Ka", almost 10 years ago.
N. left after our meeting and I hoped to see her again the next time I visit Seoul or elsewhere in the world. I was touched by our conversation as it was simple yet meaningful. I was not used to be comfortable with strangers, but we got along nicely.
I was first to enter the theatre and was seated front row smack right in the middle. I was wondering whether it was a good thing or not given that I was expecting some food to fly at me (could still see some cabbage on the floor). The stage was setup as a kitchen and I was anticipating the show. As more people entered the hall, I could see groups of Japanese, Chinese, a few Koreans, Westerners. The theatre was not full but here was a good number of audience.
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