Buffalo Seouldier

A prevalent phenomenon in many cultures is the practice of arriving to social events at least an hour after the stipulated start time. It's actually a sign of respect to the hosts, because having people over for a party takes a lot of effort and planning. It's important for guests to give their prospective hosts a little extra time to settle the finishing touches of whatever social gathering is being held for them. This 'accidentally on purpose' type of practice is most likely exercised in other micro-societies around the globe. Not in Korea, though.

No look I shipped off to Seoul for the weekend and took part in a cultural excursion organised through HandsKorea and XplorAsia (recruiting agencies). We had to meet in Gwangheungchang on Saturday, but the 'accidentally on purpose' practice (which is ingrained into my very genetic make-up) of arriving late to this social gathering was genu-winely unintentional, a whole 25 minutes. The weekend's activities included a visit to the Korean National Museum, visiting Namsan Tower and a farewell dinner. By the time I got to the initial meet up place (Mori Guesthouse) the rest of the gang had already left for the Korean National Museum so I was forced to play catch up rugby and meet them there. I arrived halfway through a timid tour guide's explanations about ancient and medieval Korean history. I managed to meet Buddha, too. He didn't say much, but apparently that's his deal. 

After a lunch of vegetable kimbap and a lemon ice tea we bussed off to Namsan Tower, located atop Mount Namsan. There we were able to feast on a two-part cultural exposition of reenacted Korean history which was displayed in the courtyard alongside said tower. The show started with a 5-piece drum ensemble, each member wearing a hat with spinning stick-of-sorts on their heads. The buggers did well to drum and spin those things on their diffs in organised fashion. A second group dressed in war regalia and bearing halberdiers and swords reenacted a war scene or two. A few bunches of drenched hay and bamboo sticks valiantly lost their lives. The adrenaline fueled finish and the cable-car trip back to Mount Namsan's foot left the group a little famished. The buggers feasted buffet-style at a restaaraunt whose name I wouldn't be able to pronounce.

Oner hearty meal later we were back at Mori Guesthouse we were getting stuck into the beer and sanju. We all got very excited about life and spent an evening at The Playground's rooftop party and everything was chilled.

Was a good weekend.