Yesterday was a wonderful day! We went to Insa-dong, a district of Seoul known for its art and tea. I had hoped to find maybe a few tea shops, but what I didn't expect was absolute Hannah heaven. There were tea shops everywhere-- down alleys, upstairs, downstairs and even on carts on the sidewalk. We found "The Old Tea House," a tea shop I found on the internet before we left. It was so quaint and beautiful. There are pictures in the slideshow. The tea was not as I had expected-- they served what seemed like herbal teas. James had iced plum, I had jujube made from honey-soaked dates, Emily had iced cinnamon punch, and James' dad had double harmony tea, made from a variety of herbs. I was expecting green tea, but these types were pleasant surprises. We mostly shopped at tea shops and looked at art. I bought two Korean tea cups, a whisk for Matcha (powdered Japanese green tea), and Jasmine tea flowers that bloom when infused.
We walked around for hours trying to find the tea museum. Most places here do not have addresses, so it's hard to find anything. We finally found the museum and after looking at all the displays, we sat down to have jasmine tea.
Next was dinner at a traditioanl Korean restaurant. I had hot and spicy noodles. After dinner we went next door to Starbucks. :-) I had a white mocha frappuccino (something we don't have in the states) and I bought a mug that says "Seoul Starbucks."
I think yesterday was especially amazing because I saw a more modern part of Seoul. Think Lost in Translation-- the highrise buildings, the lights, and the flatscreen TV's advertising everything under the sun-- that's what it looked like. I just stood there, awestruck. Thank you God for this amazing experience.
In order to view the pictures in the slideshow you need to download the latest Free flash player. You can do so by clicking on the link below (labeled "Click Here"). Once clicked, you will be taken to the Macromedia website. While there, click on the "Install Now" button. Once installed return to this site.
it's so cool that you are enjoying yourselves so much. i'm glad you got to see the modern part of seoul too. and Hannah heaven sounds like a place I would love to visit.
Posted by: stef at May 26, 2004 10:24 AM