A trip to Hongdae

I had to make the trek up to Hongdae to pick up my keys from Zen Bar. I snuck out of work a little early so I could rush to the bus stop, I wasn't looking forward to spending hours of my life just to spend 30 seconds picking up keys, I left as early as possible so I wouldn't get back to Dongtan so late. The bus ride up was fine, only taking me 30 minutes to get into Gagnam, but from there it was quite the adventure. I walked for a bit to find Gagnam station and find the correct subway to get me to Hongdae. After 20 minutes of wondering through the trail of cell phone kiosks and clothing shops, I finally was able to locate the right subway. I felt like such a tourist when I had to pull out my Seoul subway map to read and re-read the names of the subway stops I was trying to locate. Sometimes Korea words all blend and sound exactly the same. I had a 40-minute subway ride ahead of me so I was pretty distraught when I saw how crowded the subway was. It was ridiculous! I had to push and shove my way just to get on the damn thing. Then, after being pushed around and glared at a hundred times, I was able to sandwich myself into the crowd. There were so many people on the subway that I had someone pressed up against both of my shoulders, chest, and back. I couldn't move an inch if I tried. I usually would get irritated in this situation, but I kept thinking about how annoying it must have been for them to have an American taking up their precious space, so I remained as respectful as possible. It was funny to watch the stream of people sway back and forth as one when the subway would move aggressively. Those were probably the longest 40 minutes of my life. Hongdae was 15 stops away with each stop feeling like it took an eternity.

I felt like I was going to pass out from the body heat and hunger I had been feeling for the whole ride. I couldn't have been happier when my stop finally came! But then the real work began. I realized that I had no idea where to go once I got off the subway… only my vague memories of what street was leading in the right direction. I’ve been to Hongdae a few times, so I wasn't worried on my way here, but once I arrived I realized that just like the Koreans who live here, the streets all look the same. Bright lights, big signs, and random clothing shops and restaurants. I stopped at a Family Mart to ask for direction but she had no idea what I was saying so I called my Korean friend Lynn to have her translate for me (I love Lynn ☺). I was told the correct direction and began to wonder around looking for Zen Bar. I wondered through interesting allies with funky graffiti painted on them, adorable vintage shops, delicious-looking restaurants, and dark scary alleys that began to freak me out. For the most part, I was enjoying the stroll with wide, curious eyes, but after about 30 minutes of not being able to find the bar, I was getting frustrated. I wondered past a Starbucks and had a moment flash where I felt saved, but a second later I remembered that just because there is a Starbucks doesn't mean they can speak English and help me find my way. Its moments like this when I can’t wait to get back to my apartment and practice learning Korean! I stopped to attempt to ask for directions again and moments later I found Zen Bar!!! Yay!! I said my name and the bartender handed me my keys!!! I couldn't have been more relieved or excited to have this search end! I hate being lost, especially at night alone in a foreign country. Thank goodness Korea is one of the safest countries in the world!

I decided to reward myself for all of my hard hunting with some Quiznos! I’ve seen them in Seoul before, but I knew they were pricey so I’ve never had it, but today I decided that I earned it. I relaxed for while before I made my way back to the horrible subway ride to Gagnman, which wasn't as crowded this time ☺. Got lost in Gagnam station trying to find out which exit I was supposed to take, so I just tried one after the other until I found a familiar street, waited for the bus, and came back to Dongtan! After 5 hours of crowded spaces, being stared at and walking until my feet hurt in my most comfortable shoes, I finally made it home with keys and USB! As annoying as this trip was, I have to say that I enjoyed my time alone and seeing parts of the city I would have never seen otherwise. I only wish I had my camera with me so I could take pictures of all of the Korean side streets and graffiti covered walls!