Missing the Ssamzie Market

It has been 3 months now since I came back to Iowa. I still sometimes start my sentences out with, "When I was in Korea," but for the most part, things have gotten pretty much back to normal around here. I am happy to be home and happy I no longer have to endure racism, my wacked out Korean American prick head teacher, or any of the other bullshit involved with living somewhere unfamiliar where you just don't fit in!

I do, however, miss the shopping in Korea!!! I miss taking weekend trips alone into Seoul to explore what I wanted to explore and to take my time and get lost and make discoveries along the way. One of my favorite places to go was the Insadong Market on Sunday afternoons. It is a total tourist trap but also completely awesome! I especially enjoyed Ssamzie Market, the artsy center where I coveted all of the awesome stuff in the boutiques.

Ssamzie Market has tons of DIY crafted items, jewelry, and even an Ana Sui Boutique. One of my favorite vendors was this amazing girl who did miniature dioramas of Seoul cityscapes and little Korean rooms. Soooo awesome! I am kicking myself for not picking up her book while I was there. Why was I such a cheapskate? Darn it!

Dalki is well loved in Korea and is kind of the Strawberry Shortcake of the country. I think she looks kind of mean and angry but I guess cute at the same time. This little vendor was making strawberry smoothies and little Dalki inspired treats.

Well, I hope someday I will get to go back and take a trip purely for pleasure so that I can re-visit all of the places I loved so dearly!

More Photos From the Seoul Toy Museum

The Seoul Toy Musuem was one of my favorite places in all of Seoul. I went there twice during my stay in Korea, just because I liked it that much! I probably took hundreds of photos that day so I decided it is only fair to share more of the great photos from my trip to the toy museum. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Korean TV

While living in my basement dungeon in South Korea, I had plenty of time to veg out and watch TV. Most of the channels were in Korean but there were a few in English, including the Fox channel that played car chases, action flicks, and funniest home videos 24-7. Thank God Tooniverse played the Simpsons every night at 11 p.m. I also must admit that I enjoyed watching the Korean channels, although I was pretty much clueless 100% of the time as to what the hell was going on:)

Sometimes, I actually miss watching those wacky shows on Korean television. Even the infomercials were hilarious to me. And of course, every commercial was a total mind-fuck, for sure!!!

Home Sweet Home

Of all of the most important things I collected during my time in South Korea, I would rate my toys at the top of the list! My toys finally have a home here in Iowa, as seen here displayed on a few shelves. Seriously, every time I look over at my toys, I get super happy. I love toys!

Korean Inspired Doodles

I thought it was only fitting that I would revisit doodleland and create some cute things based off of stickers I picked up in Korea. Food and cuddly bears and Stinky tofu- my favorite subjects:)

Sara's Top Moments in Korea

Thought I would get a little bit nostalgic and rehash some of my best Korea memories:)
Note: Some photos were stolen from Lindsay's blog..... With love!!!

Paddle Wheelin' in Burlington

Nothing back home has changed a bit!

Of course, my first weekend back in Iowa meant good times to be had in Burlington.... At the Paddle Wheel!!! It was good to see all of my old friends and it was funny to find out that in 7 months, I have missed absolutely no action! Nothing has happened and nothing has changed! Ha ha! Gotta love home for that. Hell, my boyfriend hadn't even unpacked our pantry from our old apartment yet!

Leaving on a Big Airplane

The flight was crazy, but most bargain multi-stop flights are, I think. I flew with Northwest Airlines from Incheon to Tokyo/Narita followed by and 8 hour flight to Seattle. When I arrived stateside, it was foggy and snowing. Naturally, my next flight had been canceled. One of the United ladies took pity on my soul and hooked me up with a flight to Denver and the connecting flight to Chicago. When I arrived in Chicago, I was dazed but only about 2 hours behind scheduled arrival time. Not too bad. To my pure amazement, Will and his sister were waiting at the gate and my luggage rolled down the line in good time!

Pure luck. I could kiss the ground when I finally touched solid ground again!!!!

Northwest Airlines buddying up with Korean Air.

The closest I have ever been to Tokyo!

The Japanese style lunches served on the flight to Tokyo/Narita.