Today was a travelling day from Busan to Seoul. As the trains aren’t inflated and pretty much the same price all the time, we made a basic school boy error of not booking in advance. It had been OK in Japan but of course this is Korea and it is different.
The bus came quite quickly, we weren’t certain if we would be allowed on, as it said no bulky luggage, which we had a plenty! But luckily, I think the language barrier sometimes helps, it is too much effort to argue, especially when they have to keep to their times.
Reaching the train station, getting the tickets, only to be told that it would be a standing ticket only. So the journey would be standing all the way potentially.
We managed to get seats to begin with, but very quickly the train was rammed and we had to sit in the corridor. It was OK, as they had fold down seats. Pete and I managed to share one, but then an over zealous guard told us off!
Of course it was a busy train, lots of people coming to Seoul for the weekend. But I have never seen the number departing from a train like this before, even in London.
Subway for two stops to Myeongdong, so we were getting nearer. But then I remembered I couldn’t find my purse, and got quite stressed. Both rucksacks have a lot of pockets, so there was a lot of searching. It was there!
The subway was equally rammed, and although by some miracle I had got on, Pete was behind me. Together with a group of other passengers, he was unceremoniously pushed on. Luckily only two stops but it was a palaver getting off too. But we did see the funny side of it.
We knew vaguely where we were staying but not exactly. It truns out e had passed the path to the flats several times. Up a very, very steep hill.
This was the painting at the bottom of the hill. I think my happy place is when it is flatter! I think I am definitely fitter after this holiday.
At the top of the hill, the owner was outside doing jobs. He had the most perfect English we have heard so far in Korea. He grabbed my ruucksack and took us to our room. It had said it was on the first floor, but it was on the 4th floor. Oh dear god!!!
Anyway he was great and explained everything. Also here we get a free transfer taxi to the airport train. Not bad for £38.00 a night.
At the bottom of the hill we climbed is the Vegan Kitchen, so we went there.
It was gorgeous! The salad was particularly good, which roast pumpkin and sweetcorn and lots of greens.
The area is very much a backpackers one, feel like the oldest backpackers in the ‘village’. But age is but a number and I don’t ever want to slow down!
Random Acts of Travelling 