Musical in a Palace, Trip to Osan, Out & About in Sincheon Seoul

Our weekend was packed with fun festivities. It started out on Friday night (9-26)--We saw a Korean Musical "Dae Jang Geum" (with English subtitles) in the Gyeonghuigung Palace (one of Seoul's "five grand palaces" built by the Joseon Dynasty. The musical is taken from a popular TV series, Jewel in the Palace. It is based during the Joseaon Dynasty (early 16th century) and focuses on a historical figure: Jang-Geum who became one of the first royal female physicians of her time. The ambiance was amazing--as well as the costumes, dancing, and singing. They even had blankets in each chair to keep us warm during the outside performance. The weather was perfect--probably 50F or so. And a bit on the chilly side--We've been praying for cooler weather--and it's here! It went from being 86 straight to 5oF--we were hoping for a little more transition! They say it gets chilly chilly here in the winter!

In front of the palace

Waiting for the show to begin!
The cast!
The great architecture and colors of the palace.
Wow---look at the amazing colors.
B-!

The musical ad!

Sat. (9-27)! HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY Grandmaw! Sorry we can't be there for your big Surprise party!! We took the train down to Osan where the Air Force Base is located and met up with two friends from Italy that I worked with at the Elementary School there: Tim was the principal and Edgar taught 3rd grade. It was so neat to meet up and enjoy a lunch together. Osan--is very friendly towards Americans--and the shopping is all catered to what we like. Custom suits, shirts, cashmere coats, handbags, custom leather boots, luggage tags, jackets, you name it--they have it...and can make it to your liking..and it won't leave your wallet with a hole in it. Osan was hosting their "Friendship Festival" where the US and Koreans celebrate a day together.

The Crew!

Watching the amazing drummers! See video below!
The drummers!
I just loved their costumes. Hello pom-pom!
We took the metro back to Seoul, and had dinner with some of B's coworkers.

We had dakgalbi (chicken with noodles, scallions, hot dogs, cabbage--all cooked in a red spicy sauce). The dakgalbi is cooked right in front of you, and they also serve side dishes with every meal that usually includes kimchi, pickled radishes, some sort of noodle dish, and maybe another veggie or soup. The food here is very good--We are enjoying the different tastes for sure.

They give you these little aprons to wear so you don't sparkle your clothes with
red sauce :)
After dinner, we headed to Woodstocks 70's bar in Sinchon. The owner is an amazing DJ. He has an incredible collection. We asked him how it was all organized: CD's, record albums, etc.--He said he just knows where everything is located--haha. It was a great bar--packed with locals.
Wine anyone? Hehehe..I just love it!
Picture of the bar on the outside.
We had a great time--as you can see--and met a lot of really nice and welcoming Koreans. Everyone was having a blast--singing, dancing, etc. One of the Korean guys kept busting out the Michael Jackson dance "I'm Bad..."---He had me in stitches laughing so hard.

Cheers to Maekju! & Peace!
I'm catching on that most Koreans throw up the PEACE sign in photos.
Our new friends!!
Mr. John Ryan in Seoul? We found you as a Korean!
Nate, Brian's veterinarian buddy in the middle--They served us these great peanut snacks when they brought the drinks!!

Sunday we had a BBQ on our community back garden. Our complex has a lot of super nice people--some from Germany, Canada, and the USA. It was nice to meet all the neighbors--some who have been forever helpful providing information, tips, suggestions, etc. about Seoul..and Korea.

Videos: Even though the world goes around--and we're on a different continent--people still love the YMCA no matter where you are--so it seems! Sorry for the dim lighting!! Also, check out the drummers in Osan--very cool!