Monday, February 25, 2008

Juan, Cell part 1 and Blackcat

Juan Station

Prior to my departure, I had received an email from Remi Daviet and we agreed to meet in the first week of my arrival. Anyway, through MSN we were able to arrange a meeting at 1 in front of the “Cutting Room” (for Men and Women), which is a hairdresser that is located very close to both our apartments. Since neither of us had eaten, we went back to my apartment and made/ate crepes (which were good, as always!). Remi then took Agata and I around the campus for our first real look at it. Although everyone says that it’s small, I disagree. It is really quite large! I guess it’s only small from an Asian perspective (like their “small” cities…). Anyway, we got a little tour, checked-out the library and then hopped on the shuttle bus to Juan station. Since we hadn’t been there yet, Remi took us underground to the shopping mall, which involves dozens of little stalls selling items ranging from knickknacks and clothing to cell phones and internet connections. So, after browsing the mall, we decided to buy cell phones. Agata got a new phone (pretty basic slider) while I chose a used KRZR. However, since the faceplate was scratched, they agreed to replace it. But since they didn’t have the pieces, I had to return the next day. No problem, I thought! Well... I was wrong… Since it was supper at this point, we stopped at Korea’s McDonald’s, Lotteria. Basically the same, except they only speak Korean and have better ice cream.

Agata is very happy with her burger.

A Little Walk...

Anyway, after spending a while underground, we opted to head for the surface. Remi took us for a little walk to the “love motel” district. You notice this as there are little cards with pictures of scantily clad Korean girls on all the windshield whippers. Yea, classy. Basically, what one does there is rent the room with one’s lover and make good use of it, as they are nice rooms with big screen TV’s and many other luxuries, all at the affordable price of 40,000 won. Good deal! Anyway, according to Remi, foreigners often rent out these rooms as an alternative to normal hotels, as they offer nicer rooms for a lesser price! Figure that one out! Then again, other people rent them out by themselves and call the numbers on the picture cards…

The love motel district


Street near the love motel district

Blackcat

Well, after our stroll, we took the bus back to our neighborhood. Remi then suggested we go to a pub called Blackcat, situated maybe 500m from our apartment. En route, we picked up some delicious red bean paste filled dough fishes (if that made sense), which were, as aforementioned, delicious. Finally, we arrive at Blackcat, which is my favourite little pub on the planet. It isn’t all that big; it has 6 tables or so and a little bar, and it happens to be in the basement, but it is very charming. The whole wall behind the bar is covered with vinyls and CD’s, which is pretty cool. Also Alex, the owner, is a really cool guy who speaks English (believe it or not). And old-fashioned, oil-popped popcorn is served!

Anyway, we sat down, ordered drinks and then Eaun and Peter arrived. They’re English teachers hired by INHA, and are both very cool people. All in all, a great night was had by all!

Pictures of the pub

Eaun an I

Agata and Remi

Alex and Eaun

More pics of the bar (and the wall)


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