Cherries & Congress 체리 앤드 콩그레스

The original plan was to get an early start, visit the 63 building and the traditional streets of Insadong. We got a late start, and since coffee is so expensive here, we tried McDonald's, since the price is still similar to back home. But it was already 11:00 so no breakfast, so ..... we went a block down to Dunkin Donuts. And yes, the menu is different, and the donuts are too, but we still had a nice breakfast.

Here is the picture of the 63 building as we drove by it on the bus. We didn't miss our stop, we are just that spontaneous, since Jane saw the paper on the bus window saying the Spring Flower Festival (featuring the street lined with blossoming cherry trees) was this weekend, so we stayed en route since it was a perfect Spring day and we wanted to be outside enjoying it.

It made me think we were in D.C. since the cherry trees are near the capital building that houses the congress. Sadly, there was only one little cherry tree blooming, the others looked like they will be ready in a couple days. But there were other lovely flowers to be enjoyed! And some entertainment, like traditional Korean dancing and music.

We also toured the visitor center, went through the rooms, saw the cases full of gifts from other countries - they were quite beautiful: usually a traditional native art like a carving, a vase, a tea set, a beaded or paper flower. But we didn't linger. We just needed the restroom really .... but we did find a few photo-ops.

I am tall

President Baek

not sure what this says

Here are some of the the flowers, and this first one is called Grandmother's flower. And as we tried to get a picture, several "grandmothers" were crowding around commenting on how lovely the flower is. Effective.

"your sunglasses are in my eye"

Han River & Seoul Marina behind us

look at the nice cherry tree ... branch

And of course I love getting my picture with local celebrities, characters, government officials, circus performers ...

horsey!

Larvae from little videos
 on public transportation (just click here)

don't know who this guy is

if the hat fits

 And here are some more pictures:

a lion!

I am small

is it a "rice"dog?

bubble tea!

no end in sight

The rest of the day we just shopped around in the stores underground in the train stations - this one in particular is huge!! There is lots of variety, and it was packed full of shoppers! It got a little stuffy, Jane & I needed to surface for air. 

And unfortunately we didn't make it home in time to watch the live broadcast of the Psy concert! 

Oh well, maybe next time, Korea.