A Last minute Sunday Adventure.

The weather this Sunday was amazing. Unfortunately, it was Simon's last day at the IBA, and he and the others had planned to play starcraft one last time.

This was not my idea of fun, so after we ate lunch, I looked through my Lonely Planet guide for something to do.

I chose to visit Seoul Grand Park.



Seoul Grand Park, was not exactly what I expected it to be, I thought it would be less of a zoo, little kids park, and more of a Park with some nature stuff, maybe a small food court or something. But regardless, I guess I did not do my research, so what could be done. I had a lot of fun despite the fact that it was for children, (or maybe because it was...?)

When I got there I bought myself the combination entry fee, it got me a ride on the ski lift, a ride on the tram, and the entrance fee to the zoo. 8000 won. (5 USD)

I regret not taking a picture of the tram, it looked like an elephant.

At the zoo I found these interesting women who wore primary colors.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

There where some flamingos.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

Some giraffes...

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

Some really bored looking mountain goats...Poor goats

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

There were these dancing elephants. The whole park echoed with a really creepy music, that made you feel like you where in some sort rom-com movie. It was really disturbing, but the interesting thing was that the elephants danced along with it. You can see a video, or some still pictures.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

There was also a nice camel, who did not spit at me.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

A stupidly cute seal, and it mom

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

There were these adorable fighting bears. There mother eventually stopped them. They fought for about 5-7 minutes, with each one taking a turn at being victorious.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

Then there was this dopey looking guy :-p

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

The most memorable thing as far as animals go where the birds of prey, and the sky larks.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

These guys, even though they are both birds have two very different experiences at the zoo. The larks are not part of the zoo, yet the fly freely and bother all the animals, there was one watching the bears fight, the elephants dance, and also sitting on the camels. There was one who pooped on the vultures too. They could do anything they want.

The great majestic birds of prey are in cages, with two or three others at the same time. they get pooped on by larks, cant even open up their wings. They cannot hunt, to me its a wonder that they are still alive. I felt so awful seeing them. These creatures are not meant for the zoo. Living in a cage is the opposite of being a bird. Birds must be allowed to fly freely, just because people are limited by society and their many obligations, doesn't mean we should take out our frustrations on birds by locking them up like prisoners. I only took one picture of them.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

Sorry that was a bit of a rant. Other than looking at animals, I did a little hiking. I found a nice dam, and I climbed across it. The other side was sort of a restricted area. I walked along in the forest and then I saw a big pile of rocks, so of course I climbed it. It was more tiring then expected. When I got to the other side I saw a drying reservoir. It was quite beautiful, I spent about an hour sitting at the shore, skipping rocks or else not doing anything. It felt great to be alone for while isolated. In the zoo, when I sat down to rest, the little kids who walked by would stare with there eyes wide open, and whisper to their parents "waeguk saram!!" (foreigner) Please enjoy the photos.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

The Drying resevoir...

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

Even though it was really warm, there where these ice piles all around...

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

....

On my way home, I was hungry. I decided to get something authentic and Korean. These were my options.


Shells, with snails inside. You have to suck them out through the opening. They taste a bit like olives, but a different texture.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

These are maggots, I tried these too, but I only had one, the snails were much better. These were really salty, but had no substance, kind of felt like chewing salty paper that had a little bit of hummus on it. Anyway, it wasn't aweful but not my bag.

From Simons Last Days, A Seaoul grand Park adventure

That's the end of last weeks Sunday, it was fun for me. For all the pictures check out my picasaweb. picasaweb.com/boris.nygocenter