One of THOSE college jobs

The jobs that young people sometimes must endure, just to earn a little cash. In Seoul, especially around popular shopping areas, one can often spot those donning mascot costumes for various promotions. On top of temperature concerns, such costumed individuals might also have to deal with the potential embarrassment of being seen in public. 

On our way to the Ihwa mural village in Seoul, these young people were hard to ignore. One was wearing a very tall inflatable woman. Speaking from the groin of the woman, he explained that wearing the outfit and manipulating the arms was rather draining. Being rather top-heavy, I can imagine that it would be particularly challenging on a windy day. After a few hours wearing the woman, he traded places with the other young man who was carrying a large load of boxed cuckoo rice cookers. I'm hoping that the inflatable woman drew the attention of customers who then empathized with young lads and bought more rice cookers.

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Illuminated Christmas, Seoul-Style

The commercial area of Myeongdong in Seoul is beautifully illuminated with colorful Christmas lights. I'm not into buying overpriced designer stuff found inside the malls, but I do like the decorations!

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The (Crowded) Commercial Streets of Myeongdong

After our visit to the Myeongdong Cathedral, my friend and I headed over to the "other" part of Myeongdong - the shopping area. The streets were crammed with people eager to partake of the incredible array of shopping opportunities in the stores and along the streets. English signage dominated here, each fancy store competing to sell its luxury goods and high-end items. 

Clothing wasn't just for people though. Seoul's very pampered pooches had quite the assortment of jackets to keep their carefully groomed fur (and sometimes dyed) warm. 

Hats, gloves and other accessories were stacked and displayed. I couldn't resist to buy some cute patterned socks (made in Korea!) for just over $1 each.

All that shopping makes a person hungry. Fortunately there are plenty of food stalls and restaurants to satisfy those under a variety of budgets and culinary preferences.

Myeongdong also had some romantic-looking walkways.
I wonder of the fur coat is real...

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The Art of Money

The small stalls and shops of Hanoi are so inviting for onlookers. The goods in the front of one shop particularly caught my attention. Such colorful sculptures - all made from money! (Too bad they were fakes). Although the very plain "Bens" were in there, the other currencies were far more colorful. 

Which is your favorite?

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Tuckered Out at the Shop

I spotted this cute dog at one of the shops selling textiles in Shuhe, Yunnan (China). Perhaps it had been a long day for this fashionable friend, tired after experiencing lots of women coming in to eye the handiwork. At least the dog has found a comfortable place to snooze!

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Qinghefang Ancient Street, Hangzhou

During the morning of my second day in Hangzhou, I took a direct city bus down to Qinghefang Street. Located near West Lake, it is the only remaining preserved historical section of the ancient city. Some of the pharmacies, tea houses, restaurants and handicrafts stores have been in existence for hundreds of years, a few dating back to the mid-1600's. 

Such shops now compete with McDonald's and KFC, but at least the district government has worked to protect the area's historical buildings.

Some sheltered archways provided for some better photography on this very rainy morning. Many of the shops weren't yet opened when I first walked through. Some that were open sold rather cheap-looking souvenirs, including some simple appliqué lanterns from Orissa, India.

Some shops demonstrated local candy-making or allowed visitors to sample their teas. 

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Umbrellas all Above Me

While waiting for the new HomePlus grocery store to open for the day, I walked around the new mall Mecanatpolis. It amazed me at how many American (and other) chain stores were here, both food and clothing. At 8:30 AM, the workers were busy washing the flooring around the large fountain of one several openings in the mall. The only other action happening was at the Krispy Kreme store, a few bakeries, the obligatory coffee shops, Dunkin' Doughnuts, and some young people hanging in front of TGIFridays. Some people emerged from the Hapjeong subway station connected to the mall - very convenient indeed.
Particularly true in Korea, I made it a point to "look up" and wasn't disappointed. Strung like a canopy were neon-colored umbrellas, contrasting with the bright blue morning sky. Tall apartment buildings added a bit of contrast to the curvilinear designs of the mall's curved opening with exposed levels. A cheery scene early on a Saturday.

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Buying those Chuseok Gift Boxes

For those detesting long checkout lines and crowds in stores, they best avoid entering a store in Korea this week. Families all over the country are preparing for Chuseok, the harvest festival. As part of this festival (one of the three most important holidays in Korea), gifts are exchanged. Particularly for busy professionals, presenting an expensive, beautiful gift box is an attractive solution.
Presented here are a few of the gift boxes I spotted while going EARLY to the grocery store on Saturday. I have included their dollar equivalents in the captions below each photo.
Which would you buy?

SPAM - care for the box at $40 or $49?

Not sure what this is - ginseng? $89 (a "bargain" from its regular price of $110)

Precious apples - $42 or $55

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Cookin' with the Kitty

A cartoon character may be considered popular when its image appears on T-shirts and stationery. (See my previous posting on a Hello Kitty shop at Namdaemun). When it is featured on its own airplane and cookware, then it's made it to the big scene. Yes, while at the Tokyo airport, I spotted a Hello Kitty airplane. Hello Kitty fans are encouraged to pitch their boring T-fal cookware and cook with the Kitty. Imagine how much more fun cooking and washing dishes must be when you can stare the cute feline on the bright pink (or magenta) cookware.

If you still haven't had enough of the kitty, or perhaps your cooking made you a bit queasy in the stomach, the Pink can follow you in the "little room" as well. 

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Hello Kitty in Korea

Hello Kitty is a popular character in Korea, whose iconic image is plastered on everything from cell phone covers to hard case luggage. There's even a pink-colored café in Seoul by the same name. It's not just for young girls either. I've seen men (without kids) sporting luggage with the familiar kitty. I have not succumbed to the lure of the pink, nor do I intend to do so.

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Cutsey or Glitzy?

Cell phone covers and accessories are a big thing in Korea. From glitzy to cutsey to utilitarian, you can find them all, firmly clutched in the hands of smartphone users. Some of the cutsey ones are quite massive and bulky. Not my taste...

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Shopping, Nandaemun-style

Needing to purchase some Christmas lights, I headed over to Nandaemun, a large market area in Seoul.  Still early (for Seoul) on a Sunday morning, the streets were rather empty. If you have enough time to look around (and perhaps bargain), one can find quite a bit in Nandaemun and at better prices than department stores. Food can be purchased street-side or in the shops. Something for everyone. If you wait until the afternoon though, the streets may be packed with shoppers and sellers alike. 

The Christmas decorations and huge numbers of stalls and stores selling winter jackets was a strong reminder of the season to come. Not sure if I'm ready though...

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Shopping in the Sports Stadium

This is one sports stadium that the women frequent more then men. Although it was built as a stadium for the 2002 Soccer World Cup with a seating capacity of over 66,000, it now houses a 10-screen cineplex, a large discount shopping store, and numerous smaller shops. 

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Kimonos and Fans

Shops like this are a good indicator that this area of Seoul - Insa-Dong - is frequented by tourists. At least these souvenirs are flat and lightweight. Although I'm sure I'll find some nice momentos for family members here in Korea, I am pretty confident that the variety and quantity won't be equalled by what I found in India. Finding the right gift can be a challenge. It's a good thing I have plenty of time yet before I head back to Wisconsin for the summer. 

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Wonder Woman Meets Seoul

Somehow this circular sign of Wonder Woman, hanging above a shop in traditional Insa-Dong doesn't quite fit, particularly next to the sign with cute kids. I wonder what she is saying in Korean.

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Mega Calligraphy

Located at the beginning of the walking street in the Insa-dong section of Seoul is this giant calligraphy brush sculpture. It even comes with a shiny "ink" blot. It signifies the still-present ancient artform, for which one can buy supplies (horsehair brushes, handmade paper, ink, etc.) in small shops in the area.

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Korean Proud

Koreans are a proud nation. Photographed here are two well-known symbols - the Korean flag and postcards of famous movie stars. What symbols of your country would one find in a souvenir stand?

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Ewha Women's University area - shopping for shoes

Like in most countries, Korean women love shopping for clothing and shoes. The area around Ewha Women's University is no exception, boasting of streets lined with clothing, shoes, and accessories particularly geared towards the female gender. With such a large display item and color to match, no doubt the store next to this mega shoe beckons the average female in search of footwear. Too bad they don't carry my size...

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When it Rains in Jaipur, Go Shopping!

Using the rains and muddy streets as an excuse, we went in some stores and did some jewelry shopping. A few chais later, we managed to pick out a few that we liked , both as gifts and for ourselves. We also enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets, peeking in the shops were jewelry metal was being pounded and lac bangles formed. The brilliant colors and intricate ornamentation of the saris was enough to tempt the eye of any woman. Inside the shops, women poured over piles of the colorful material, with the salespeople pulling out more to show them.

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Paharanj Area, Delhi

Although not a posh area by any means, the Paharganj area of Delhi where our hotel was located was bustling with energy. In true Indian fashion, it was rather chaotic, but alive. Bicycle rickshaws pedaled their way through the narrow streets. Cows ambled their way through the crowd, leaving behind presents. Vendors cooked right along the sides of the streets. Cloth, sandals, produce, and other goods were laid out for those willing to bargain. In the windows or openings of narrow shops, psychedelic baggy pants, shawls, textiles, jewelry, and other goods catering to tourists were prominently displayed. Young backpacker tourists sported their newly purchased outfits. For the more practical traveler, toilet paper and bottled water were also given their space. Due to the “chill” in the air, knitted caps and scarves, along with mittens, jackets and sweaters were brought out to the front, hoping to catch the eye of both tourists and locals alike.

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