South Korea - Part 2

From the tower I went round a couple of the palaces, however gave up on the Tourist bus as the traffic is so heavy, it's easier and faster to use the subway.

As it was autumn, I have to say that the colours in the trees were absolutely spectacular, truly magnificent.

 

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South Korea - Part 1

One of the advantages of my job is that I do get to travel to quite a few varied locations around the world...it's not always pleasant but when you're able to spend an extra day or so visiting a country you've never been to, it definitely has an advantage. This year I had the opportunity to visit Seoul in South Korea.

I planned what I wanted to go see using the new Tripadvisor city guides - they're actually pretty useful. I took the (very) clean and efficient subway into town to pick up the Tourist bus. The first station made me laugh though...Gangnam...an area of the city famous for its socialites and now forever immortalised due to Sy's song. The subway itself is easy to use having signage in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and English.

I took the tourist bus up to the Seoul tower, and I have to say the weather was glorious...cold but sunny.

 

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Green Grass hotel

Been for an Italian tonight at the green grass hotel ... Strange name? Maybe it's reticent of the green green grass of home? Anyway, 'twas an Italian and the waiter painstakingly explained to me that penne pasta was not noodles....yes I know this!

Gangnam style

Well, here I am in Korea...South that is...another work trip. I haven't updated this in such a long time...I'm going to see if I can add the missing posts (18 months or so ) retrospectively. Of course, that means if you're reading this chronologically in a few months time, this really wont make sense...still can't help that.

Betwys-y-coed

On the way back from Deganwy, we stopped off at Betwys-y-coed for a walk around. We managed to buy a couple of new coats...Jack Wolfskin and really warm...

I also managed to get a good pic of the falls that run through the town. I've been playing around with SJ's SLR and I think am finally starting to get the hang of it!

 

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Deganwy

For SJ's birthday, I decided to book us a weekend away...I had a look online and came up with The Quay Hotel in Deganwy in North Wales. I wanted somewhere that was a nice hotel, with spa facilities and decent surroundings so we could explore. SJ has always liked North Wales and so I picked Deganwy, just outside Conwy.

The Quay hotel is relatively new, being part of a redevelopment of the marina in Deganwy. It's quite an extensive development but I think is in keeping with the area...

I'd actually booked us a suite and it was fantastic...if anything, it was a little too big for the furniture contained within...still a minor complaint considering...

The colours in the trees were amazing, really vivid, however I have to say that the view from our (private) garden was simply spectacular...it really couldn't be beaten...

We had a meal at a beautiful fish restaurant in Llandudno followed by a few drinks in the Queen Vic pub (not the Eastenders one)...

Simply a great weekend...definitely would go back.

 

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The Showman

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Bonfire night

For this years bonfire night, we asked some friends up from the South to our Staffordshire house. We booked tickets for everyone at Shugborough Hall fireworks display. They all arrived around midday, and we then went for a wander (with buggy) over the Chase before we got ready and went out to Shugborough. The night was freezing but the fire did manage to keep everyone warm. It was uprising just how much heat it gave off, especially considering the distance everyone was kept from it.

The fireworks went on for quite some time and I reckon they must have essential a fair amount of money on them...it was certainly worth the entrance fee...

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Blackpool redux

Our second visit to Blackpool this year...strange really, not been in years and then two visits in one year. This time we went with Jyoti and Phil and this was to attend the Feet First Charity Ball - this was the charity SJ and I did the marathon walk for earlier in the year.

It was held at the Imperial Hotel...very nice place with lots of history and character, however if I'm honest the night itself was a little disappointing. It's a shame as the charity could really make a name for itself...it's so worthwhile, but I found it "cliquey" and uninviting. I won't say that I wouldn't raise more money for it but it would be nice to get some feedback, appreciation and some general feedback. I did meet with Steve Mannion who is the main Surgeon. He was actually flying to Papua New Guinea the next day and did say if I wanted to ever accompany him, I could...maybe...maybe...

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Spider webs

Went over the Chase today and it was absolutely full of these spider webs...as far as the eye could see was covered in a glistening, shining, beautiful maze of web and water droplets...truly magical...

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