Here and There Blog

Waving Girl The Bridge  World Torn Apart

So much packed into a small area. I admit my knowledge of this city was close to zero. Lots of US history of course but lots of famous people from here as well although in this decade they are names only to most. The real charm lies within the side streets, city squares, and magnolia trees.

In case you get lost Not a clear day. So much smog that it's hard to see the mountains in the distance. This one shows how dense the city is and more buildings are under construction

Lose a day blogging and lose a month! Anyhow, at Seoul Tower forget the view, forget the heat and all the steps. What's really fascinating are all the Love Locks. They're everywhere and while it looks like there are no crowds, it was hard to find a spot to get a picture without people.  

Of all the days I had to be there, I got unexpected hot day in spring with sun and heat. By the time I took this picture I'd been walking for around 3 hours so there went the hair. Anyhow, proof that I was there. I'm guessing surfboards Another piano with city view Who wouldn't think of Walking Dead?

Aircraft engine failure meant instead of 2 days in SeoulI was down to a half day free to explore. I needed to do something fast and easy so Seoul Tower it was. After a 45 minute train and a 30 mint city walk I was there. Pedestrian walk in the middle and over the streets Pagoda Seoul Tower River from the train and heavily tinted window Random pianos along the walk for people to play

This is the other park near the hotel. It’s much better for exercise and a little oasis in the area.

There’s this small park by the hotel. It has some significance but I’m not sure what. It’s an older area and there’s a catholic cathedral nearby so some religious settlement in the early 2900’s. Can’t visit the cathedral but here’s the park.

This time VPN isn’t letting me into my own blog. Quick test with the only photo on this camera. Yes, for one 90 minute flight from Seoul to Shanghai, I had the entire business class cabin to myself.

Jakarta has a much needed, vastly improved terminal update. It’s gone from miserable to pleasant and as someone who is here for the 5th time in 10 days I am grateful for the new terminal. The designers have a fun theme around the walls. Here’s some samples:

Anyone going to the Belly-Up Tavern in Solana Beach for a concert knows you have to get there early to find parking. Then there's extra time to use up for dinner or drinks before the show. It had been a long time since I've been there and didn't realize how much of an artist's area the South Cedros Rd. has become. Walking from the car to the venue these were a few of the many sculptures and wall art.

FIDM in Los Angeles host the best free exhibit each year. If you go on a Saturday parking is even free. This year's display of Oscar nominated costumes and it's an easy 30 minutes to spend looking around. Han Solo and Lando! The hand painted outfits from Mary Poppins. Ceremonial Wakanda and Aquaman and Mera!

Sneezing is a danger for pollen sufferers when visiting Singapore's airport. The orchid garden isn't too bad since they're not high pollen plants so it's safe to wander about. I found out that beyond the two inside security gardens, a new giant one "Jewel" is now open but recommended transit time between flights is 5 hours so it must be a bit off-airport and really big. For me, this is enough.