For those who wondered about my absence from last week's Photo Hunt: it's because this time last week, I was in the Land of the Morning Calm! And South Korea is indeed where all the shots in my entry for both Sandi's and Gattina's photo memes were taken!
More specifically, the photo of the statue of the Virgin Mary (whose floral offerings I'm figuring includes a rose or more!) is located in the space just behind Seoul's Myeongdong Cathedral. And since the more eagle-eyed among you may have noted that in my recent "what I ate on my vacation" blog post, I did mention that I didn't eat any barbecue on this recent Korea trip, I'll 'fess up and state that the middle photo in this Photo Hunt entry actually was taken on my 2009 -- rather than most recent -- visit to the country!
The funny thing is that since I took so many photos of barbecues on that 2009 trip, I don't think I ever have shared that snap on this blog until now. But looking back now at it, that was one impressive repast, don't you think?
The thing is, as those who are unfamiliar with Korean food probably will not realize, the only part of that feast that my mother and I specifically ordered was the barbecue dish at the center of the table. Oh, and her glass of soft drink and my beer. Everything else (i.e., the banchan (side dishes), bowls of rice and jug of water) was included gratis -- or at least assumed to be part of the order!
More than incidentally, I'd like to record my appreciation for it frequently being the case in Korean restaurants -- and, for that matter, Japan's too -- that water is still provided free with one's meal as a matter of coursel; with Korea trumping Japan in that almost invariably, the water dispensed is refreshingly cold (something I particularly appreciate on hot days like the ones that were the order of the day on my recent visit!). And considering Psy of Gangnam Style's mega fame, I guess it was inevitable that at least one jug (or container) of water handed out this past week in Seoul would have his face on it! ;b
5 comments:
Hi YTSL, welcome back. Hope you had a wonderful time in Korea. I love your photos for the two themes. When I first clicked on the jug (3rd Photo), I thought I had recognized his photo. :)
Btw, I love Kim Chee with rice and Korean BBQ chicken! Food looks delicious.
Have a great weekend.
I have never been in a Korean restaurant, it probably doesn't exist here neither. In a lot of European countries you find a jug of water on the table in a restaurant. It's free !
Hi Trekcapri --
Had a good time in Korea -- if nothing else than because I was on vacation was there! ;)
Congrats re recognizing Psy. And I like all the Korean food you said you love. :)
Hi Gattina --
Have no idea about Waterloo but years ago when I was living in England, there was a Korean restaurant (called Arirang) on Poland Street, just off Oxford Street, in London.
Just Googled and there's a website for it, so guess it's still there!
http://www.ariranglondon.co.uk/
Hi ! Korea is in my bucket list.
I would love to have PSY's jug of water too. :) LOL... Totally a fan of the Kwave...
Hi Aiyah Nonya --
South Korea's an interesting place -- and definitely will appeal to those interested in its (popular) culture! ;b
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