For Whom the Bell Tolls, Suwon, South Korea

The Bell Tolls for Several ReasonsWhile exploring South Korea, we visited Suwon and its impressive World Heritage Hwaseong Fortress.  We walked ~six kilometers along the 400+ year old structure that encloses much of the city, stopping to take in sweeping views as we ambled.  Shortly after our walk’s start, we encountered an enormous Filial Piety bell, a long-held tradition for expressing best wishes.  After making a small contribution we respectfully approached the imposing bell, drew back the suspended wooden ringer and released three clear tolls.

1^st Toll:  To show gratitude and respect for our parents
2^nd Toll:  To wish for our family’s health and harmony
3^rd Toll:  To wish for the realization of our dreams

We dedicated a few moments to ruminate upon the meaning of each toll before continuing our stroll.

Bringing Back Cocktail Hour – Seoul, South Korea

Goal:  Find a unique way to allocate Laura’s recent “Have Seconds” sponsorship of “Bring Back Cocktail Hour” while traveling in Seoul, South Korea.

Steps we followed to accomplish the goal:

1. Find a small, inviting restaurant lacking English-language signs.
2. Enter with a smile and extend a confident and hearty Korean-language “Hello” (AN-YOUNG-HA-SAY-YO) to the staff.
3. Select a unique looking item on the menu and deliver a friendly Korean-language “Please” (JOM-CHOO-SAY-YO).
4. Toast our generous friend Laura who sponsored an affordable and enjoyable two rounds of beer along with this amazing appetizer.  After some analysis we determined that the tasty treat was an asian-style pancake or omelet with bonita (fish) flakes that dance atop the dish as it lets off steam - Watch the action in this 12 second video:

We extend thanks to Laura in our best Korean (COM-SAH-HAAM-NEE-DAH) for helping us find this gem of a restaurant - We liked it so much, we returned a few days later for a spicy noodle bowl and wontons.  Delicious!

Thailand After Dark

The daytime temperatures in Chiang Mai reach a balmy 100 degrees as the midday sun blurs the colorful landscape.  But as the daylight fades and cooler evening breezes approach, the town comes to life.

The night bazaar provides something for everyone.  While the offerings of printed tee-shirts, sunglasses, and bric-à-brac are similar to many open-air markets, unique items are also encountered.  You spot a sign advertising custom tailored Thai suits in your choice of fabrics and color.  Can't decide between classy blue and neon green?  Mull it over during an enticingly affordable massage from the spa located next door. If you've worked up an appetite, visit the long row of food stalls and pair your soup or noodle bowl with the refreshing water from a fine young coconut.

After-hours exploration in Chiang Mai presents a unique opportunity to stroll to, and through, the many centuries-old Buddhist temples known locally as “Wats”.  The uncrowded courtyards host well lit, ornate structures adorned with gold-leaf alongside impressive statues.  You enjoy a leisurely walk between sites while developing an extensive collection of Wat-related puns:  Wat a beautiful archway!  Wat should we do next?

You wrap up the night with a round or two of cold Chang or Singha beer before heading back to your hotel.  It will be a hot one tomorrow...May as well sleep late!

Bringing Back Cocktail Hour – Krabi, Thailand

Bringing it Back Krabi Style!Our good friend Matt is quite travel-savvy and has passed along many wonderful trip tips for our consideration.  Most recently, we’ve consulted his recommendations while visiting Thailand and were pleased to apply his “Bring Back Cocktail Hour” sponsorship to an authentic Thai dinner.

The proprietor of the Frog & Catfish Restaurant and Country Inn provided thoughtful recommendations and we were pleased with each dish made with fresh, local ingredients.  We started with Tod Man Pu (crab cake) and Yum Pla Duk Foo (crispy catfish serviced with sliced mango spicy salad).  For our entrée, we shared a whole fish plate (tubtim) served with an “old-style” sauce containing red onion, lemongrass, garlic, and too many local herbs to count.  We paired the dinner with a two glasses of smooth South African white wine.

What makes this venue special is the ambiance.  Our table was set within an open-air hut which overlooked a garden and several koi ponds.  The warm night air was alive with the sounds of nature and a few curious tree frogs hopped onto nearby leaves to show off their bright coloring.

With no room for desert we called it an evening and offered a final toast to Matt who made this memorable night possible.

I Don't Want To Work, I Just Want To Bang On the Drums All Day!

While visiting Chiang Mai Thailand, we decided to see a show and were under the impression that we had stumbled upon hard-to-find tickets to see Todd Rundgren in concert.  We greatly anticipated a fine reprisal of his classic lyrics, "I don't want to work, I just want to bang on the drum all day".  To our surprise, we had actually scored tickets to the Nong Pa Khrang traditional Thai cultural show, where coincidentally, they did indeed bang on the drums. 

PS:  We think that the drummers at Nong Pa Khrang may have been part of a Todd Rundgren cover band - Try singing his lyrics while listening to the Thai drumbeats!