Tag Archives: Bus

13 cents

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It finally happened… after living here for over two and a half years. The public transportation prices WENT UP.

I was flabbergasted yesterday when my t-money card wouldn’t transfer from the subway onto the bus I had to take for church. I was informed (through very broken English and the help of some kind Korean Americans) that if I didn’t have enough money on my t-money after I transferred I had to pay the whole price of the bus ride. I didn’t realize I wouldn’t have enough money because no body told me the price went up!!! Why didn’t anyone tell me?

I wasn’t too upset, just a little. I was also a little surprised at the bus driver’s lack of grace, but you know- it’s his job to make sure people pay for their ride. After a small amount of thought, I came to the conclusion that public transportation prices don’t often change in Korea. For me to be here for almost three years, and this is the first increase (of 150 won, which is about 13 cents)… well, if you think about it, that’s not bad. Not bad at all.

Here are three pictures that have absolutely nothing to do with this post or each other. I just like them.

Something about the way all of these tables and coffee cups lined up, I just loved it.

I got the privilege of having a mini-photo shoot with my girl Hannah (from hannahgram.com)

Fresh flowers on Paul's dresser. LOVE.

getting smacked by branches and other various related events.

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I slept through a typhoon last night.

I woke up to rain splattering my window thinking it was just another Thursday during monsoon season. I stepped outside with my umbrella and was almost knocked over by the wind. My umbrella didn’t stand a chance.

At 6:44 a.m. I got on the bus, it was crowded with high school students going to the school down the hill from mine. The bus driver proceeds to yell at his passengers (me…us) for the next two stops. I didn’t really notice the yelling to be honest, that is how a lot of Koreans communicate with each other. At first I thought everyone was just really mad, the people working in restaurants, at stores, bus drivers talking to each other during their breaks… then I had friends start translating for me and the conversations they are screaming at each other are actually about normal, every day life stuff. “I WENT TO THE STORE YESTERDAY AND GOT A REALLY GOOD DEAL ON BULGOGI!!!” reply:” REALLY? WHERE? DID YOU GO TO EMART? I LOVE BULGOGI!!!” reply: “NO I WENT TO HOMEPLUS AND I ALSO BOUGHT A DOG, IT IS SO CUTE.”

I am pretty sure I made that specific conversation up, but you get the picture. Back to the bus driver on the way to school, after he finished yelling he pulled over and I realized that everyone was getting off the bus. Correction, he was KICKING everyone off the bus. But, he only went two stops! I stand up to leave and say out loud, “well, that is just great, I have no idea what is going on because I don’t understand Korean…” and in my head I am wondering if I should wait for another bus. I decided to walk, I step off the bus and get whacked in the face by a flying branch. That decision might have been a bad idea.

As I reach my school (around 7:05ish) I see an entire section of road blocked off, well actually I can’t even see the road because it was covered with fallen trees. I wish I had pictures to show, but silly me forgot to take any, I was more concerned with getting inside a safe building and not getting nailed by anymore branches.

I walk into school and the power is out. But is school canceled? haha, NO, this is Korea people. By 9:30 a.m. (school starts at 8:10) I had 3/4 of my class and the rest stayed home, who stays home during a typhoon? Oh, and the power was back on at that point, no worries.

i love this city

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I was on a bus yesterday heading from Gwanghwamun to have dinner with friends in Sinsa. I am not particularly fond of buses so I tend to opt for the subway if given the choice, that is, unless the commute is a heck of a lot shorter by bus.  In this case it was and I realized something I miss out of when I travel by subway… the city.

With the windows down and a slight breeze shuffling my newly chopped hair I sat on the bus and gazed out at a beautiful view, this was a route I had never taken before and the only thing I can remember thinking was: “I love this city.” I passed by lit up buildings and zoomed over streams and rivers, the roads wind like artwork (confusing to navigate but fantastic to look at), the flowers (bringing a little nature to the city, flowers everywhere) bloom brilliant colors, and the water shines inviting you to take a plunge and escape the humidity in the air.

I grew up in Middleville (yes, actual name) Michigan, a one-stop-light farmer town. I am definitely not in Kansas anymore (okay never was since I just said Michigan, you know what I mean) and though I am incredibly proud of my roots and I really miss grass, I really enjoy this city.

My favorite part of commuting in Seoul, whether it be by bus, taxi, or subway is crossing over the Han River. My friend Christina gives an amazing description (with pictures!) check it out.

And here are a few pics of my own, not many because I haven’t actually gone around just taking pictures of the city because I love people to be in my pics but now that I am realizing my love for this city I think I will be taking a whole lot more.

my first week in seoul, so many lights...

the view from my apartment, taken through the window which is why it's a little grey, wait nope that's the smog... still love it.

bike riding along the han river, this bridge lights up at night.

chyeonggycheon stream during the lantern festival

sick

i love this city