Gone Our Backyard's Railways!

Still vividly remember the first time I lived in the neighborhood back then in 2002. yes..my neighborhood was not this crowded. It was, well, seemingly uninhabited area. And one of the most striking characteristics of the area was its used-to-be very active railway. I am not sure what that was...but I guess it was kyeongcheon(?) line.

anyway..that's not the point. Now the rail tracks were removed away and bulldozer, tractors, cranes, and excavator...replaced the once-green belt along this seemingly and historically important railway in Seoul.

Now...until the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015...it's under renovation to create a new vision of Nowon-gu or Nowon municipality.

I just hope for the best ...comes out of this project.

Gathering @ Ashley, Hongdae

One of the purposes of Pak Tri's visit to Korea was to make a gathering of his students who happen to be studying in Korea, or Seoul in particular.  Pak Tri called up a meeting and he asked me to arrange it...*aha*!!! I got an idea of booking one of my favorite places to have a buffet^-^: Ashley. But, boy..oh boy..since it was weekend, my intention of booking the one nearest to my place didn't work out..so, we got to go as far as Hongdae to have this gathering. In short, it's a good decision. 

Lina (Sookmyung), Mr. Park Hyun-ju (our beloved teacher who once taught Korean language at our university in Jogjakarta), Rio sonsaengnim, Sonya (Gangneung Wonju Univ). and Feby (Gwangju + SNU). 

Nining sonsaengnim (Busan University+ Inha Univ), and Diana (Hanyang Univ), and of course, Pak Tri Mastoyo himself.  We did spend 2-hour allotted time for all guests at Ashley to enjoy the buffet over friendly talk..or vice versa. 

An exchange of token...from ms. Park to Pak Tri 과장님. 

then...the one from Pak Tri to ms. Park. 

@ Lotte World w/Freya (part 4)

Then, the show at the central stage was about to begin just in time for us to have lunch. 

oh, it's called 'garden stage' where 2 to 3 performances are held on a daily basis. 

with characters that we may not need to know...but the fun fact was that each performance would dazzle the eyes, esp. those kids with awe. 

adults and mostly the kids would surely make sure that they have a good spot to enjoy the 30-minute show.  

I love this kind of bright color musical show that...I surely caught it on my cam.

a rip-off from Singing in the Rain? no..not quite. it's different.  

The mascots of Lotte World themselves came alive on stage. 

And if you're lucky enough, you'd bump into other street performance like this one..enogh to spice up our visit.  

Now ...the only-for-kid-car-ride time. 

or...the Beluga show. oops..where are you, Frey? 

another ride...for kids. gosh...aren't you dizzy, kids? 

well, she seemed to enjoy it, though. 

we got enough time for a fairy-tale show. 

oh, it's Jack and the Beanstalk! --in Korean, of course.

and...whoooooozeed up they went.