Weekend Recap: Part 1

Spolier alert: Prepare yourself for a LOT of photographs.

Steve had a four day weekend for Columbus Day, so we were able to enjoy a few days around the city. We talked about hitting the road to Busan for one night, but decided to stay in town. So Friday, we woke up and heading out to Apsan Park. Mount Apsan is one of the mountains at the south end of Daegu overlooking the city. We took the cable car to the observation deck and took in some beautiful views.

A view of of Daegu from the Observation Deck.

This is a giant park located on the West Side of Daegu. 

Here you an see the golf course on Camp Walker. 

We found our apartment complex!

Lover's locks on the Observation Deck.

From there, we climbed the rest to the peak.

Peak of Mt. Apsan. 

A view from the Peak. The weather was beautiful. 

After leaving Mt. Apsan, we heading back closer to home and ate lunch a local place we've been wanting to try, Pepito. We split a chicken sandwich and blueberry pizza. First, let me say that it was one of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. Then, yes, you heard me correctly. It was a blueberry pizza, and it was amazing. It's apparently a thing around here. We also had fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh lemonade tea. Both delicious.

We spent the afternoon finishing our apartment. We are officially 100% put away and organized in our new home. Not only that, but our guest room is even ready for guests. It feels so good. Home tour coming soon.

That night, we heading downtown to eat. We found a small place called Boogie Burger. It's literally a restaurant built in a container and their hamburgers were amazing.

Seriously, I need to tell you. If you know me, you know I'm a picky eater. But the food here is SO good. And not just the Korean food. We have our fair share of that too, but the "Americanized" food they cook here is better than I've ever had before. Korea got it right people.

Oh Hey Friday Five: Fall Fashion in Korea

Let's face it, Koreans know style. But it's a different type of style here. A lot of the pieces are still the same as in the US, but they are just so well put together. You will see someone in a top, skirt, and sneakers with socks, but it's coordinated so well. I am going to have to go out and sneak pictures of people so you know what I'm talking about.

In the meantime, I've got to step up my mom wardrobe. I don't stay in my yoga pants ALL Day, although if we aren't going anywhere that day, I might. I do actually put on pants and a shirt most days. But I believe it's the accessories that make Korea so fashionable.

Another catcher here, is that my closet is small. We even had to buy a separate armoire closet for Steve because there was no way we could fit all of our clothes in the one. Heck, I can barely fit all of my clothes in the one. But, I've also always talked about skimming down my wardrobe. I've heard that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. So out when the old. I took out anything I did not wear in the past year, plus some. I was left searching pinterest with ideas to amp up a smaller wardrobe.

So here ladies (and gents) are my top 5 fall outfits for Fall in Korea. Happy Friday!


one.

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The green Army jacket is big here. So big, I went out and bought one from the local H&M for 69,000 won, and I love it. It pairs with everywhere. But the style here with the brown boots, long T, and leggings just looks so comfortable and fashionable. Can't forget the long necklace to add length to the look. I have all of these already and will definitely be wearing this style this fall. 

two. 

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Black and White striped shirt. Small stripes, big stripes, you see it all. I already have most of these pieces in my wardrobe, minus the name brand bag and Tory Burch earrings and belt. A girl can dream, but I have less expensive versions of these that will make it work. 

three. 

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Dress and boots. I don't have this adorable dress, but any dress will do really. Koreans love their dresses and skirts. Add some stockings and you're set for the colder weather. It's simple and sweet. 

four. 

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Here we are with the striped shirt again but much smaller stripes. But the focus here is the quilted vest and rain boots. These two are a must over here especially with all the rain from the end of monsoon season. Pair with some heavy socks and you're set for snow too. These are added to my "must buy" list. 

five. 

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Simple and chic is what this look is. Button up shirt, skinny jeans, flats, and an oversized bag. Done. I wore this look yesterday. Not only is it comfortable but stylish. 

If you haven't checked out the Friday links ups you should! Try them out here! ( Friday, US time, of course). 

Fall Bucket List

It's already close to mid-October. The time here in Korea is going to fly by so fast. There's endless places we want to visit while living on the other side of the world, but there are also a lot of places we've yet to visit in Daegu. And what better time to visit some of them than the fall?

We have had beautiful weather the past few days. Perfect for a sweater or light jacket that you can take off while standing in the sun. We are trying to get out as much as possible and enjoy it before it gets really cold. So here are my top five places to visit in Daegu this fall.


1. Mt. Apsan

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This is a 600 meter high mountain. We've yet to go and I hear it is beautiful. Just look at the picture. There's a cable car to take you up, but I'd much rather "hike" it. It's supposed to be a nice relaxed hike. We might have to do this one soon.


2. Seomun Market

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Okay, so we've already been here. Twice. But we still haven't seen it all. It's a giant outdoor/indoor market. The oldest in the city. And I want to go back, maybe a few more times.

3. Daegu Arboretum

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Someone told me about this and then I saw it online.  The colors are gorgeous. The picture speaks for itself.

4. Herbhillz

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Another great place to see the leaves changing. They offer gardens, a zip lining course, a small zoo, and more. What more could we want for the whole family?

5. EWorld

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Amusement parks are fun in general. But going to amusement parks with your child is even better because you get to experience it like a kid again. I'd also love to see the view of Daegu from Tower 83.


Are there are places you've heard of that you think I should add to our list?

A Walk in Korea

I'm starting a new series. Sadie and I take weekly walks around our apartment and I'd love to expand those walks to see as much of Daegu as possible. This weekly post will be to share the new places we find in South Korea. I'm hoping to cover pretty much all of Daegu at some point. Let's see if I keep this up in the cold Korean winter.

Monday, Sadie and I headed out down a street we've yet to go down near our apartment. We came across a few cute restaurants we may have to try and an entire street of printing shops. Large printing, small printing, they do it all. All in this one street.

Once we made it to the next intersection, I saw a church that we've driven by a few times, so I decided to head on over to see it up close and personal.

We found a little shaded park along the way.

Once we finally made it to the giant church, I realized it was on top of a hill. A very steep hill with only small stairs to make it up. With a stroller. Not going to happen.  There were also kids on these stairs lined up. I assume the church is a school during the week. I will find a way up there one day either sans stroller or with Steve's help.

But on the other side of the street was this sweet little gem. Much smaller in size, but still beautiful. So we check it out instead.

We headed back after this and took the main road back to our apartment. We passed the Hyundai and Donga Department stores. They are pretty much malls, but laid out like a giant six story department store. I will do a whole separate post on these one day.

We stopped by a little bakery down the street and got a delicious loaf of mozzarella bread. I want to head back and try the homemade honey bread soon.

Next week I am hoping to head south! 

Weekend Recap: 5K, Unpacking, and Herb Medicine Festival

We had a busy and productive weekend. Which of course means it flew by way too fast.

Friday, we headed out to dinner at an Oven Baked Chicken restaurant a few blocks from our place. We ordered the honey garlic wings and cheese nachos. I must say, these wings were better than any wings I've had in the States. Add this restaurant to my list, we will be going back!

Saturday, we woke up early and headed out to a 5K fun run on post that Steve's battalion was hosting for National Hispanic Month. It was beautiful out with a nice fall breeze. We had a great time getting some exercise in and Sadie did awesome crossing the finish line!

We spent the afternoon unpacking the rest of our boxes and trying to get the last of our stuff put away. All boxes are unpacked and we finally feel settled.

I also received the best FaceTime call from one of my best friends, Kelly. We met my freshmen year of college, rushed the same sorority, and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. She got married Saturday night and I was so heartbroken that I couldn't be there. I spent the day Sunday scouring her Facebook page for any pictures of the wedding! It was so great to talk to her before she walked down the isle that day!



That night, we heard plenty of live music from our apartment windows, so we decided to venture out to find where it was coming home. This is the view from our apartment before heading out.

We discovered the Herb Medicine Festival and had a great time walking through.

There were carved watermelons that were amazing!

They had live music playing and we also found live music playing in the City Hall area.  This was just a single street musician, but there were also concerts going on.

We stopped to eat at a small Korean restaurant we've seen a few times in the City Hall area. Steve got a spicy shrimp rice dish and I got the chicken rice dish. It was delicious. I must say, we've yet to try any food here that we straight out didn't like.

On our walk home, Sadie had a blast dancing and became quite the little celebrity. People were literally crowding around her taking photos. I told Steve this must be what it would feel like to be famous. Awkward. But she enjoyed it.

Sunday, we spent the morning finishing up putting things away. We have quite the pile of items to sell or donate. We headed to the PX and Commissary and Steve played golf in the afternoon. It was a quiet and low key day.

I am looking forward to this upcoming weekend. Theres a large festival with a parade that I know Sadie will love! Stay tuned!