Feb 26-29. #4 Let's Save Some Money!

Koreans believe that if you dream of pigs, your business will become successful in real life, and there have even been a few cases of people starting one due to having such a dream. That's why it's not hard to find these plastic piggy-banks sold on the street or in toy stores, and honestly they make saving money look like fun! They're a lot like the cheap, plastic soccer balls you find in tiendas in Guatemala, except you don't kick them around. I have many times had to resist the urge to buy one of these because they're probably really easy to break open, which is why I bought a metal one.

Feb 26-29. #3 Bicycle Wheels

This is right outside a trash recycling spot where the poor and hungry take these carts and haul huge amounts of cardboard, plastic, cans and bottles to make a small profit to survive. I saw a small lady later today pulling one of these with at least 10 times here (small) size in recyclable garbage on an uphill.

Feb 26-29. #2 A Factory

A factory near my dorm. Not sure what they make, but I do know that it makes a lot of smoke during certain times of the day.

Feb 26-29. #1 You've Got Mail

A mailbox bearing scars from constant attacks from annoying, polluting advertisers. Small ads for local business are attached to every surface possible, cards stuck in every nick and crook, fliers and local delivery-food menus are even thrown on the floor in high-traffic areas by men on motorcycles with their faces completely covered. Its almost as bad (sometimes worse) than political ads in Guatemala during elections, where the streets are lined with every campaign's eye-burning, brightly colored posters attached one on top of the other resulting in an absurd contest of who can keep their useless trash on top of the rest the most.

I even saw one man here practically throwing cards on people on the subway, then after he's made his round he'd pick up the ones people tossed on the floor and throw them on the next batch of people in the proceeding compartment. I really wanted to punch him.

Feb 25, 2012. That Old Feeling

Just that old feeling.

Feb 24, 2012. Running Like a Madman

Before you go "Subway pictures again?!" I took this picture because it describes my day. Going back and forth from my new university, here and there getting stuff I need and trying to get to places on time, I must've spent half of my day on my feet or in the subway.
But that's life in Korea, everyone's fast moving. Subways are a huge part of my life here since it's rare for students to own cars and buses make me nauseous over long distances. And so in the midst of my rushing chaos I took the time to run up to the end of the station and snap this picture before boarding the train and disappearing again.

Feb 23, 2012. More Than Plucking Strings

Life has led me to many new opportunities and these in turn let me take new photos I otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Today I got to check out a friend's band as they jammed and rehearsed, and they let me take photos too. Though my ears hurt from the volume, it's been a while since I've been exposed to live music, and it's been even longer since I've been exposed to such talented people. The one above, the leader of "The Cen", was an incredibly nice person, but when he played his guitar there was even more character behind him you could feel coming out. From the energy in the stronger songs to the emotion in the slower ones, he was taking you somewhere in a melody. You could tell he was someone who loved his 6 strings and the things they could do together.

Sorry, this is my latest photo so far (already 1am), but I was out until really late with these guys so just had the chance to get this up!

Feb 22, 2012. We Need Not Make Our Own Clouds

The view from my new university, I will be attending next month. Like Kyung Hee, Hongik University is propped on a hill. Back in Guatemala, our house is set at the bottom of one. I've been going up-and-down's all my life!

Feb 21, 2012. A Foggy Day in Seoul

Tried for a classic looking shot today as the weather was very overcast. It didn't create a dramatic sky but it made a nice, evenly lit scenery.

Feb 20, 2012. Street Vendors

A street vendor on the popular tourist road Insa-dong where you can experience and observe much of Korea's artisan culture. The stands on the street always have the most fun things to check out.