Birthday Bash

This past Saturday, January 31st (Seoul Time) Nate wrapped up his 23rd year of life.

Birthday Boy

In order to celebrate this momentous occasion we spent the day doing. . .well, just about nothing!

After a late bagelshop breakfast we decided that the day was simply too nice to pass up indoors. Having purchased a soccer ball a few weeks back, in the dead of winter, we decided it was high time to break it in. Though on this lucky day not only did the ball get christening but so to did my new cleats that my mom had sent to me from the States.

As I earlier mentioned, apparently Copas are simply too 'bland' of a soccer shoe for Koreans to dare to sell, let along wear. While it feels great to once again have my foot wrapped in fine kangaroo leather, it's a shame that even after two tries, they're still a bit too big. . .oh well, I figure this reoccurring theme of shoes that don't quite fit holds some sort of significance for the whole experience!

We spent the next few hours booting a ball back and forth on a new mini pitch that was just installed across the street from a park not too far from Doota. Though the red dirt covering the field reminded me of our pitch in Ghana, this time around the ground was so saturated that the dirt stayed (for the most part) on the ground, rather than coating your entire body.

As the sun ducked behind the highrises of Nowon we decided to turn back towards home. . . not before a quick stop at Lotte Mart however where we managed to blow at least an hour. I went in for milk, Nate for soap, yet we came out, just before dark, with bulging bags in hand. How they do it, I don't know, but that is one fascinating store!

After showers and some much needed rest, from our intense kick-a-thon earlier, we decided to head towards Apgujeong to celebrate in fashion. . .kinda.

As was suggested by the Groove a few months ago, we chose to spend the evening at a 'Thai Themed' spot called Monkey Beach. While Nate had ventured by once before, it took calling the Korea Help Line (021330) for us to again find the spot.

Welcome to...

Alas, Monkey Beach gave us all that we could hope for in a Thai themed bar. Buckets, table dancing, and Monsters that rock, paper, scissored for free drinks. . .seriously.

And the Winner Is. . .

But the looser gets revenge!

We even met a group of Koreans who had just returned from studying in Ann Arbor. We tried to explain that Michigan as a place was pretty great but what their sweatshirts represented wasn't so. . . no luck! At least we were able to grab a picture of the Koreans, in Michigan garb, and Nate in his newly gifted (from yours truly of course) 'Defend Dokdo' shirt, together!

East (representing the West) meets West (representing the East)

Though we missed out on the fire shows that supposedly take place Saturday nights, we managed to have a great time overall and never needed to head towards the 'Twon as we had originally invisioned. I know it's been a while, but don't worry, we'll be back soon!

My Long Lost Twin!