Travel Diary

Sleeping in was nice. I think I arose at around 10 am. It was a lazy Sunday, and I didn't head out until around noon, when Terry and I went for some food.

Afterwards, the girls went out for hair treatments, whilst Terry and I went jogging. We passed a scenic park and pond where a couple photo shoots were taking place. Seems photographers all club together and hire a model for an afternoon. She poses and they all practice photography using pretty nice cameras. Looks like a fun hobby, especially since the models are very beautiful women.

We jogged up and over to a small university. The view was really nice and probably looks even more amazing when the sun is rising or setting. I would imagine it's a fun place to attend class. Or play hooky outside.

Leaving the college, we headed over to the Palace Museum and walked around a bit. I may return there for photos sometime. The structures are impressive, with a lot of intricate artwork.

Coming back, we found a little doggie tagging along us for a while. There are many stray dogs around the streets. Apparently, neutering them is frowned upon. The problem doesn't seem terrible, but noticeable. Fortunately, they all seem tame. I suppose the wild ones are rounded up and taken away. The dogs also seem smart enough to avoid wandering into the streets. I don't see too many cats though. Maybe the dogs eat all the cats. 

We arrived home just as the girls returned. There was some time before dinner so I bathed and read. It was nice to relax a while.

For dinner, we took the train south and went to a Japanese BBQ called Kanpai. The air is quite festive with much fanfare when you walk in. They yell out words which others repeat, though I understood none.

At the table, they bring a fire pit pot, where the food will be grilled. Then they bring the uncooked food. The waiter helps prepare your food for a while and then you cook your own. Our first dish was one of the best. I didn't know it until afterwards, but it was ox tongue. It was wrapped around some veggies and really quite delicious. As well, we had different beefs, little fishes (not as good), full baby shrimp (very good), a potato/butter mix (fatty, but great), veggies, chicken, and other fine foods. It was the best meal I had had thus far. And that's saying a lot since I've eaten some great meals here. I had about three beers (a lot, I know). Lesly and Terry kissed for the camera and got a free treat. It's a tradition at the place, and they announce it on a microphone and snap a photo of it. The whole atmosphere is a fun party event. It was pricier than normal meals, but certainly worth it.

Taking the train, we came home and then Terry and I went to the Night Market. We were headed back for another back massage. I would not be doing the foot massage again. It hurt way too much and my feet felt no better the next day. No use paying for pain. I get enough of that watching the 49ers play.

I requested the same lady again (#18). Sad that I don't even know her name, but she's done all my massages so far, and she does a good job--when she's not inducing traumatic pain in my feet. But we can forgive her for that.

This time, I had Terry tell her to avoid my sides since they're ticklish. If I focus extremely hard, I can probably take it, but I figure why not have her spend the time somewhere else? Her hands are quite strong. I learned how to say "harder," too, but never did so. I just wanted the normal back massage. Back home, I've only known two women, Pam and Jennifer, who had hands strong enough for a good massage. I'm sure many others do, but I just haven't worked with them.

One thing I noticed was a massage where they walk on the person's back. I asked about that one. I guess it's part of the 45-minute massage ($20 USD). I declared that I would have that one next time I came back.

Back at home, we finished watched a Korean movie, Thirst. I guess it was a winner's pick for 2009. The theme was about vampires. Apparently, it's the in-thing right now in not just America. Once completed, we smoked a cigar on the balcony and chatted about things. Seemed like old times.

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