The flowers are blooming!

So spring is officially here in Seoul! The flowers starting budding on the trees last week, and this week they are in full bloom! Take a look!

 

I took these pictures outside of my school today during my planning period. My camera isn't all that awesome, but I think it gets the job done! This weekend some friends and I will be attending a cherry blossom festival within Seoul. Although I'm not sure it's up to par with the festivals Japan has, my Korean friends have told me that it is pretty breathtaking! I'm very excited!

Another highlight of this week has been the adventure I undertook today with two of my friends, Jessica and Tom. I had heard before I even arrived in Seoul that there was a Costco somewhere within city limits, so for obvious reasons (and obsessions) I brought my Costco membership card with me to Seoul. Now, I know what everyone back home is thinking: "A trip to Costco? Really? That's what she's posting about?" But honestly, even the most domestic and mundane outings- like a trip to Costco-become an adventure in a foreign country.  Okay, let's get on with it.

When we arrived at the store (only about 3 subway stops from my school, which is also where Jess and Tom live) I was shocked to find that frankly, it was exactly like the stores back home! Although there is a bigger selection of electronics, furniture and appliances in the American stores, this Costco had just about everything I could have wanted! We all walked away with about $50 (55,000 Won-ish) worth of food and/or other items. We spent about 3 and a half hours making our way through isle after isle and item after item.. and of course, free sample after free sample! As simplistic as it sounds, going to Costco made me a feel at home. Walking in to Costco, just like walking in to Starbucks, was so similar to the one at home that it felt as though I wasn't even in Korea... except for the hundreds of Asians and ridiculous amounts of strange fish, seaweed and piles of rice. Also, I made sure to get up early this morning to do my workout so that I could grab myself a Costco hot dog, because what would a trip to Costco be with out a Costco hot dog? Pointless, that's what. So, overall, the trip was a success! It was fun to go on a little field trip with my friends and accomplish a months worth of grocery shopping in one trip. What a great week in Seoul! Hope the week goes just as well for all of you! :)