Cycling the river…

Posted on by helenhmk

The best place to cycle in Seoul is along the Han River. Think wide cycle paths, clearly signed for each direction (thankfully we can’t mistakenly be on the wrong side).

There is a separate walking path, not always next to the cycling path. There are even lots of outdoor physical fitness equipment spaces, and toilets.

There are also a number of parks with lots of seating – and used by lots of people.

The paths have speed signs, but like always they are not necessarily followed by road cyclists, or is for that matter (not that I know how fast we were going).

One of the quintessential Korean experiences is cup noodles. We were cycling along, and our Japanese friend said hey let’s have lunch. So we stopped, bought cup noodle. Outside you assemble your food in the bowl, add the onsen egg, cheese, little sausages and put on the machine to heat. Perfect meal within 4 minutes. Oh and we also added kimchi. there were lots of cyclists who were doing this – perfect Saturday afternoon activity.

A parking..

Posted on by helenhmk

A funny thing happened at the Starfield Library in the COEX Mall. We parked our bikes in the bike parking place opposite the library entrance. Locked our bikes up, left the bike parking station and went into the library.

After an hour or so we went back around 5pm as it was getting dark to get our bikes to catch the train back to our accommodation…. and we could not get into the bike station. Hummmmm this is a problem.

We then translated the sign (which we did not do on the way in as there wasn’t a door as it was open and we paid no attention).. oh apparently you needed to apply online before use to use the bike parking station. Well clearly we did not.

We looked at each other, Kym called the number on the sign… who referred him to another number. A person then entered the bike park… and we followed in behind, unlocked our bikes and left. Weph, close call!

Trying to thaw out…

Posted on by helenhmk

Yes indeedy it’s cold in Seoul. Sooo pleased I bought some new winter gloves in Rin Project yesterday- as they are being put to good use today.

We started out cycling in a route Kym created (yep no idea where I’m going, but I know where I’ve been). We had done about 6km and looked for coffee… and here we are enjoying a fabulous coffee in a delightful looking coffee shop. The music in this shop is making me feel like I’m in a k-drama (not the other the top ones, it was one about coffee…)

Screen message…

Posted on by helenhmk

Currently sitting in Haneda airport having navigated check-in. There is nothing like travelling with Bromptons with a suitcase which is within the limits but square to throw the automated machine into the loop of “please adjust your bag vertically”. But thankfully there are staff to assist.

We’re taking a short flight to Seoul with our bikes with one of our Japanese friends for a few days to explore the city. We were last there in 2008, so it will be interesting to see what we remember- if anything. Which if Osaka is anything to go by, it will be a new experience!

As for the weather – it will be a little cold, and it will test our predictive packing skills. I guess we can always buy something additional if we are cold & desperate.

More later….

Enjoying the moment…

Posted on by helenhmk

Well despite the rain, we decided to visit Rin Project – a bicycle shop near Inaricho station. We might have made a few purchases… and then decided to walk to the Edo Museum. We came across a coffee roaster and shop we had visited years ago and decided to have a bite to eat.

It’s nice to take a slower pace today, as we pack for the visit to Seoul tomorrow.

Weather forecast…

Posted on by helenhmk

When the forecast is not what you want, it can be hard to accept. As Kym said “there is a disappointing amount of moisture today.” Originally we had planned to cycle a route past all the famous Tokyo toilets as featured in the Japanese movie Perfect Days. We highly recommend the film.

We even tried to delay starting by enjoying late breakfast and cake. Oh well, something for next trip!