Aussie In Seoul

I forgot about Il DIVO

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:50:00 +0000

You know I was supposed to drop a quick blog about the IL DIVO concert we went to a few weeks ago. They were staying in the hotel, and last minute we got hooked up with two tickets. So we went with a colleague and his wife and ended up 6 rows from the stage!

I was really impressed. These guys could sing. I could also see why the ladies were all drooling. They played to the crowd very well, because in Korea it is not that easy, and by the end of the show all the ladies in the concert hall were stampeding the stage like dogs on heat!

I would see them again for sure and even downloaded a few of their songs from I-Tunes to the faithful I-POD.

Get me out of Seoul

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:43:00 +0000

To say the least, the last few weeks have been crazy. Hotel full, too many conferences, lots of the corporate bosses in, projects to finish, and the weather sucks!

But heck, today is Valentine's Day, and my wonerderful wife's B'day, so we had a lovely dinner in the Table 34 restaurant in the hotel.

Friday evening off to Philippines for a week or so to feel what warm weather is like, visit family, relax, and a few other things.

Sorry, for a lack of blogs! Aloha

Eric Clapton Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 02:36:00 +0000

We had Eric Clapton in the hotel this week and I was lucky enough to get a few tickets and go to his concert. Unfortunantly Clariza was feeling sick, so she did not go, but was happy for me to go anyway with my brother -in-law, who I think was pretty happy Clariza pulled out. But in any case, I had tickets to another concert in Seoul as there was another famous band in the hotel, and I knew even if Clariza was sick she would go to this one!!! Your wondering who it is right.... stay tuned..

Anyway, we were 10 minutes late to the concert thanks to the wonderful traffic of Seoul, and a no brain taxi driver. Oh what to do!

Borrowd the photo above from a fan website. I hope they dont mind. Not trying to make money!

The concert was good, but not amazing. They played a of of "their" songs, and not so much crowd pleaser songs. Was a shame. He never even did Tears in Heaven. But what I can say was the musicians, including himself on guitar was excellent, and the talent on the stage was immense.

Anyway, very happy to add Eric Clapton to the list of people I have seen live. Would I go and see him again??? No, I dont think so.

Life

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:09:00 +0000

You may not realize it, but this is 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.And always remember....when life hands you Lemons,

Ask for tequila and salt and call me over!

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 09:59:00 +0000

Its a New Year Ladies & Gentlman and I wish everyone a great year this now 2007!

It is the Year of the Golden Pig!

For Clariza and I 2007 is going to be a huge year. Why?? ............ stay tuned

I am on the Korean News!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:30:00 +0000

Hi there. Well I was on the news today for work, talking about our hotels tree of hope, our charitable contribution to the community. So as I am clueless on how to download the video exactly I have created the link through the title in blue above. Once you get to the link page, you will see information exactly as written below. Make sure you choose the right date (Dec 29) and the time 12:00 or 22:00

Dec 29 2006 12:00 Arirang News low high

Click on the high for the Dec 29 12oo news and will take you to the broadcast. My news section is exactly 4 minutes in and ends after the 6th minute. My conversation is about 20 seconds in length if that and is around the 5min mark approx! Enjoy, and no jokes please!!!

Happy New Year!

Great Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:37:00 +0000

After spending nearly two weeks traveling in Europe it was actually wonderful to get to Paris where we stayed with our great friend Xavier who took such wonderful care of us and showed us around so much. We visited so many places, and discovered areas and small side streets only locals know! I got a little sick unfortunantly in pris which slowed us down somewhat, but it really was such a great place to see.

Again let the pictures to the talking!

Left outside the famous Moulin Rouge! Others are above Paris in a small village that was very artistic with lots of painters and cafe's. I like this sculpute with a man running from the wall!

Church on the hillside in Paris, and a shot in the famous streets of Paris.

The famous Notre Dame! Really was amazing!

The Louvre, looking from outside and in. A place and experience you will never forget. We also got the digital audio to help us understand some of the pieces and it really helps bring together the power of this Museum.

Just three pieces of art that I loved. For those history buffs you may be able to identify the pieces. No painting shots as not allowed to take photos ... and heavy security.

The Eiffel Tower. Great views and lots of fun getting up in the elevator!

Here we are in differant parts of Paris with Xavier.

Viva Le Lyon!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:25:00 +0000

So the second last leg of our incredible Europe trip brought us to Lyon. Although we only stayed for one day, it really was a great city that was so interesting, and sadly time did not allow us to see everything. But what we did see was great, and maybe oneday we shall return to enjoy even more.

Various shots above around the city and popular historical areas. Love the ruined amphitheatre which was centuries old.

Church on top of the highest point in the city. Looking out over Lyon from the church, and a really nice group of buildings with such vivid colours and fantastic architecture.

Day in Monaco

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:03:00 +0000

What a really beautiful place. Drove around the the Grand Prix circuit, and lost a few dollars in the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Let the photos speak for themselves.

Just in case you didn't believe me! LOL

The small streets in original Monaco town.

Inside one of the historical buildings in Monaco. The locals in this traditional area of Monaco were so friendly.

A few boats docked together. Check out the cars behind them to actually understand the size of these boats! WOW

Ok on top left is the starting line for the GP, middle is the down hill past the Le Meridian hotel and right is going into the big tunnel under the hotel! Familiar??

Left shot above is the straight after the tunnel with all the boats on the left. Middle is the 2nd last big right where last year Shumacker pretended to stall on got penalized. Right photo is last small turn onto the start / finish line!

So there you have the Formula 1 track of Monaco / Monte Carlo!

French Riviera Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:26:00 +0000

A shot from our speeding train through the Italian countryside on our way to the south of France.

Beautiful train station on the French / Italian Riviera border. It was such a brilliant train ride along this coastal section on the way through Monaco to Cannes.

This picture is taken from the window in our lovely suite in the Cannes Carlton InterContinental Hotel. This hotel is an icon in Cannes, and serves the most rich and famous. We were given a suite upgrade from the boss and had this unforgettable view.

This is a shot looking at our hotel. It is one of the oldest hotels in Cannes and is used every year by all the movie stars for the Cannes Film Festival. I wonder who slept in our room before???

The famous red carpet to the auditorium for the annual Cannes International Film Festival.

The marina in Cannes is full of this multi-million $$$$$ boats! I put in an offer on this one, but was short a few million! Oh well!

Lovely courtyard in a small french riviera hillside town. Views were breathtaking

Left and right are some night shots of the hotel. I know I seem to be fixated on the hotel but the "Carlton" is an icon in Cannes and photgraphed by everyone. And hey, I work for this company!

Here we are relaxing after a great evening in Cannes. Cannes was great, but what for the shots of Monaco! We loved it there.

Rest of Italy Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:48:00 +0000

This is another great shot in the great city of Rome!

This is taken along the waterfront in Naples!

Clariza in the grounds of Pompeii This ancient city was just fantastic and we enjoyed the many hours spent walking through the ruins.

So where do you think we are???? Of course the most romantic city .. Venice!

Thats me playing with the pidgeons in Piazza San Marco! See the Italian mafia coming up on me!

The famous Rialto Bridge in Venice. For the history buffs, it was originally built of wood with the middle section being able to shift so large boats could pass. Then in 1592 it was rebuilt as you see it today.... well almost!

Us on one of those romantic boats cruising the canals of Venice. Thats champagne in those sexy plastic cups!

Another one of the beautiful canal sections in Venice. It is so awesome to get yourself lots in Venice and explore the hundreds of small canals and bridges.

Chocolate Buffet at Grand InterContinental Seoul

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 13:32:00 +0000

Forgot to add last weekend after a great Vietnamese lunch with the chef and his wife, we all ventured back to the hotel to enjoy the last day of the chocolate buffet! I guess I don't need to say more right. Let the pictures tell a thousand words ... And yes, damm it was good!

The freshest Strawberries and chocolate fountain!

Instead of explaining all three, the middle one is a chocolate moose inside a real egg shell with the yellow is passionfruit sauce! WOW!!!

Chocolate brownies covered in a rich dark chocolate sauce with gold shavings on the top! Mmm

Ohh, just a few more chocolates on the buffet.

Played Golf, Very Cold!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 01:59:00 +0000

I guess this photo is a bit of an exaggeration, but yesterday I played golf and it was freeeezing! The temperature when we started was around 1 or 2 degree and by the time the sun started falling on the last holes it was around -2!

I worked out after the first hole that trying to hit with four layers of shifts and jackets is not easy, so the big jacket had to come off. Improved a little, but that is all relative to my game!

It Saturday morning now and weather man says its -4 outside!

I hate the cold!!

About me!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:57:00 +0000

Have you done this before? How much have you done in your life? If it is in BOLD I did it!

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
07. Walked through Pompeii
06. Held a tarantula
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Naked in a public sauna
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gone without food for 5 days
76. Earned a university degree
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a dog as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Ate Dog meat in Korea
144. Ate the worm from a bottle of tequila
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a Bouncer
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

I saved a man's life

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:04:00 +0000

Yes really! It was all so surreal!

Late last week I went on a trip with our housekeeping team and we ended up after a great day at a large Sauna / Spa House. It is like a gym without the fitness stuff and just lots on sauna's, and spa baths (jacuzzis).

So after an hour into our relaxing time I was walking past this jacuzzi and noticed this old Korean man about 75 half submerged in the water with bubbles coming out of his mouth.. Or nose!? What the f***! I took a double take, then looked at the two old men only two meters away from him who were in the same jacuzzi and kind of looked at them like do you see that guy? Is he relaxing or drowning?? They looked at me, then looked at the submerged guy, then looked at me again and said nothing, just gave me this look like oh yeah maybe something is wrong.

So I lean down into the jacuzzi, grab the lifeless man, and with the help of these other two guys pulled his naked body out of the jacuzzi. We placed him on his back, he was convulsing, so I pulled him onto his side and gave him a few slaps on his back and a few litres of water and vomit came out of his nose and mouth. Ok .. he is breathing I thought! Thank god, cause his faced had puke all over it and mouth top mouth was not going to be fun! I checked his pulse and it was high, but he was still unconscious.

By then there was about 20 people standing over this guy and me.... all naked, and just watching. Thankfully a few people had figured out it was a good idea to call an ambulance. So for the next 15 minutes I barked orders at a few guys like get me some cold towels as he was very hot and kept checking his pulse.

Finally the ambulance arrived, and the ambulance guys took him away on a stretcher. I stood up, and I was shaking and dry reaching because of the vomit everywhere. I took a shower, changed, sat in a massage chair and relaxed. A few old men came over and thanked me and that was it. We all got back in our bus, nothing more was said, and I still have no idea even today if the guy was ok.

Surreal right!

Vacation Florence Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 01:44:00 +0000

So after a few days in Rome we did a very long day trip to Florence. We wished we could have actually stayed in the city, but the schedule did not allow time for that. In any case below is quiet a few shots of the city.

Florence or "Firenze" is really a picturesque city. The photo taken above we on a small hill above the city looking onto the River Arno and the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. This bridge was built a few times, but last built in 1345.

Looking from the same hill top onto the famous Duomo Battistero. Sadly a bit of construction around it, but still almighty in its presence.

One of the many lovely piazzas around Florence. The building had so much character and colours.

Not sure of the name of these buildings but just thought it was a nice shot.

This is the Santa Croce, a great Gothic Church in the middle of Florence. Construction begun in the mid-1200's but was not consecrated until 1443. What happened in between??

Vacation Rome Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 02:56:00 +0000

Ok, so here are some more photos from Rome. What a great place. Certainly our favourite city on the trip.

This photo was actually taken on our first night in Rome. We had a few sandwiches and water under the beautiful fountains in Piazza Navona. For those history buffs all the beautiful fountains were made by the famous Bernini.

Don't know the name of this building, but it sat at the end of a small little street and just had this mystical look to it.

Very nice building, but no idea of the name. Let me know if you know the name!

This is a photo of the Piazza de Popolo and the church in its same name. It is very famous as three of the main streets in the older district meet at this piazza. The church had these amazing marble skeletons which you can see below. Never saw anything like them anywhere else in our travels.I really like these sculptures. I am not into skulls & bones, but it does look amazing to see it.

You see these type of things in the churches and this is then why you need more time in this great city to really understand the meanings.

Finally after so so much walking we got to have a nice Italian lunch in an outdoor cafe near the Vatican. Got some other tourists to take this shot.

After standing in a one kilometre long line to get into the Vatican we finally made it to the entrance. We did not know what to full expect, but we left really touched by the experience. Not so much as a religious experience, but to be immersed in such preserved history. It was in some places almost overwhelming the art and history that surrounded us.

Looking out onto some of the many gardens spread throughout the Vatican City.

The three photos above we taken through the various gardens of the Vatican. The small head water fountain was really quiet interesting.

This hall was one of the highlights of not only the Vatican but all of Europe. I sadly do not know the name, though once I know I will add it. I believe this hall must have stretched for no less than 750 metres. It was covered from floor to ceiling with all types of art, from path names, sculptures, tapestry's, and more. The details we amazing, and the time we spent paid no justice at all to the art in this hall. I honestly felt guilty for the pace we set moving through the room. But time was not on our side, and I guess a future trip will be needed.

It is not the clearest of shots as using a flash is absolutely prohibited, as is talking! This is the most famous Sistine Chapel. To pretend to be a historian for a moment, let me give some information; When used in an official capacity it is where the cardinals meet to elect a new Pope. They do this under the great frescoes created by Michelangelo. The ceiling was done entirely by Michelangelo and no one else. It took him four years from 1508 to 1512. It is so complex the story, and intriguing. It tells stories from the creation of man to the redemption of mankind. Pictures of planets, and the sun. Pictures of land and sea, and the beginning of animals. Then in 1536 he was asked again to paint the back wall which is above. This creation took him 5 years and is the most famous of Michelangelo's works; The Last judgment. There are a total of 391 figures in this painting with Christ the Judge as the centre figure. The other side wall frescoes were done by several artists and were actually begun around 1481.

So my final words on the Sistine Chapel was WOW. I mean you were surrounded by so much art that I could not really take control of my thoughts and visual senses. When you look through this room you are almost confused, not sure what to look at, and not sure how to work your eyes through the room. It does not help that the room is crowded with so many other eager tourists trying to do the same as me. Anyway, an experience not to forget.

So here is the great St. Peter's Basilica. It is the greatest church for the Christian Faith and originated in 324 as a shrine for the mortal remains of St. Peter. The building itself that we look at today took hundreds of years to complete.

Several shots taken inside the Basilica. Left is St. Peters eternal tomb. Other two shots inside the Basilica. The shots though do not pay justice to the size of the church. It really was so big.

Here we are finally standing outside the St. Peters Basilica in St. Peters square, also known as Piazza San Pietro.

Piazza San Pietro almost over powers the Basilica but actually adds to the visual power of this area. It was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the mid 17th century. There are 284 columns arranged in four rows and surmounted by 140 great statues of saints and martyrs. There are two amazing fountains on either side as you can see, and the Egyptian obelisk in the centre which was brought to Rome from Heliopolis in 1586.

Vacation Rome Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:38:00 +0000

Ok, so this is how I am going to lay out our vacation. I am going to do it by city's or places we went to. Trying to put it into a date order is going to be a pain in the ass.

I will also shut up. I have worked out very quickly that the less I say, the longer I have your attention. Photos will entertain you, and I will try to give some commentary. Cant promise to do this in a day, or even a week, but do promise to put a heap of photos on the blog.

FINALLY ......... before I shut up, I just have to say that we had the most fantastic, amazing, awesome vacation. It was too short, never enough time to see everything, and always not enough time with great friends through the travels. Not sure when we will be back on Europe, but all I can say is we really had a great experience and are better persons for it.

This is the Arch of Constantine just outside the Roman Colosseum. Known as a triumphal arch, built in 315AD to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius.

The Grand Roman Colesseum, or also know as the Flavian Amphitheater is an amazing site in Rome and a cant miss place to see. First construction began in 72AD and was completed 8 years later. In its prime it could hold 75,000 people to witness some of the most gruesome and bloody events known n history that don't relate to war. What I learnt there was the actual fighting surface was made of wood, and covered by sand. This was to allow all the blood to flow easily of the grounds, and allow better access into the arena through trap-doors in the ground.

that's us inside the colosseum, enjoying this great monument.

Another shot inside the colosseum. You can see it was a beautiful day in Rome.

This is the Arch of Titus at the entrance of the The Roman Forum on the Colosseum end of the Forum. Also built in the last 1st century AD to mark another Roman victory.

Not the best shot in the world, but this is looking into the Roman Forum. You could spend a lot of time walking through this area trying to take in all the history that surrounded you.

This is Clariza above hanging out on the other side of the Roman Forum.

This is the great Trevi fountain found in the Piazza di Trevi. It was built originally in 19BC and then in the 1400's the water basin was built to hold the water that came from the Roman aqueduct which flowed below it.

Us sitting below the Trevi Fountain. I guess it is a Roman con, but they say you must throw a coin into the fountain over your shoulder to make a wish come true. Although we wanted to stay there all day and throw a hundred coins, we kept to one, and hope the best dream comes true!

Gelatos and ice-creams are to die for in Italy, so we made sure we ate our fair share. Love this photo of Clariza loving that ice-cream. I want my lemon gelato!!

Where in Paris!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 08:11:00 +0000

This has to be a quick update as not enough time. We are having a fantastic trip but sadly it is coming to an end. Hard to say what is the best, but for sure Rome is a city that to never forget. Anyway two more days in Paris, then a quick two days in Dubai, then back to Korea.

When I return I will update with stories and photos.

Where going on a holiday!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:40:00 +0000

Finally after watching everyone at work go and come back from their summer holidays it is finally our turn. So 27 hours from now we are boarding our flight for 17 days of fun and adventure. Below are the flags and State we will be visiting! I guess this blog will be updated on our return.

Sunday Afternoon in Seoul

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:48:00 +0000

It has been a relaxing weekend, with Saturday spent either sleeping or relaxing at home. Had a big night out on Friday, so needed to catch up with rest on Saturday.

Today, Sunday, we went to the hotel for breakfast at Grand Cafe. Always a sensational breakfast. We bumped into some friends and mentioned we were going to shop in the afternoon around Dongdaemun. They also wanted to shop, so we met around 2pm and headed to Dongdaemun. It was super busy, of course we did a heap of walking, and a little bit of shopping!!!
Finished up with a lovely dinner in our favourite dim sum restaurant Din Tai Fung in Myeong-Dong.

anyway below are some photos of the day with our great new camera.

Shot of the Cheonggyecheon Stream which only re-opened earlier this year.

Another shot of the stream. If you have the time, a great place to walk.

Chef and the ladies posing for the camera. See the camera in chefs hand ... Its the same as mine. We bought it within days of eachother.

Shot above is the East Gate of Seoul in Dongdaemun.

Here we are walking through the streets of Myeong-Dong. Fantastic area for shopping, and eating. In the centre of Myeongdong there is a new Krispe Kreme! You know where we had our dessert tonight!

We did not have our dessert here, but this ice cream shop was awesome. Check out the cone display! Next time!

New Camera!

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 09:09:00 +0000

In preperation for the Europe trip which is only 4 days away we just bought a new camera. After doing a little research we came up with this very inexpensive beauty! We got it online through a Korean website, and it came with a heap of extras. So far it looks good, but the test will be in our travels of Europe.

Thanks letsgodigital for the photos! What we love the most about the camera is the huge display. So sexy!!!!

Steve Irwin "we will miss you"

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:17:00 +0000

I am really not sure what I want to put on paper about how I feel about the sudden death of Steve Irwin. I personally really liked the guy. A modern day "Crocodile Dundee" who was real, honest, funny, and as us aussies say, a bloody good bloke. He was the real deal. He was away from the camera the same as he was in front of the camera. Always loving life, loving his family, friends, and most of all the wild animals of this world.

A freak accident has taken his life, and I feel the world will miss this mate. He was in his prime, and was a great ambassador for our country, and the guy that most applauded for his honesty and sincerity in regards to conservation and wildlife. It is nice to see how many global tributes he has recieved, and I hope that his legacy lives on. Rest in peace Steve.

Metallica in Korea

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 03:12:00 +0000

Ok, I will say it from the start. I was not a huge fan of Metallica, and never have been. After meeting them, watching them, and learning about them a bit more .... has it changed? Yes! Now I have a greater respect for the group, their professionalism, and some of their music which I actually always liked, but really never knew it was Metallica.

So let me start from the beginning, and hope I do not get in trouble for metioning what I say!! Two weeks before their arrival in Korea I got an email saying they were going to stay with us. Cool, this should be fun. As a hotelier I of course start thinking of all the logistics, potential problems, etc.. To cut a long long story short a few days before their arrival I met with the tour manager, and band manager who went through all the requirements, and that was that. Very easy, and really really nice people.

Day of arrival for the group, all went very well. The group arrived from Japan throughout the day and the main band members arrived early evening. I was there to meet them and take care of them. All went well. (Lots happened in between, but best keep that out of the blog. All I can say is that over the next two days I got to talk to the band and they were a really fantastic bunch of guys, so humble, and nice to work with. I really wish I could tell you more!!)

Concert day the tour manager called me and said all is great and if I need tickets for myself and friends just let him know how many. So I rounded up a few of the boys plus a couple of others and had tickets waiting at the door. He also told me he would take extra special care of me!! I wonder what he meant??

We took a taxi to the stadium and found the ticket area. Gave our names and got our tickets. There was an envelope for me also, and to my joy inside were three backstage all access passes! Fantastic!! So we joined the thousands trying to get in, flashed the All Access passes and we were escorted right through.

From then on we enjoyed the concert, the crowd, the heat!!! and of course most of all getting right next to the stage. I have put some photos into the blog, but they really really suck. I have a cheap rubbish camera that let me down on the night. Actually in the spirit of Metallica the shots kind of represent their music. We were so close to the band that at time James Hatfield was standing right above us. For a while we stood between the crowd barrier and the stage. I am sure if this concert was in Europe, US, or even Aussie we could never have gotten this close.

So concert all done, we went home very exhausted, but very happy. Next day I caught up with the group on their departure, thanked them, and in turn they actually thanked me and the staff for a really good stay.

See, there are some benefits for working in this hotel industry!!!

World Basketball Challenge Korea

noreply@blogger.com (Simon says) — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 02:58:00 +0000

We are trying to keep ourselves busy this summer and last week was not exception. After a few days of great dinners with friends we went to watch Team USA vs Lithuania. The teams were staying in our hotels so we were given some tickets to go and watch.

I am no basketball player, but grew to really enjoy the game after my 8 years in Hawaii. Me and the fraternity bros were regular at the UH games and got to watch some sensational games over the years including Hawaii's wins over Indiana and Duke. Good times.

Anyway back to Korea. So we had designated seats but as usual nobody was sitting in their assigned seats so we found the best seats we could which were excellent, and watched the game. It was an easy win for the USA, but most enjoyable was watching these NBA players really turning it on and playing some amazing basketball with of course heaps of slam dunks. Sadly though I am not up on this new generation of NBA players so their names did not mean much to me.

Have attached a few photos of the game. Enjoy.
We stayed on and watched the first half of the Korea and Italy game, but that was also heading for an easy win to Italy. We had to head to Iteawon for a Greek dinner at a place called Santorini. It was excellent by the way.