After completing my degree in the UK, I landed a job as a recruitment consultant at a large corporate firm. Initially, I was thrilled to have secured a graduate job with a promising career path, but it didn't take long for me to realize that this was not the life I wanted for myself. Hopefully, the recruitment industry has changed, but when I worked in it there were a lot of dodgy practices ... and people. It didn't take long for me to feel trapped, stuck in a cycle of monotonous work and longing for something more fulfilling.
Living in Riyadh: A Perfect Blend of Weather, People, Travel, and Food
Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a wonderful place to live in. With its incredible weather (for most of the year, except the peak of the summer), friendly people, excellent travel connections, and delicious food.
In conclusion, living in Riyadh is a fantastic experience. With its great weather, friendly people, excellent travel connections, and delicious food, it is a city that has something to offer everyone. If you are looking for a new place to call home, Riyadh is definitely worth considering.
One of the best things about living in Riyadh is the weather. The city enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the cold winters of other parts of the world. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's location is ideal for professionals in the education industry to work in as when most European and northern American nations are experiencing bitter winters, the weather here is mild and sunny. The city also experiences very little rainfall, which means that residents can enjoy plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies.
Another great thing about living in Riyadh is the people. Saudi Arabians are known for their hospitality, and the people of Riyadh are no exception. They are warm, friendly, and welcoming. With a mix of locals and expats, the city has a diverse and vibrant community, which makes it a great place to meet new people and make new friends.
Riyadh is also a fantastic hub for travel. The city is well-connected to destinations across Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Europe, and Asia, which makes it a great base for anyone who loves to explore new places. Whether you want to visit the beaches of Thailand, the mountains of Nepal, or the bustling cities of Europe, you can easily find a flight from Riyadh to take you there.
Food is another highlight of living in Riyadh. The city has a wide variety of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world, so you can always find something to suit your taste buds. Whether you are in the mood for spicy Indian food, aromatic Middle Eastern dishes, or gourmet European cuisine, you can find it all in Riyadh.
Moreover, there is also plenty to do in Riyadh for those who love adventure and exploration. The city is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes that offer a range of outdoor activities, such as offroading, camping, and hiking. Offroading, in particular, is a popular pastime in Riyadh, with many locals and expats venturing into the desert to test their driving skills and enjoy the rugged terrain. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or simply enjoy spending time in nature, the desert around Riyadh is sure to offer a memorable experience. Apart from offroading, there are many other activities to keep you entertained in Riyadh. The city has a range of shopping malls, cultural centers, and entertainment venues that offer something for everyone. You can catch a movie at one of the city's many cinemas, go bowling with friends, or visit one of the many museums and art galleries to learn about the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
In conclusion, living in Riyadh is a fantastic experience. With its great weather, friendly people, excellent travel connections, and delicious food, it is a city that has something to offer everyone. If you are looking for a new place to call home, Riyadh is definitely worth considering.
Weekend excursions - Week-night dashes - Adventures - Experiences - Sights and Sites - Events and Festivals
Bucket lists. Traditionally a list of things one wants to do before one 'kicks the bucket.' Ceases to be. Bites the dust. Snuffs it. Passes away. Feeds the worms... Say what you want. In short, before you die.
BUT, in the transient society that is Korea the phrase 'bucket list' has been adopted to mean 'things that you want to do before leaving the ROK' (Republic of Korea). Completion of 'the list' usually leads to the writer returning to their motherland. But not always. Some people move to Korea, fall in love (with another person or Korea itself) and embrace the nation as their own. However, for the majority of migrants who enter Korea it is home for a year. A year to explore and discover... the nation and oneself.
As the population of native English speakers in Korea is small, most expats stick together and form close communities. A cafe, bar or GS25 (a chain of convenience stores) becomes your local hangout and this allows you to discuss experiences, share adventures and explore what Korea is all about. It's all quite adorable.
The veterans, people who have been in Korea for a whole six months or more, become fonts of wisdom for the newbies: sights to see, experiences to be had, foods to eat - and indeed... foods to avoid. These seem to be common pearls of wisdom that are received within an immigrant's first few weeks.
After a small period of time, most people organise their thoughts and form their individual opinion about what Korea is and what it has to offer. It is usually at this point that a 'Korean Bucket List' is crafted. Some are wildly adventurous - eat a live wriggling octopus, skydive the demilitarized zone or fight a Taekwondo Master. While other lists are more refined and might include items such as to learn the language, experience a temple stay or to frequent one of the many excellent museums that Korea has to offer.
Regardless of the 'type' of list', all are created for the same reason - to maximise the creator's year (or more) in Korea.
And for those of you who need a little help on creating that list....
Seoul in a Weekend - experience as much of Korea's Seoul as is possible in a weekend
Seoul to Busan, the Scenic route - ride from Seoul to Busan by bike
Seoul has something better than Sole - an introduction into some of Korea's cuisines
Korea, a lover of festivals - the must visit festivals in Korea
Famously Secret or Secretly Famous - Yeoju, the hidden gem in Korea
Island of the Gods of Island of the Dogs - two great islands to put in your itinerary
Pandemic in Small Town Korea - Election Fever
Clever Korea, especially when it comes to education - More about the School I teach at.
Bitcoins: Out To Change The World?
Korea, asia, travel, south east asia, republic of Korea, south Korea, north Korea, Republic of Korea, leisure, see, sight, site, sights, sites, move, tourism, Asia, culture, tradition, custom, customs, convention, conventions, traditions, tourists, see, view, experience, adventure, Seoul, capital of Korea, Jim jil bang, jimjilbang, Busan, Yeoju, rice, cuisine, hangul, Hangeul, Korean, korean,tea, green tea, hanbok, hanok, experience, history, world, globe, backpack, bag, education, teach, English, english teacher, students, school, weekend, day off, Saturday, Sunday, rest, sight, sights, sites, site, sociology, society, country, nation, north, south, east, west, north south east west, discover, reveal, learn, understand, inspire, Jeju, insadong, antinue, Korean antiques, old, ancient, palace, gyungbokgung, gyeongbokgung, gyeongbokgung palace, gyungbok palace, gyeongbok palace, coffee, Korean ceremony, Korean dance, Korean class, do, do not, don’t, dont, ignore, see, think, thought, write, hagwon, hakwon,, hakyo, hagyo, children, child, student, kimchi, san nakji, rice, sal, Gyeogju, gwangju
Korea, asia, travel, south east asia, republic of Korea, south Korea, north Korea, Republic of Korea, leisure, see, sight, site, sights, sites, move, tourism, Asia, culture, tradition, custom, customs, convention, conventions, traditions, tourists, see, view, experience, adventure, Seoul, capital of Korea, Jim jil bang, jimjilbang, Busan, Yeoju, rice, cuisine, hangul, Hangeul, Korean, korean,tea, green tea, hanbok, hanok, experience, history, world, globe, backpack, bag, education, teach, English, english teacher, students, school, weekend, day off, Saturday, Sunday, rest, sight, sights, sites, site, sociology, society, country, nation, north, south, east, west, north south east west, discover, reveal, learn, understand, inspire, Jeju, insadong, antinue, Korean antiques, old, ancient, palace, gyungbokgung, gyeongbokgung, gyeongbokgung palace, gyungbok palace, gyeongbok palace, coffee, Korean ceremony, Korean dance, Korean class, do, do not, don’t, dont, ignore, see, think, thought, write, hagwon, hakwon,, hakyo, hagyo, children, child, student, kimchi, san nakji, rice, sal, Gyeogju, gwangju
Korea, asia, travel, south east asia, republic of Korea, south Korea, north Korea, Republic of Korea, leisure, see, sight, site, sights, sites, move, tourism, Asia, culture, tradition, custom, customs, convention, conventions, traditions, tourists, see, view, experience, adventure, Seoul, capital of Korea, Jim jil bang, jimjilbang, Busan, Yeoju, rice, cuisine, hangul, Hangeul, Korean, korean,tea, green tea, hanbok, hanok, experience, history, world, globe, backpack, bag, education, teach, English, english teacher, students, school, weekend, day off, Saturday, Sunday, rest, sight, sights, sites, site, sociology, society, country, nation, north, south, east, west, north south east west, discover, reveal, learn, understand, inspire, Jeju, insadong, antinue, Korean antiques, old, ancient, palace, gyungbokgung, gyeongbokgung, gyeongbokgung palace, gyungbok palace, gyeongbok palace, coffee, Korean ceremony, Korean dance, Korean class, do, do not, don’t, dont, ignore, see, think, thought, write, hagwon, hakwon,, hakyo, hagyo, children, child, student, kimchi, san nakji, rice, sal, Gyeogju, gwangju
Pandemic in Small Town Korea
Yoeju’s town center can be described as a quiet agricultural hub for the surrounding residents of the area. In the center you can find the usual businesses: cafes, sandwich shops, bars, bakeries, grocery stores and the other typical outlets that dot towns and cities throughout Korea.
Yeoju’s population is currently at 111,705 residents and one news paper (Kyeongin) reported last month that Yeoju saw a population rise of 0.13 % (14 people) the previous year. Comparing Yeoju’s population size to that of Seoul and Busan would make it appear ailing and far to small to sport ‘city’ status – with Seoul and Busan boasting populations nearing ten million and three and a half million respectively.
However, to take the second figure quoted above, that of people population increase, gives us a different picture. Yeoju’s increase was nothing spectacular but, it did grow. Unlike the larger cities in Korea such as Seoul and Busan.
Last year Seoul’s population dropped from 10,183,705 to 9,794,304 and Busan’s population dropped from 3,655,349 to 3,414,950. Giving population declines of 3.8% (389,401) and 6.6% (240,399).
Arguably because of Yeoju’s steady population rise, and despite its size, Yeoju is soon to get ‘city’ status. This has brought local residents to life with debate on the pros and cons of such a branding. Frequenters of Yeoju Shijang (market) seem all of a flutter about the matter. And she, Yeoju, has been acting rather differently recently.
The local zeitgeist shift might not be exclusively due to its potential status change. The shift could be attributed to a myriad of factors: the near constant construction of new buildings (and an amusement park), the opening of more corporate businesses, Yeoju’s new library...well, I’m sure you get the picture.
Korea’s current economy, that has recently succumbed to the global economic downturn and seen a 1.4% fall in its exports, has resulted in Yeojuians demanding a change of approach from the politically nominated. All of the recent changes in Yeoju, whether for better or worse, and the upcoming elections have resulted in something contagious here in our beloved town, soon to be city. Election fever.
Residents of Yeoju, known throughout Korea for being reserved and polite folk, are being barraged daily with loud music and booming announcements from glowing trucks. Commuters too and from the town are met with brightly dressed party members on street corners who supply complimentary bows to all. Delegate images appear repetitively on posters of walls and poles. Suited men stand in walking street preaching manifesto and change. It’s all something oh so foreign to us foreigners. Some delegates are going further to buy votes and dispensing free wet-wipes and candy. 
It seems that Yeoju has reached climax but, despite all of the hype and noise, election fever is still in its early stages. The upcoming election is for seats in the National Assembly and is seen by most Korean citizens as the smaller of the country wide elections. Intensity is said to increase as the months go by and peak in December with the presidential elections, which Lee Myung Bak must step down. Until then, it’s recommended to avoid standing too close to campaign trucks with speakers stock up on wet-wipes.
How to Circumnavigate the globe, as a peasant: And what of England should they know of England w...
How to Circumnavigate the globe, as a peasant:
And what of England should they know of England w...: And what of England should they know of England who only know England?' – Rudyard Kipling . A wise traveller once said ‘ it is not un...
And what of England should they know of England w...: And what of England should they know of England who only know England?' – Rudyard Kipling . A wise traveller once said ‘ it is not un...
Seoul in a Weekend
 |
| Insadong |
|
| Gyeongbok Palace |
|
| Bukchon Village |
An Appetiser - Korea's Seoul in a Weekend
There are a great deal of things to see and experience in Seoul and it would take an extremely industrious person to do it all in one weekend - and let's face it, life tastes better when it isn't rushed.
The agenda below has been balanced to provide you with plenty of time to appreciate the scenery, history and culture... whilst also ticking things off some great Korean experiences off your Bucket List
Friday night
- Get Naked - Stay at a Jim Jil Bang. When you finish work head into Seoul and spend the night in a JimJilbang (look for the Korean characters 찜질방). They are ubiquitous in Korea, especially in Seoul. And, you should not have a problem finding one. Ask a local 'Jim Jil Bang Odi-yae-yo? and they should point you in the right direction. Or, if you are short on time, jump in a taxi and ask to be taken to the nearest, taxi's in Korea are reasonably priced. It shouldn't cost you more than £3/$5.
What is a Jim Jil Bang?
· A general health and fitness building that usually has:
o Many sauna’s
o Multiple steam rooms
o Miscellaneous hot baths – some that have aroma’s, herbs or tea infused in them
o Mud baths
o Massage facilities
o A Micro cinema - TV room
o 'Masiseuseo' (delicious in Korean) food in a reasonably priced café/restaurant
o Sleeping facilities
Take advantage of all of the facilities and… do not worry about taking special clothing. Clothes for mixed sauna’s are provided and in the sex-segregated area’s you're expected to be naked. It’s great fun. You’ll see all shapes and sizes and most Koreans enjoy practising their English on you whilst sweating with you in the sauna. Sleep the night in a communal room (or private room if it is a swanky one, this may be extra though) and wake up the following morning feeling refreshed and in the centre of Seoul – ready for an adventure.
Saturday
A map for Saturday’s plan is pasted below the text.
 |
 |
 |
o There are numerous tourist information points, as well as tourist advisers (usually high school students wanting to practice their English) who don bright red coats with an ‘i’ on them. These generous people will happily explain the best attractions, assist you to get where you want to go and furnish you with a map of Seoul and the local area
o View one of the many art galleries, antique shops and traditional Korean style buildings in the area.
o Further your cultural experience with a quick peek at:
o Further your cultural experience with a quick peek at:
§ Unhyeongung – former Royal Korean residence
§ Jongyesa – a significant Korean Buddhist temple
§ Jongyesa – a significant Korean Buddhist temple
o Indulge in a pot of Korean green tea from a traditional tea room (make sure to get some Korean rice cake with your tea!)
 |
| Fact: Starbucks are just about everywhere nowadays. However, the one in Insadong was not allowed to open unless it abided by certain rules - to maintain the area's traditional image. This is why 'Starbucks' is written in Hagul as opposed to English. |
 |
| Gyeongbuk Palace - Entrance Gates |
o You will be in the area of Gwanghamun so, get your camera’s out again… there are two giant statues of the great King Sejong and Admiral Lee Sun Sin (이순신) on your walk to the palace (marked ‘x’ and y’ on the map).
 |
| Sejong the Great |
 |
| Admiral Lee Sun Sin |
o The entrance fee is (as with all heritage sites in Korea) very low and there is also the benefit that high school children, who want to practice their English, will give you a free toured guide of the grounds, museum and even Folk museum. Some of these children are pretty nervous, so be a good gal/guy and give them plenty of encouragement and praise. If you’re a really nice person, buy them an ice cream after the tour to say thank you.
 |
| Korea in a nutshell - a fusion between the traditional and the ultra modern |
o Interesting facts:
 |
| A traditional Korean ceremony - Changing of the Guard. |
§ The majority of the palace was burnt down in 1592 by Japanese invaders.
§ 1867 - The palace was reconstructed
§ 1895 – After the assassination of Empress Myeongseong by a Japanese agent, the Imperial family left and never returned to the palace.
§ The palace was nearly completely destroyed in the early 20th century by …. You guessed it…. the Japanese.
 |
| Cheonggyecheon - the downtown stream |
o If you see a restaurant on the way that looks interesting, stop and enjoy.
o You can cross the stream on a regular basis, sometimes by bridge but most commonly by jumping on rocks that form a passage over the water.
· On the evening, depending on your budget and how you feel , you can stay at one of the many:
 |
| stone crossing |
o Hotels
o JimJilBangs (mentioned earlier)
o Pensions (similar to a Hostel but you will sleep on the floor of a communal room)
 |
| A = Insadong B = Gyeongbukgung (palace) C = the start of the Cheonggyecheon (stream) X&Y = statues |
Sunday
 |
| Bukchon village |
- Find the nearest subway and head for Anguk Station (line 3)
- Here you will find Bukchon Village, historically inhabited by Korea's aristocrats. Whilst strolling Seoul’s largest number of privately owned traditional homes it is easy to let your mind wonder to what old times must have been like. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the main area, there are plenty of alley ways that will lead you to areas of utter beauty.
 |
| Namsan Tower (Ntower) |
o To get to the physical tower, which is located on the peak of Namsan (South Mountain,) you can either walk or take a cable car.
o N Tower is a communication and observation deck that offers epic panoramic views across Seoul, weather permitting.
o Facts:
§ Built in 1969, open to the public in 1980
§ 236.7 m in height (from base)
§ 479.7 m above sea level
o Depending on your budget, you can dine at: it's café, Grill, Korean style restaurant (which has a revolving floor) or tuck into a packed lunch whilst taking in the scenery that is Seoul.
· Head back to your area of residence.
· Work hard and live for the following weekend.
weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel actuate circle fly about get about getaround go about gyrate mill around mobilize move around radiate revolve rotate set off travel wander adventure the orient the east asia seoul Seoul Korea korea view see sight site visit frequent understand because why wonder jeju island food cuisine bibimbap kimbap culture civic authentic individual public disuse decay squander misuse ruin exhaustion dilapidate overdo wastage misapply ravage weekend Friday Saturday Monday Sunday trip excursion outing drive fly jaunt spin vacation week day hop tour explore enjoy roam move ramble stay remain set forth proceed go way cover ground tourist things to do do want see discover find think
weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog Korea culture blog Seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel Seoul weekend adventure blog korea culture blog seoul weekend adventure adventures discover travel travel actuate circle fly about get about getaround go about gyrate mill around mobilize move around radiate revolve rotate set off travel wander adventure the orient the east asia seoul Seoul Korea korea view see sight site visit frequent understand because why wonder jeju island food cuisine bibimbap kimbap culture civic authentic individual public disuse decay squander misuse ruin exhaustion dilapidate overdo wastage misapply ravage weekend Friday Saturday Monday Sunday trip excursion outing drive fly jaunt spin vacation week day hop tour explore enjoy roam move ramble stay remain set forth proceed go way cover ground tourist things to do do want see discover find think
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)