spider legs and love motels

If you make an impromptu decision to catch the last bus to Seoul on Friday night, you might find yourself staying in a place commonly known as a "love motel".  These places are inexpensive, prolific, resourcefully wallpapered, and come with free toothbrushes and contraceptives.
Not the kind of place you'd want to send your folks, but certainly an interesting endeavor for those with a proclivity for dim lighting.

 so much wallpaper so little time

The primary motivation for going to Seoul was to experience Do Ho Suh's solo exhibition at the Leeum Samsung Museum. Ok, truth be told. The primary motivation was the international food culture in the Itaewon and Dongdaemun districts. Thai, Moroccan, Nepalese, and Mexican delights plus strange street food all in one belly all in one weekend?! Yes please. However, Do Ho Suh's exhibit was a close second for sensory overload. The vast majority of the exhibit was sewn silk.

Lo and behold there were miniatures as well.

Leeum Samsung Museum also hosts two "Maman" by Louise Bourgeois. Much love and respect for this fiercely genuine artist.

The second night in Seoul was spent at Alpha "Guesthouse", which is what they seem to call hostels in Korea. While the wallpaper wasn't quite as stunning as the Pando (yes Pando not Panda) Love Motel, it was still interesting given that its immediate neighbor was a Buddhist temple. In the middle of Seoul. Urban enlightenment anyone?

Buddha's birthday bash is May 28th this year! Bring on the green tea and bibimbap.