Sunday, June 19, 2011

Lotte World!

I made a promise to myself that I would blog more while I was in Korea . . .
 but so far I have failed.
But, let's be honest, there is way to much to do and explore to sit on my computer for very long!

Yesterday, however, was SOOOO amazing that I just have to share it!!!!!!

We went to an INDOOR amusement park called Lotte World.  
It is currently the biggest indoor amusement park in the world!!!!



I took all the pictures on my iPhone, and they don't begin to do it justice . . . but I am going to try to describe it anyway!

You go in and get your ticket and then take an escalator up . . .
(Koreans LOVE escalators, I ride about 20 a day here!)

Right as you reach the top, you suddenly get this amazing view of a completely different world.  
To me, it was like landing in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. 






I could go on  and on all day describing all of the things that were contained in this wonderland.  One of the things that struck me most was the amazing use of space that allowed an amusement park to be contained in a building!  There was also an outdoor island that contained some of the bigger rides, but for the most park, everything was neatly situated indoors.  No space was wasted.  

Another interesting point to make about the Korean amusement park was that Koreans have a very odd sense of what is appropriate for children, in my opinion.  We went in a "Ghost House" that said age 6 and up.  It was a 3D show that was described as "follow a cat through a house on a stormy night and see inanimate objects move."  Sounds harmless enough!  

Nope, creepy as crap.  There were scary killer dolls coming at you.  I freaked out when all these 3D mice rushed at us.  The cat discovers a skeleton in the basement. At the end, you find out that the cat is actually dead. Definitely not the scariest thing I have ever seen, obviously, but they advertised it for ages 6+.  NOT FOR 6 YEAR OLDS!

Also, here is another example: 


Yes, that is the killer from Scream.  But look where it is being sold:




At this store that is equivalent to the Disney Store!!!!  That just blew my mind!

It was a completely great day and I love seeing all the interesting differences in culture!  There are many other tales from Lotte World, but perhaps I will share them another day!

  

Friday, June 10, 2011

Hello From Korea!!!!!

Hi Dear Friends!!!

As most of you probably already know, I am in South Korea doing a summer study abroad program. 

I am going to be doing a series of posts about my experiences here, such as things I like about the culture, personal growth that I am experiencing on this trip, or whatever happens to inspire me!!!!

First, I must share one of the most interesting signs that I have ever seen.  We were walking around in Itaewon, which is the area of Seoul where American military and many foreign students hang out.  It has many American stores and restaurants and the like.  As we strolled about, we stumbled upon this:


THE GREATEST SIGN EVER!!!

Many more pictures to come!!!!


Love from Seoul, 

Ambria