Classic Defacement

It's good to see that old habits die hard and that the toothbrush moustache and underarm hair still hold a special place in the hearts of wall scrawlers in Korea. All she needs is a pair of spectacles, a goatee and some horns for the classic Defaced Level One French Text Book look.

Delicious, Refreshing And Scratch Proof?

I don't want to cast any shadows of doubt on the authenticity of the products sold in the antique boutiques of Itaewon, but this Coca-Cola cooler got me thinking...

Plenty of scratches on the paintwork of the metal box, but the sticker seems to be pristine. I'm sure there's a logical explanation for that. Isn't there?

Presidential DJ?

For some reason this mural on the side of a garage in Bogwang-dong reminds me of President Lee Myung-bak. I don't know why, but I think there's something in the eyes and forehead...

Sepia 시장

Lunar New Year's Eve at 육거리 종합 시장 in 청주...



Packed out at 6.00 pm as customers get their final few ingredients for their celebrations.



Everyone loves a New Year chicken, especially when they are so fancily dressed.



The rice cake stall was also doing brisk business.



Plenty of sticky little treats.



Meanwhile the head cheese stall seemed a little forlorn.



Who doesn't love a slice of brawn?

A Very Specific Cafe

Sometimes cafes have a particular target group in mind. Pouch, in downtown Cheongju, has a very definite idea of what kind of customer it's looking for:

"Wall painting Gallery Cafe For the Stylish Woman & her baby"

If only I was a stylish woman...

Lunar New Year

Two days, one night down in Cheongju. Always fun to go and see the family, but always horrible to have to take the bus there...

This is my bus face.



Lunar New Year is about two things: Food...



And family.



The promise of sweet winter strawberries.



Home made 식혜.



A chance to commemorate those whose journey has ended.



And a chance to celebrate those whose journey has just started.



Coming together to say good bye to the past and hello to the future.



Though I still hate having to get on that bloody bus.

Happy New Year

새해 복 많이 받으세요! Happy New Year to you all!



Hello bunny, may this time round be filled with joy and carrots...

Bye Bye Tiger

And so we come to the end of another lunar year. Bye bye tiger, it's been fun at times and a nightmarish roller coaster at others. Here's hoping next time I see you things will be a little more amiable...

Banana and Honey Bread

Baking again... This time Jamie Oliver has been lending a helping hand with his banana and honey bread recipe... Toasted and spread with butter, it's heavenly.

The cupcakes are not too bad either...

Roast Chicken

It's been a while, but last night we decided to roast a chicken. Smothered in butter (inside and out) and thrown in the oven. Served with roasted onion, mushroom, pepper and cream fettuccine.