My and Buddha's Birthday

This past weekend was, by far, one of the highlights of my time in Korea. Not only did I turn 25 on Saturday (eww gross, I really do feel much older this time!), but it was also Buddha's Birthday celebration/Lantern Festival in Seoul. We took an early train up to Seoul and had a Mexican Birthday lunch in Itaewon. The weather was absolutely wonderful, so we were able to sit by the open windows, eat our burritos, drink margaritas, and people watch. After my fabulous birthday lunch, we went to Changdeok Palace. This Palace has a Secret Garden in the back, but you had to sign up for the 2 hour tour just to be allowed in. I wasn't really looking forward to a mandatory tour, but I've wanted to see the Secret Garden all year. However, if I had to go on a tour, I'm really glad it was this one. Not only was the Secret Garden beautiful and peaceful, but I also learned new things about the Korean Royalty.

This tree was 750 years old! Wow! Just a bit older than me....
After this, we regrouped, then made our way to the Lantern Parade! I was nervous about being able to see and the thousands of shoving people, but we found a decent spot and I had a great view the entire time! There were beautiful Lantern floats, dragons, elephants, Buddhas, people wearing traditional outfits holding lanterns, traditional drummers, chanting monks, dancers, etc. Everyone who was in the parade smiled and waved to the crowd as they passed by. It was a magical parade and I am SO happy that I was able to see it and share this tradition with the Korean people.

When the parade finished, there were thousands of people walking in the direction of Colin and me, so we got out of the way and went down a tiny alleyway. We found a bar that looked like a log cabin and decided to have a quick drink until all the people dispersed. When we walked in, there was a man playing the guitar and singing, as well as people clapping and singing at every table. The table next to us was eating shrimp and edamame, which just looked so delicious to me. So I pointed to what they were having and had a great dinner! During dinner, the entertainment changed, and a woman started playing the guitar and singing. I loved watching her because she sang all of the Korean songs I've been hearing all year, but with a rock, raspy voice. It was really cool to hear and she kept the crowd going! Colin "secretly" asked her to play Happy Birthday for me, so she sang our Happy Birthday and the Korean Happy Birthday. All of the tables were clapping and singing with her, and yelling "Happy Birthday!" to me. I stood up on the booth, bowed to everyone and said "Kam Saham Nida" (Thank you) to everyone. Afterwards, the singer started singing a Korean Pop Song and everyone was up and dancing around. Even two ajummas who were wearing hanboks and had walked in the parade got up to dance! So naturally, I danced with them. Shortly after, the crowds started clearing out and we left. (This bar actually kicks you at 1:00 instead of 5:00 like in Iksan!)

Dancing with the ajummas in hanboksThe next day before we went home, we went back to Itaewon to eat kebabs and got Quiznos subs to go for the train ride home. Hey, we have to be prepared and think ahead when it comes to Western food! It was an amazing birthday weekend, one that I will surely never forget!!