Parents' Day

Efficient Korea doesn't do what the rest of the world does by celebrating Mothers' Day on one day and Fathers' Day on another, but rather combines the two. Also, this is usually just a few days after children's day so all the gift shopping and such can be done in one shot. 

Coming back from Phumi's birthday dinner, Jasmine and I stopped by a (very busy) florist to get some flowers to give to her mom the next day. 

In the pics, you can see the traditional (or perhaps 'in-fashion') way that Koreans thank their parents for the insanely awesome love they show. Here's Jasmine in shopping action. 

Cute, hey?

Miss Phumi

She- confident, always organised, always great at organising, a light, a big heart, a lover, a big sister, and a great friend. We just love this lovely friend of ours, and had to celebrate her birthday in true Phumi style; simple, clean, cozy and classy. 

So we arranged a surprise dinner for her on the Monday after we went paintball shooting as a group for her birthday. Being the understanding and considerate lady she is, she really didn't want to have any fancy dinner since we had all gone paintballing already. But of course we weren't gonna let her real birthday swing by without a hip hip hooray and some candle blowing. 

We went to a cute Italian restaurant called La Luce where the few of us filled the entire spot. The poor souls who chose to come for some peace and quiet on this night... 

Here's how we celebrated Phumi's birthday. 

Just getting started, and tears of appreciation were already flowing.. 

Kirsty and Laurentia got this book which we all wrote a personal message for Phumi in. On the first page, was a message her boyfriend (in SA) emailed this way so he could also get his message in the book. I think she loved it :)

Chits, Leianne and Charde

 Decisions, decisions.

Christine (who came in a dress!! A dress, yes!!) and Kirstey. Cheeez!

Taryn and I

Out of focus (this seems to be in fashion) Lula. A happy Lula ^^

The boys. Eric and Dan the man.

Mr Mark McKeever busy busy busy on his phone.

 This was a definite winner. Chitsi made wrapping paper with Phumi's name on it and bicycles printed all over it. She absolutely loved it. Therefore, more tears.

We know Phums loves her some Starbucks, so some socks would be good.

Like a kid in a chocolate factory. So much excitement for her polaroid picture frames.

and some unpaid for advertising.

Blueberry burger. Interesting.

and more good times. Chits writing her message in the book. Phumi and Christine having a serious discussion in the background.

More tears triggered as we sang happy birthday and the cakes came in from the kitchen and a chorus of "Happy Birthday to you!" in English, Afrikaans, Mandarin and Korean.

Definitely newsworthy and front cover news. Christine, the self-titled dress hater, wears a dress just for the occasion. Phums is loved.

Lula, Yang Xiao, Raquel and Christine doing one last pose for the eve.

We love you, Phumi. I am glad your day was special. 

x

a day in the park

A few weekends ago, on a lovely and sunny Saturday afternoon, a few (many!) of us gathered at Duryu Park for a picnic in the name of Bea and Debra who were having a joined birthday celebration. Debra is South African and Bea is from England. Of course, this means the picnic brought in crowds from everywhere. The bliss being that the majority, were all people with those awesome UK accents; a lovely backing track to the calmly eventful day. 

I took pics for only the parts of the day when I wasn't running on my hands in team wheel barrow games, or winning egg relays (yep!). 

Pic descriptions ABOVE the pics this time ^^

I got lost on the way to the spot (coz this park is gigantic) and thought I'd snap away so I didn't look as confused as I really was. You know, play it cool and act like you're just walking around looking for picture opportunities and not for your friends who you've been trying to find for the last 30mins :/ So these are old Korean men who are known for spending their afternoons under these structures playing some sort of board game. Looks like serious business. Always.

And never forget to even snap up the cool bathrooms with leaves creeping all over them. Sure way to not look like a lost loser who also snaps away at toilets. Hmm.

South Africans chatting away. That's Wilma.

 The Commonwealth troops.

Raquel looking so puuurdy!

 The Koreans who sat near us must have been a tad frustrated by the Queen's kids' chatter. Shrug

Melt, serenading the crowds. People go all out with their party tricks, huh?!

I hope you find this pic interesting, coz I hoped you would. Korean Orea packaging (that says Oh-Rae-Oh) and the infamous rip off of Kit-Kat. Kicker. Ah, I love Asia.

Chitsi, goofing so hard, my bad photography skills the camera couldn't bare to focus on her. Artistic, I say.

Something was VERY funny. I missed it :(

Check THAT couple pulling out all the stops for their romantic day in the park. A little net thing to make sure no insect comes between them. Ncaaar! 

 Bikes for hire at the park. Cute, neh?

Chits and I... unashamedly posing.

And some tree appreciation. NoHippie.

Once we felt like the mature and calm chit chat was enough, a few of us enjoyed some team games and relays. Chits was my partner and it is with pride that I announce our victory in the egg and spoon relay. Unfortunately, people only like to take pictures of your losses and never your victories, so here are the snap of defeat (from Debra's FB):

Piggy back fail.

The WORST! Look how the other team was already on the way back while I was hating my arms for their weakness. Deep sigh.

Stop laughing. 

After all of that, I went to Chitsi's place (she lives nearby) for some yummy chick pea curry and rice and good conversation (as always). She then headed downtown for the picnic's after-party which I was too tired  to attend. But first. A photoshoot in the subway station.  

Awesome shoes courtesy of Chitsi's awesome taste. The reds she gave to me coz they were too big for her (for ONCE, a plus to having big feet. Shoes from Indonesia!).

When in Rome. Be not afraid of public displays of vanity and silliness.

and goofiness.

and subway station passing outness...

Sigh. I love Saturdays.