My World Café – insights & experiences from my travels, café visits and daily life.
Business & Career Mentor, Photographer, Aviator
My friend Eunjae’s family took me out to a mind-boggling dinner. While I have been to many Korean restaurants by now, I’ve never experienced Korean fine dining. It is interesting that our restaurant was located off a freeway, together with several other high-end dining places. We had a choice between two main courses. But that… Continue reading One of my best meals ever – on my final day in Korea!
Eunjae kindly took me the right bus - nonstop in 45 minutes from Suwon to Incheon Airport. Air Canada had already notified me of a three hour delay. I went to an Air Canada agent and told her my connection to Whitehorse in Vancouver was jeopardized. Within 15 minutes she re-booked me on Korean Airlines.… Continue reading Back home to Canadian reality
I wanted to walk the entire length of the Suwon Fortress Wall - which entails a steep hill. I was richly rewarded by getting warm on a sunny but chilly day, and a fantastic view across the city. And then I heard this deep, deep, sound of a bell and got curious. Soon I see… Continue reading How I came to ringing Hyowon’s giant Bell
Suwon plays a significant role in Korea’s history. It is one of the few cities where the centre is completely surrounded by an intact historic wall: Hwaseong Fortress, built in 1794. Walking the complete wall is about 5.7 Kilometers - including a hill climb. The views across the city, the various structures and the park-like… Continue reading Walking the Fortress Wall in Suwon
Korean café owners need to tweak their business model: I explored this cool café district near Janganmun Gate today, in search for one that offered savoury delights as well. Nothing! So I walked into Our 20th Century and asked the same question: Do you have sandwiches? NO! But the ambiance and friendliness stayed in my… Continue reading OUR 20TH CENTURY Café in Suwon – their kindness overwhelmed me
Yet another cool experience I booked through airbnb. The lead performer was a Korean pianist who currently lives in Paris. An experimental video added to the experience. Well, this concert was too experimental for me. After all I’m a straight forward drummer 🙂 But it was interesting to visit an underground venue dedicated to all… Continue reading Discover live music in 100jazzclubs in Seoul’s Seongsu area – plus a whole district of shoemakers and exceptional cafés.
I had been surprised that around 5 pm the crowdedness of Seoul’s subways was bearable. I learned my lesson yesterday: On my way to a jazz concert yesterday - it was 7 pm - I hardly could get in and out of the train. For some standing room it’s just leaning on others for support… Continue reading What their long commutes say about Koreans
This morning I was looking for my first café in Suwon (a Seoul suburb of 1 million; our former exchange student lives here). Right beside my airbnb I found Mug Coffee & Bakery. The baker is also the owner. Her friendliness and smile are heart-warming! After two lattes and one Earl Grey I ventured out… Continue reading The People at MUG Coffee and Bakery
Not so much... That's better!
OMG - snow in Busan - chaos on the streets. South Korea is a third the size as Germany, even more mountainous than my former home country, and yet home to 50 million. Apartment high rises are an absolute must. The humongous apartment cities were particularly impressive from the air on my flight from Busan… Continue reading The Other Busan
My World Café - insights & experiences from my travels, café visits and daily life. 