First Time Out of Seoul

So this Sunday was our first trip out of Seoul. We (Kana, Chikae and I) decided to go to a beach close to the international airport, a good 70 min. away from the city by subway. Of course it couldn't be as simple as a subway ride, and getting to the final destination required a sequence of subway-bus-ferry-bus rides. We left late afternoon and by the time we got to the beach it was already early evening. The water was a little cold so we didn't swim much, and neither did the Koreans (who interestingly don't seem to wear swimming suits, just regular clothes). After building an amazing toilet shaped sand castle and wading a little we walked over to a playground to continue our wholesome summer fun. As we were swinging and playing on the bars a group of about seven some Korean girls, ranging from the ages of 7-9 slowly starting approaching us, whispering various Korean words which included Japanese and American. The group finally approached us and asked in English if we were Japanese. Our answer (two Japanese and an American) sparked a giggle from the group as they promptly ran away. This same process occurred another five some times as they came back asking our names, favorite Japanese/American singers, favorite food, etc. This however was not the end of our encounters with them...

Chikae wanted to wash her feet because of the sand so we asked them where the nearest shower/bathroom was, at which point they decided they would led us there. As Chikae was in the bathroom one of the girls asked if she could take our picture (or to be exact kept saying the word picture and making a picture taking motion). Kana by now was acting increasingly nervous/terrified of the kids, mainly because she had no clue what they were saying (little English and Korean) and also Kana's not exactly kid friendly. I was trying to get them to pose and take their picture with us but that wasn't exactly what they had ind mind. They pointed at Kana and said your face is so...beautiful! At which point all seven some whipped out cellphone cameras and simulations *clicks* could be heard. Kana, who is very modest and hates her picture being taken, let out a little yelp, covered her face, hid behind a telephone pole and started yelling Chikae's name. The kids all looked amazingly confused and kept saying STAY STAY while I stood awkwardly trying to comfort Kana and shield her from the kids-turned-paparazzi. Chikae finally came out of the bathroom and we made our hurried escape back to the buses. Kana's infamous last words (translated from Japanese) were, "how can you do this to me on my day of rest" and directed towards the kids "die". Words that simply made Chikae and I start cracking up. Ah the woes of being confused as a Japanese model.

More Pictures:

The Japanese Beauty ----->
Beaches Shots (notice the lack of swim suits also in the second picture can you see the reminder of home?)