Enter Itaewon

Wednesday was Korean Independance Day essentially. I don't know what they called it, I didn't really care to learn. It was a day off, so that meant Tuesday night I would go out. Clint packed me up, and took me to Itaewon. Itaewon is a safe zone for foreigners. It is a place where whiteys can go and see other whiteys. There is some sense of multi-culturalism in Itaewon. It is a little slice of home. Mind you, a slice of home that has been dropped on the floor and stomped on, but homey nonetheless.
First stop with Clint, Ashley, Maggie, and Daniel was Wolfhound. An Irish pub in the middle of Seoul. Decent place, good food and great company. After we ate we Ashley and Maggie departed and Clint, Daniel, Joe and I were on the town. We wandered over to Bungalo. This is the coolest bar I have ever seen. You walk up a few flights of stairs and on each landing there are hot tubs. The whole place sort of looks like a rainforest jungle with plants and vines and lights....a little more like a spa than a bar. On the top floor, is the main area of the bar. I walk in and am told that I have to take my shoes off. What the hell? Shoes off? That seems gross...but open mindedly I take my shoes off and put them in a bag and carry them along. Once I get further into the bar I realize that the bar is a sandbox and the seats are swings to sit in. It was like sitting on a tropical beach of sorts. The drinks were amazing and so we stayed there for a while. After we decided that this place was getting a little boring we went on wandering to see what else we could find. We ended up at another bar.
The owner was in love with white people. He gave drinks and was very forward to say the least. I think the most interesting thing that was said was "I like mash potatoes. You like rice cakes?" Take that as you will. After that we moved along, drank in the street a bit. Best thing about Korea is the ability to go into a convenience store, but booze and just drink in the street. After some wandering, some mandu (best food on earth) it was time to go home.
I get in a cab and like the trip here was warped into another movie: The Fast and the Furious". THIS GUY WAS INSANE! Driving through Seoul, going seriously 120 most of the way...I am doing all I can not to shit my pants, the trip seems to be taking forever so after frantically checking my map i manage to ask him if we are going to the right place. He sort of grunted and noded and in about 5 minutes after that I arrive at the closest subway station. 5:00am and still a 20 minute walk home. The taxi was pretty cheap though. About a 40 minute ride for 17$.
On my way home, I get a call from Daniel, he had locked himself out of his place. I invited him to come stay with me for the night as it was 5:00 am. He was still in Itaewon. So I waited at the subway station for 35 minutes and finall Daniel arrived, and I got home at 6:00 am. What a day! Work at noon the next day....Oh Korea