Out and about

One of A's co-workers generously allowed us to borrow his car this weekend. Taking advantage of the transportation, we went to Osan, a neighboring city (and not to be confused with Osan AB) to checkout the magical E-mart. Our plan was to pick up a few small appliances (coffee maker, alarm clock, and toaster) so we wouldn't have to use a transformer. Apparently, in response to Walmart, Korea create their own version and bought out all the Walmarts in Korea. We weren't disappointed. On Little 1 (the smaller highway to Seoul) we found a huge, 3-level store with a built in parking garage. The place was immense and a little overwhelming since 99% of the people there were Korean and it was packed. There were greeters at almost every turn in the parking garage as well as a the front of the store. The 1st level was the grocery store and food court. I think I could have spent 1/2 day here alone. But we had a limited time since we forgot to bring David's sippy cup with us and he asked for his milk enroute. Of course, there was a Baskin Robins and the food court looked delicious. Everything was in Korean but we already made plans to return another day equiped with a phrase book. The 2nd level and the 3rd level had clothes, electronics, housewares and baby items. So much to see and check out. We limited our purchases and bought an alarm clock for A since he needs to get up at 1230 AM all week for his exercise and a few items for the kitchen. We will most certainly return in the future.

I was also brave enough earlier this week to order mandu - a korean dumpling, from a local store. The steamers were outside and the dumplings were handmade. I just walked in and asked for mandu. Apparently I could have the galbi(?) or the kimchi one. I asked for the galbi and got it to go. There were interesting, filled with bits of meat, vegetables, and noodles inside. David ate one himself. We also celebrated A's birthday with a strawberry chiffon cake from Paris Baguette. Yum!