Coming back from Bali was understandably a rough transition, but I did not have too much time to wallow as I prepared for the eminent arrival of the one and only #mamasin. Part of my penance for being away for a year was to gift her a 2-week holiday to come see me during my travels. We settled on my final week in Singapore and a week back to the motherland, Seoul.
I should note that #mamasin’s international travel has been largely limited in the last 15 years, with her last outing being our trip to Portugal in 2017. I made bets in my head about the percentage of luggage that would be snacks versus clothes (roughly 40/60 split) and the number of people she would knock over with her backpack because she hadn’t worn one in so long (the mini-backpack this trip kept her to 3 people instead of her record of 20).
#mamasin’s mini-backpack of destruction makes its debut. 🎒
For Singapore, I saved most of the obligatory tourist sites for #mamasin’s visit. This included the Botanical Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Zoo. #mamasin is happiest when surrounded by greenery, so she was like a pig in sh*t for most of that week. We explored most of the city on foot so we could walk off the copious amount of food and beer we consumed each day.
I have about 847292874 photos like this.
We then made our way to the motherland, Seoul, Korea. While I had planned to spend the whole week eating and exploring, it got somewhat hijacked by family/friend time. I guess that’s what happens when it’s been 25 years between visits!
1995 | 2019
Seoul was incredibly clean, modern, and easy to navigate (as long as you’re not using Google Maps!). The palaces were amazing – given my obsession with castles, this shouldn’t be a surprise. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the city and am sad I don’t have more time to explore all the neighborhoods (and nightlife, let’s be real). It’s interesting being in a place where I actually look like the majority (is this what it’s like to be white?). However, I guess I’m different enough that it’s been a 50/50 split as to whether people speak to me in English or Korean – I blame my dark skin (most think I’m from Hawaii lol). I’m definitely motivated to come back soon though, and see a bit more of what the motherland has to offer!
Supporting Seoul’s tourism revenue. ✌🏽
As much fun as it’s been with #mamasin, I’m looking forward to riding solo once more. Now it’s time for a brief jaunt back home to LA. In n Out and tacos, HERE I COME!!!!
Sin’s Picks
Singapore
KEK Seafood: The chili crab here was absolutely, insanely good. It was sweet and spicy and rich with umami – I couldn’t stop licking my fingers!
Everything was great, but the chili crab was undoubtedly the star!
Man Man: This was recommended by my LA bud Michelle, and it did not disappoint! This was probably some of the best unagi (eel) I’ve ever had. It came with pickles, dashi (broth), and fresh wasabi that you grated for yourself. Also, we got there right when it opened, but by the time we left, the line was at least 30 people deep!
I wonder if it’s called Man Man because MAN! IT’S DELICIOUS!
Seoul
Gwangjang Market: Thank goodness for Netflix’s Street Food that came out recently. I went hunting for the gae jang (raw soy marinated crab) and knife cut noodles featured in the Seoul episode, and they were both amazing. On top of that, the owners of both stands were the most gracious, lovely humans. There’s also a million other stands with every other type of street food possible – you can sample just about everything from Korea in here - do not miss these places!
Bet you won’t feel CRABBY after eating this! 🦀
The broth was the real MVP here! 🍜
Noryangjin Fish Market: The most special thing about this crazy place is that you pick your fish and seafood downstairs in the markets where there are endless stalls of fish. Then you go upstairs, and they send your seafood up to be prepared as sashimi, stews, grilled – whatever your pleasure! The price point was also so incredibly cheap - #mamasin and I feasted on about $500 worth of seafood for $100!
From this…
…to this!
Original Jangchungdong Grandmother’s Place: Believe it or not, there is an entire street in Seoul dedicated to braised pork trotters. It is braised in a soy marinade for a long term, until the meat is tender and the fat melts into the meat, with enough of a layer to smack on your lips as you eat it. There are a million options on this street, but this restaurant really impressed both me and #mamasin.
#mamasin and I got piggy with it 🐷