On Being a Wineo

Kara, Orla and Bobbie with wine.

For a while now, my friends and I have been on and off regulars at a Saturday evening wine buffet in Gangnam. For 23,000 won, you can drink unlimited glasses of wine or champagne from 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. There's also an offering of tasty hors d'oeuvres (including real cheese, which I'm told is a big draw, if you like that sort of thing).

The key to a successful experience at wine buffet is to create a 'wine bank' before 8:45 when the wine starts going away. If you are unsure what the word 'success' means as applied to a wine buffet, here is a visual example:

Exhibit A: Wine Bank

Afterward, we tottered over to Hongdae to go clubbing. There are many wonderful and horrible things in Hongdae. Like dance clubs! And also, dance clubs. Remember to fortify yourself properly. Although very few of the clubs and bars sell soju (the cost to alcohol content ratio makes it unprofitable to serve), the local Buy the Way is well-stocked.

Exhibit B: Soju Warriors (Sorry Deryk and Michael)

I warn you, things degenerate rapidly where soju is involved.

Socializing is Rough

Since it got cold here, I've developed an almost unhealthy attachment to my space heater. So, I made a New Years' resolution to keep up with my friends and get out of my apartment more.

Unfortunately (fortunately?), what it leads to is an all-nighter dancing in Hongdae. I dragged myself onto the subway at 5 a.m. and tried not to fall asleep on the ride home. Given the time, my subway car was pretty full  - Koreans once again make me feel like a huge wimp when it comes to partying.

Overall, though, no Black Out Korea moments, so I consider it a win.

Puppy Cafe

On Sunday, Eric, Bobbie and I met up at a cafe in the big college area of Seoul, Hongdae. The cafe was named Bau House because you can play with dogs while you enjoy a latte.

Bobbie was very popular, probably because she bought fried rice.

You can also bring your own dog to play with the ones owned by Bau House. Some poor dog was wearing a dress and bright pink blush.

Here's a shot of the cafe area. The little gray dog near the bottom of the picture peed on Eric's bag shortly after I took this picture. We decided it was about time to leave after that.