The Life and Times of Zyklon B Goode

Bungeoppang ice cream, Seoul

One of the main things I’d travelled to Seoul to sample eluded me for most of my trip, but while I was heading back to the airport I got lucky! Based on the popular bungeoppang pastry, this is sweetened red bean paste and vanilla ice cream encased in a rice waffle. And yes, it is just as delicious as it sounds.

Incase you’re as eager as I was to try one, when you arrive at Incheon Airport take the express train to Seoul City station. After you’ve headed up all the escalators the exit will be to your left, but if you look to your right there’s a small convenience store which has plenty of them.

National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul

This indoor and outdoor museum is also part of Gyeongbok Palace, and provides further insight into Korean life prior to the 20th Century. It’s a shame that cameras weren’t allowed inside the museum cause there was some pretty good stuff in there too.

Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul

After near complete destruction at the hands of the Japanese in the 1910’s, the South Korean government have been working since 1989 to restore this imperial complex to its former glory. A must-visit spot for anyone interested in learning about Korea’s history.

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul

It’s incredible to think that until less than a decade ago, this eight and a half kilometre stream was covered by roads and other infrastructure. When you stand down by the river, it’s also incredible to think that an area so serene could have a city bustling around it.

Markets, Seoul

There are several markets in Seoul, selling a range of inexpensive fresh and dried food, clothing and other assorted knick-knacks. One thing you’ll really notice in places like Joongboo Market (top picture), though, is the pervasive aroma of fish in various stages of decay… many a bargain to be had, but not for the weak of stomach.

The 6th Annual Psychobilly Luau

Spread across three nights in two different locations, this was one wing-ding of a shindig! At first I was a little nervous cause I only recognised a handful of the bands that were playing, but I was introduced to a bunch of fine local-ish acts who deserve to make a name for themselves.

From the top: The Othermen, Koefte’s Quiff, Silverhounds, Coffin Fly, Twisted In Graves, The Strikers, The Arkhams, Nekrofox from Danny B Harvey’s band

MoMA, New York

There were a lot of pretentious no-talents on display, but there was a lot of quality here also. One thing I learned: The Persistance of Memory is tiny, not the large piece you’d expect with all its fine details. Dali, you genius.

Central Park, New York

Waaay bigger than I thought it would be. It’s a shame that by this point my feet were messed up from all the walking and weren’t particularly interested in spending the whole day wandering. I reckon you could easily spend a solid week exploring and still not see everything the park has to offer.

Battery Park, New York

There are a lot of sculptures around the park which are worth a look, including The Sphere, which was salvaged from the rubble of the World Trade Centre and relocated here as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. Also worth checking out is the East Coast Memorial, which commemorates the 4,609 US servicemen who died in coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean during World War II.

Battery Park City, New York

Can you believe that this place used to be a landfill?

Nintendo World, New York

Most of the shops at the Rockefeller Centre didn’t interest me a great deal, so it was good that there was at least one thing worth checking out. I can’t help being a geek, ok?