Bali

Been laying low the past week. I got bitten by some mosquitoes and have a bit of a fever. Hopefully will feel better soon with the antibiotics the doctor prescribed at the airport. Here's some pics of the wonderful resort we stayed when we were in Ubud, Bali:

Komaneka at Bisma - Heaven on Earth"

Love the styling and interiors of the suites; my sort of look - simple, modern and elegant with a touch of tradition, colour and pattern thrown in!

They lay the bed with a 'heart' of petals - very sweet

After travelling for 3 months, we know a good bathroom when we see one!

Leeum Museum

Just down the road from our hotel is the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art....

Can you see Louise Bourgeois's Spiders?

We've seen these spiders in NY, London and now Seoul!!The

The museum was created so we can participate and enjoy the dialogue between art, people & culture.

Sitting on one of Louise Bourgeois's eye benches

Gorgeous spiral staircase

The Leeum Museum shows both traditional and modern art with an emphasis on Korean works!

The 'Memories of the Future' exhibition featured several renowned international artists  

It was great to see Michael Lin's work in the flesh.

We love pattern - everything is hand painted!

Kimchee, kimchi, gimchi

Kim chee is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables using various seasonings such as chilli, sugar, vinegar and garlic etc. The Koreans eat it everyday and they love it (you can smell it everywhere). It definitely is an acquired taste but it has been part of their culture for over 2000 years!!

You can get all types of kimchee - cabbage, cucumber, radish. Apparently, there are over 187 recorded varieties depending on the region, season and history. It is usually served as a side dish and accompanies all Korean meals.

If you fancy trying it, here is the recipe. It's very easy to make and lasts for ages.

Walking in Seoul

Seoul has quite a few boroughs worth exploring. Myeong-dong reminds me of Tokyo's Shinjuku district for it's neon lights, shopping and atmosphere. Insadong is full of antique shops, art galleries and artisan boutiques while Samcheong-dong is Seoul's past and present at the same time. Traditional hanok (Korean houses) exist in harmony with art galleries and fashionable cafes.

Art Shop in Insa-dong

Roasting Chestnuts

Seoul has quite a lively art scene

Laneways in Insa-dong

What a great idea to make a pillar more interesting!

A craft stall in Ssamziegil

Food is everywhere

Love is a raspberry, lychee and rose macaroon!

My fuel for walking

One of the many boutiques in Samcheong-dong

Art Exhibit

Samcheong-dong

Koreans love their coffee!

Seoul Lantern Festival

Fall!

I am loving the colours and trees in Autumn.

"The Soul of Asia"

Hi from Seoul! I am here for the week exploring this massive city with a population of over 20 million people. Usually, I like to do some research before I arrive in a new place but this time I didn't do anything and have been astounded. At the very least, I have enough ideas to keep me going for the next 6 months for painting.

Seoul is a really lovely place to visit. I've been really inspired from the gingko trees which line the streets to the embroideries of the textiles and the architecture both old and new. Hope you enjoy the posts this week from Korea! (and I even don't mind the occasional kimchee).

Jogye Buddhist Temple

Detail of carved wooden shutters

Glorious lanterns

Lucky Buddha with offerings

Handpainted patterns on temple roofs

Gyeongbok Palace

Ceiling Mural

Palace Guards

Changing of the guards

Love the colour of these wooden doors

Love the patterns on the walls

Detail

Antique Textiles in the Folk Museum

Gorgeous Antique Embroidered Pillows

Gingko Tree