Seoul Searching - New Year's Eve

It's New Year's Eve!!

Today was another easy day in anticipation of a big night! We tried to walk around again and do a little shopping, but many of the stores were closed for the holiday. We had also had reservations at Seoul Tower for dinner until we realized you have to take a cable car to the tower because taxis aren't allowed up there. The cable car ride could take an hour or so and we ultimately cancelled the reservation because we had plans to be at a New Year's Eve party later that evening.

We were going to the Floating Palace New Year's Eve Party. Sounds fancy huh? Well it was beautiful! The outside was decorating with lighted arches and a bridge that crossed over a lake. Tim and his friends had bought a VIP table, which ended up in a nice landing zone to put our coats, bags, etc. As a part of the table, we were also given some champagne, korean beer, and korean vodka. Please note, I tried the korean vodka. It was not that great, but I'm not big on vodka anyway so don't take my word for it. Basically the foul taste despite various mixers, kind of resulted in me taking brief large swigs of liquor throughout the night. There was a DJ and in our room playing American hits. I guess we ended up in the American room, but the palace had various other HUGE rooms with trapeze artists and dancing. I didn't venture too far from Tim. It was such a big venue and I felt safest with him, but I imagine all the rooms were a lot of fun.

At midnight we snuck out to the patio and watched the fireworks. I think it was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. When you've missed someone so much and you're finally with them in an amazing place, the joy just exudes from your soul. 10/10 if you are going to be in Seoul on New Year's, I would recommend this party.

The ONLY downside to this venue is transportation. Getting a ride home was not fun. The military has a 1am curfew in Seoul; so pretty shortly after midnight we walked out with some of Tim's friends to get a cab.

Let's paint a picture: freezing temperature, thin romper, I had to pee, and none of the taxis would stop. When one would finally stop, they would shout "RESERVATION" and then keep driving. Twenty-five minutes into this I was at my wits end. I wouldn't recommend what I did next, but it worked. I walked into the center of the round-a-bout and stopped the next taxi. When he shouted the typical "reservation", I said back, "I will PAY YOU MORE." I guess that made it through the language barrier because he said stated a price and I agreed. I think it was $30 in American money (totally worth it) for a $7 cab ride, but I didn't care. We got in that taxi and got home. I consider that a complete win.