Hello again. It’s been about three or four SIX months since my last post and a lot has happened in this time. Unfortunately, I’ve been so busy with work and other aspects of my life that I haven’t gotten a chance to make an update. And rather than spill the full details of the past four months of happenings, I’m going to post some photos with small details. I’m doing this for the both of us… we both know you’re about as interested in the chapter and verse as I am in writing it. I also have a “10 Interesting Seoul Facts” piece coming together in my head, I’ll post it later this month (I’ve got some good material).
Christmas & New Years in LA:
We had everybody come together for the holidays in LA and we spent most of the time breaking in Dustin’s new house. It’s a smallish 2 bedroom place that somehow managed to house up to 15 people comfortably, I’m not exactly sure how it did.
I also drove down the coast with Heather (from SF to LA) and then introduced her to the family for the first time. It was nice having everyone that I care about in one place. Everyone came in from their respective cities and celebrated Dustin and I’s birthday (we bowled, i didn’t break 100, awesome) and New Years Eve at the new W Hotel in Hollywood.
The sophisticated Lacey men
That's what we call "bro-in" out
Big Sur (and don't hate on the turtle neck)
Who's the lucky guy?
Bali Trip:
Now that I’m in this part of the world my goal is to see as much of Asia as possible. So when Heather told me she would be in Bali helping her friend Jongky with some dance stuff and that I should come visit, I jumped at the opportunity. The place is gorgeous and surprisingly farther from Seoul than I thought (7hrs). It was a spectacular vacation and it ended with a funny little hiccup of me trying to catch my 3 o’clock flight which happened to be at 3am, not pm… so I was “forced” to stay another night in Bali, which worked out well.
One of the most memorable lunches ever...
In front of one of the best big wave surf spots in the world (no, I did not go swimming)
- It isn’t ugly here
Hong Kong and Macao:
In March Heather got a chance to see her old dance company, Stuttgart Ballet, perform in Macao (the island off the coast of China). Because two of her close friends were getting to perform in lead roles for the first time in their careers she wanted to go and share in the moment with them.
Who am I turn down a darn good reason to visit Hong Kong? Off we went… and it was awesome. Hong Kong is an amazing city, with great energy, and tons of ex-pats. It was also a gorgeous place, that surprised me. The show was a lot of fun but I wouldn’t recommend visiting Macao any time soon, I was not that impressed. It’s no Vegas. Although, it was pretty cool to see Portuguese as a spoken language in an Asian locale.
Hong Kong Skyline (from the ferry across the bay)
After the show... she did well in her first lead role.
Met up with Ramada, Linda and Sonal for lunch (my old classmates at Columbia, was great to see them)
My Business Trip to New York City:
So I had to make a quick business trip to NYC in May and although I was especially busy (I was there meeting with advertising agencies) with work, I was fortunate to be able to see some of my classmates from Columbia. I’m a lucky fellow that has wonderful friends, many of which came from my experience at Columbia. The problem is, however, that I now see them next to never, for obvious reasons. So, when Aaron and Laurent put together a “Manvan” dinner at one of my favorite BBQ joints in NYC, I made sure to clear the work calendar of anything to do that evening. We had a great night reminiscing about “old days” at CBS (because our 10 months of working in the real world again clearly make us old-timers). It’s amazing how fast time is flying, it’s already been a year since I graduated… weird.
RDP, me and Shiney at dinner
Wedgend, Gandhi, and LV... all are working some extreme hours, so was grateful they came
The "Manvan" at Hill Country BBQ (those beers didn't stand a chance)
Visitors to Seoul:
So I’ve been fortunate enough to have had some friends and family come visit me in Seoul the past six months. Let’s see that in bulleted form:
- Aaron came out in February
- Jorge came out in March
- Dyanne came out in March
- Brian and Christian came out in April
- Ryan came out in May
- Matt came out in May
- Pops came out in May
Aaron’s Trip:
Dinner in Garosu Gil with Jay and Aaron
Obligatory DMZ pose
Best statue in Korea...
Jorge’s trip:
Lunch in Itaewon
Dinner in Itaewon at Beyond, our favorite restaurant in Seoul
Have you seen happier fellas?
Dyanne’s Trip:
South Africa meet Seoul...
Brian and Christian’s Trip:
Brian, me, Michelle and Christian at the casa (was great to let them experience the Seoul that I know)
Another night of great conversation on this couch...
Ryan’s Trip:
Ryan's first Korean BBQ (he was very much not unpleased)
Just like old times when we were roomies in Georgetown
Hiking in Seorac San... this was the vantage point from the temple cave
'Cuz it's not a proper blog post if there isn't a guy in a giant bear costume picture
Matt and My Dad’s trip:
Dad and I at the Fish Market (good times were had by all at the Fish Market)
Dinner in Itaewon (Dad's first night in the big city)
Hey that's us! (Dad and I in the "Samsung Experience Store")
Matt, Heather and I in our apartment
That’s it… one half of a great year already done!
I hope you’re all having great success in both your personal and professional lives this year… and I hope to see more of you in Seoul, so come visit! Take care.
B
That bear is fuckin’ awesome!