Hidden Gems of the MET.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York is one of the world's greatest art collections. Better known as the MET, this gallery is a point of pride for locals and a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. Art lovers flock here to admire more than 2 million works of art, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to the latest in avant-garde artistic installations. And this incredible collection has made the MET one of the world's most visited art museums.

Photo credit: Carl Newton.

The MET is home to masterpieces by some of the biggest names in art history, including Turner, Caravaggio, Degas, Manet, Renoir, and Picasso. And often, it's tempting to go straight to the best-known paintings and sculptures, especially when you're pressed for time.

But if you have a little more time to spare, we recommend avoiding the crowds that make a beeline from one famous painting to another. The MET also contains some lesser-known gems that are most definitely worth visiting. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage near the MET and check out some of these treasures. Not only will you get to avoid the crowds, but you'll also get bragging rights that you've seen parts of this extensive museum that most people never get to.

Temple of Dendur

When planning a trip to New York, you don't normally expect to find too many Egyptian temples. But that's exactly what you will find at the MET. This is a real Egyptian temple that was ordered to be built by the Roman Emperor Augustus back in 15 BCE. Moved piece by piece from Egypt when the construction of the Aswan High Dam began in 1960, the Egyptian government gifted the temple to the United States and reassembled it in the MET. That makes it one of the most significant ancient Egyptian ruins in the Western Hemisphere and a place any budding Egyptologists have to see for themselves.

Human-headed Winged Bull

In the culture of ancient Assyria, which occupied the territory known in the modern era as Iraq, lamassus were powerful mythical creatures that protected the empire from its enemies, both mortal and spiritual. Given that the Assyrian Empire collapsed in the seventh century BC, not many images of lamassus remain. But you will find some fairly spectacular examples in the MET, including a human-headed winged bull that once served as the guardian at the entrance to an Assyrian palace.

Photo credit: Thomas Eidsvold.

Thomas Cole's View from Mount Holyoke

This 1836 painting is considered one of the masterpieces of American landscape art. It is also considered the first major work of US artist Thomas Cole and was inspired by his own visit to Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts. Although it takes up a relatively small space on the MET's wall, it is often cited as an example of how American landscape painting developed during the 19th century.

Hearing Sphinx

This sculpture commemorates a legend that dates back to ancient Greece concerning a woman named Rhea who was so moved by hearing Apollo play his lyre that she created a sphinx with ears large enough to capture all the music. The sculpture captures this moment perfectly, with one ear cocked toward Apollo, and it has been described as "one of the most moving works in Western art." Seeing this piece at the MET is sure to captivate your own senses.

A Bedroom from Pompeii

The Roman city of Pompeii is rightly famous for being one of the most fascinating archaeological ruins in the world. Buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 A.D., the city was preserved under tons of ash for centuries until excavations began in the 18th century. The excavation of Pompeii is still ongoing, but the city forms one of the most stunning relics of the Roman world left on earth.

If you can’t make the journey all the way to southern Italy to see Pompeii for yourself, the next best thing might be to visit the MET. The museum is home to a reconstructed bedroom complete with authentic frescoes from the ruins themselves that were shipped to New York in the 20th century. It's amazing to see a room where people lived and slept so long ago, and it's one of the highlights of the museum's Roman collection.

Photo credit: Jouwen Wang.

Velazquez's Juan de Pareja

One of the greatest painters ever to emerge from Spain, Diego Velazquez, was commissioned by King Philip IV to paint a portrait of his slave, Juan de Pareja. It is one of the most remarkable works in the entire MET gallery, and it's hard not to be moved when viewing this painting. Not only does it evoke powerful feelings about the cruelty of slavery, but it also captures something truly special about one particular person – Juan de Pareja himself – who managed to rise above his circumstances to become a respected court painter in Madrid.

Bedroom from the Sagredo Palace

The MET houses one of the largest collections of ancient art and artifacts in the world, and it's easy to get lost in these galleries for hours. But hidden among them is a genuine gem – a bedroom from the Sagredo Palace in Venice dating back to the 18th century. The room is filled with furniture, paintings, and frescoes that you can imagine were once used by an important religious or political figure of their time. It's an exquisite work of art that deserves our appreciation, no matter how many centuries ago it was created.

Persian Prayer Niche

The highlight of the MET's highly praised Islamic collection, this prayer niche was created by an artist working in the court of the Persian ruler, Shah Tahmasp. The intricate detail and vibrant colors of this work show why it has been described as one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic decorative art ever made. Seeing this piece at the MET is sure to inspire awe and admiration in even the most seasoned art connoisseur.

Pablo Picasso's portrait of Gertrude Stein

This portrait of the iconic writer and art patron Gertrude Stein is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular works at the museum. Painted by Pablo Picasso in 1906 when he was just 24 years old, it's a stunning representation of his style at that time. It also serves as an important reminder of how much influence Stein had on Picasso's work and on the entire development of modern art in general.

Photo credit: Rachel McDermott.

Met Roof Garden Cafe and Martini Bar

Finally, no visit to the MET would be complete without checking out its iconic rooftop garden café. This is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the museum galleries and enjoy some delicious food with amazing views of Central Park. But if you are looking for something a bit more exciting, then the Martini Bar on the roof should definitely be on your list. Here you can relax with a cocktail while admiring breathtaking views of New York City from one of the most stunning spots in town.

Conclusion

This selection of hidden gems makes it clear that The Metropolitan Museum of Art has something special in store for everyone who visits it; whether it’s an ancient sculpture, a bedroom from Pompeii, or even a rooftop bar with a view, the MET is sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience. So plan your visit today and discover these hidden gems for yourself!

Educational Trips for Kids - Parents Welcome.

Many families opt for vacations with an educational element, which has become a popular option in recent years. Choosing a vacation that everyone in your family will enjoy can be difficult, depending on your children’s interests and ages. Find out what inspires your child and use that as a starting point to plan the perfect educational trip. Let your children have a say in where they go. The fact that you asked them to participate will boost their confidence. Planning a trip is a great family bonding activity. 

Sky Castle, 2018.

It’s Science

• The MIT Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts will spark little curious minds. Journey through the history of artificial intelligence and the research that brought it to life—Marvel at kinetic sculptures and high-tech robots. Take part in an interactive science workshop with topics such as building better bridges taught by students from the institute.

• Children’s Museum of Houston encourages the next generations to protect the virtual universe with math and critical-thinking skills. Specifically, the CyberChase exhibit, where children learn to write code to solve boggling puzzles. 

Photo credit: Wide Open Pets

By Land or By Sea

• Consider a Farm Stay Vacation. Learn what it’s like to care for a working farm like Verdant View Farms in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Each morning begins with a family-style farm breakfast at 7:30 am, then kids will join a farmhand to learn how to milk goats, feed chickens, and claves. Workshops like Artisan Cheesemaking are held every afternoon.

• Kids Sea Camp is about family dive adventures. There is a never-ending number of things to learn both above and below the sea. Kids unplug from the digital world and reconnect to an outdoor world full of life. The La Pacifica Hilton Club Resort in Mexico provides accommodations close to the excursions. And no, you don’t have to own a Hilton timeshare to stay. In fact, learn how to cancel a Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare and save money for even more experiences! 

Photo credit: Baseball Hall of Fame.

Every Kid is Different 

Even within a family, often children have their own, seemingly opposite, personalities. Be sure to consider each child’s interests and plan something for each one.

• National Museum of Computing is in Bletchley Park, United Kingdom, which is home to the famous WWII codebreakers like Alan Turing. This museum offers a virtual tour that takes visitors through the history of computers.

• National Baseball Hall of Fame is a museum in Cooperstown, New York, which has thousands of baseball related artifacts- bonus, they are all three-dimensional. Additionally, you can register for a free live virtual field trip to hear stories of baseball’s past along with video and photos.

Giant totem at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Cultural Immersion

• The Museum of the Cherokee in Cherokee, North Carolina tells the history of the Cherokee tribe. Learn about the Trail of Tears. Children can sign up for a cultural workshop to learn how to speak Tsalagi Gawonihisdi, the Cherokee people’s language.

Unto These Hills is an incredible dance show performed by a Cherokee dance group where some of the performers are descendants from the ones removed. You can get tickets online at Mountainside Theatre.

• Colorado Indigenous Roots Immersion Experience in Weston, Colorado offers an authentic living history immersion experience. Deepen your understanding of traditional Native American culture. Stay a while! Book a three-day program where you’ll experience the daily life of the Native American culture. Accommodations are at Tipi Village to provide a more authentic experience.

#MetKids.

Virtual Field Trips

There will be times you can’t get away for an epic vacation, but that doesn’t’ mean we stop. We have fun learning. Check out these interactive websites of real places to explore.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents a virtual experience #MetKids. Little ones will explore a colorful, illustrated map to find treasures in the museum’s collection.

• Stellarium Web is an interactive website where kids can explore the entire galaxy. Watch live sunrises and solar flares. You can even find out what is going on right in your own part of the world by adding your location.

• The National Museum of Natural History’s virtual experiences at the Smithsonian are self-guided, room-by-room tours of permanent, current, and past exhibits. Make sure to visit skeleton hall on the second floor.

Ways To Improve Your Child’s Education: Wrapping Up 

Finding the right ways to improve your child’s education can be an overwhelming experience. You’ll not only make sure they’re appropriate for your child but that they actually help. Whether it’s sending them on Educational Trips for Schools, teaching organizational skills, or making sure they’re prepared to learn, all of these efforts can make a big difference in their educational development. 

Thankfully, there are more of these than you might be aware of. Teaching them organizational skills, making sure they’re ready to learn when they get to school, and even going on an educational trip can all be effective for this. While they’ll take a bit of effort, your child’s education is more than worth it.

 

Van Gogh Alive - The Experience.

Back in 2016, on our second winter in Korea, Yue and I had the chance to visit the Van Gogh Cafe at Lotte World Mall in Seoul. It's the world's first official cafe affiliated with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and the closest we've ever been to Van Gogh's works. The cafe showcases replica of Van Gogh's masterpieces, around 700 of them, as well as various relics such as Van Gogh's tobacco pipe and letters to his brother, Theo. Yue developed an interest for Vincent van Gogh and his artwork during our brief stay at the cafe, especially with Van Gogh's self-portraits.

Fast forward to October 2019, when news broke out that Van Gogh Alive is coming to Manila. As soon as we heard the news and saw teaser videos of Van Gogh Alive, we made plans to see the show during the semestral break. I booked tickets as soon as they were available online, and luckily, I was able to secure slots on October 29 for my mom squad and I, and our kids.

We went to see Van Gogh Alive!

Squad goals! :)

Van Gogh Alive is a one-of-a-kind exhibition. It's a multi-sensory experience which gives viewers the unique opportunity to experience Van Gogh's artistry through sight and sound.

He was literally the first in line and the first to enter the 12:30 pm exhibition that day. 

Selfie while waiting for the door to open. :)

More of Van Gogh's masterpieces after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Seodaemun Prison History Museum.

Today couldn't have been a more perfect time to write about Seodaemun Prison History Museum, and what we saw and experienced during our visit. Because on this day, exactly one hundred years ago, the March 1st Movement (Samiljeol) took place.

One of the earliest public demonstrations of Korean resistance during the Japanese occupation, Samiljeol was initiated by thirty-three core activists who came together at the Taehwa-gwan Restaurant in Seoul and announced the Korean Declaration of Independence.

They then took it to the streets where they were joined by many others, marching and shouting "Manse!" which means "long live Korea". As more and more people joined the procession, the Japanese officials panicked and asked the military forces to intervene. Many of the Korean protesters were arrested, but many more were killed. Apprehended activists were brought to Seodaemun Prison, where they were locked up, tortured, or worse - executed.

The entrance to Seodaemun Prison History Museum.
Ticket prices: 1500 Korean won for adults, 500 Korean won for kids.

Forcibly built during the Japanese occupation, construction of the prison began in 1907 and was completed the year after. The prison was opened on October 21, 1908, under the name of Gyeongsong Gamok. This name eventually went through a few more changes until 1923, when it finally became the name that we know today - Seodaemun Prison.

The Administration Building, used mainly for interrogations.
This now serves as the exhibition hall of Seodaemun Prison History Museum.

Uncovering the horrors of Seodaemun Prison... more secrets revealed after the jump!

Seoul Searching | What To Do in Seoul During Seollal.

Happy Lunar New Year!
Today marks the first day of the Seollal holiday in South Korea - a three-day event to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Seollal holiday starts on the day before the Lunar New Year, and ends on the day after it. This year, the actual day of Seollal falls on a Tuesday, February 5; and with the weekend before it, Koreans get an extra two days to enjoy the Lunar New Year festivities.

One of the most important holidays in Korea, Seollal not only marks the passage into a new year, but also gives families the time and opportunity to bond, pay respect to their ancestors, and enjoy a bountiful meal. Majority of the business establishments in Korea are closed during this time (it's a national holiday, after all), but tourist attractions and destinations remain open to the public, hosting various events and cultural activities.

If you're in Korea for the Seollal holiday, here's a list of things to do and places to visit to make the most out of your Lunar New Year trip:

Join a Temple Stay Program.
In a Temple Stay Program, participants can experience Korean culture and immerse oneself in daily monastic life. To celebrate Seollal, various temples across the country will host special temple stays and offer Seollal-related activities such as playing traditional Korean games, commemorative rites for ancestors, and New Year's bow to the Buddha after the Buddhist service.

Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam and Jogyesa Temple in Jongno are some of the temples in Seoul that host Temple Stay Programs.

Customary visit to Bongeunsa Temple whenever we're in Seoul.

Visit a Hanok/Folk Village.

A great way to learn more about Korean culture and experience how Koreans traditionally celebrate Seollal is by visiting a folk village or a hanok village.

The Korean Folk Village in Yongin welcomes the Lunar New Year with traditional activities such as jisinbalgi (praying for abundance through music), daljiptaeugi (sheaf burning/traditional campfire), eating tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup), and fortune-telling. Kids can also experience fun activities such as making kites, playing with tops, and even ice sledding when they visit the Korean Folk Village during this time of the year.

Meanwhile, the Namsangol Hanok Village is all set for the Year of the Pig, with a 6-meter inflatable pig standing tall (more like sitting, actually) in the cultural plaza. Musical performances, cultural plays, traditional games, and food festivals are all part of Namsangol Hanok Village's Seollal celebration.

Photo credit: Namsangol Hanok Village Facebook page

Explore the Grand Palaces of Seoul.

If you're a fan of Korean dramas, no trip to South Korea would be complete without visiting any (or all) of the royal palaces in Seoul. There are five of them in total - Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung, and all of them are located in central Seoul. 

Exploring the palaces is a great way to get to know the metropolis, learn about Korean history, and appreciate historical architecture. During the Seollal holiday, admission to the royal palaces will be free of charge. Visitors will also have the chance to participate in traditional rituals such as tea ceremonies, bowing before elders, and receiving saebaetdon (New Year's gift). Traditional games such as yutnori (traditional board game) jegichagi (hacky sack), and tuho (darts) are also included in this year's Seollal activities.

From L-R: Unhyeongung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace.

Visit a museum.

Seoul is home to a plethora of museums and galleries, which feature everything from South Korea's rich and eventful history to its present status, at the helm of innovation and technology. Some of the note-worthy, must-visit museums are the National Museum of Korea, the Seoul Museum of History, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the War Memorial of Korea. 

The National Museum of Korea in Yongsan is currently hosting a special exhibition to commemorate the 1100th founding anniversary of Goryeo, the kingdom established by King Taejo. On display are paintings, celadons, sculptures, and craftworks dating back to as early as 918.

National Museum of Korea.

Also located in Yongsan is the War Memorial of Korea, a museum/national monument dedicated to Koreans and non-Koreans who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. The museum houses more than 30,000 artifacts displayed in the indoor exhibition hall and at the outdoor exhibition area. Admission is free, and the War Memorial will be open throughout the Seollal holiday.

War Memorial of Korea.

On the other hand, the National Folk Museum of Korea will be hosting the 'Seol Grand Festival' for the Year of the Pig. The festival will kick-off on the day after Seollal with special musical performances, fortune-telling sessions, and traditional games. Arts and craft activities, food sampling, and fun activities for the kids are also included in the program. If you're born in the Year of the Pig, you'll even have a chance to receive a bokjumeoni (fortune pouch) as a New Year's gift.

Seoul Museum of History.

If calligraphy is your thing, head over to the Seoul Museum of History in Jongno for a special calligraphy event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn some calligraphy basics and write postcards as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. Kids will also be treated to an afternoon of fun and games as they learn about Seollal traditions. 

One of the displays at the Seoul Museum of History.

Have fun at amusement parks. 

South Korea also has an impressive selection of theme parks, with Everland, Lotte World, and Seoul Land topping the list. All three theme parks are open all-year-round, and they offer special promos in celebration of the New Year.

Lotte World, for instance, has a special discount exclusive for foreigners. By simply presenting their passport or ARC (alien registration card), foreigners can get as much as 50% discount on passes to Lotte World.

Lotte World Adventure.

Aside from amusement parks, tourist attractions such as the COEX Aquarium, N Seoul Tower, and Seoullo 7017 will be open during the Seollal holiday period.

Sae-hae bok mani badeuseyo! 

May you receive many blessings this year, and hope you enjoy your Seollal holiday in South Korea!

Seoul Searching | Gwacheon National Science Museum.

I had originally planned on finishing all of my Spring/Summer 2018 travel posts while we are on a school break. Unfortunately, things didn't go as scheduled. Yue and I caught the flu as soon as his school break began, and we spent a good part of last week cooped up at home, coughing, sneezing, and running a fever. Thankfully, we were both feeling better by Christmas Eve, and now I'm trying to catch up on my backlog before the year ends.

And with that, I'm squeezing in one last Seoul Searching post for 2018 - our trip to the Gwacheon National Science Museum, which is actually a continuation of our Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival experience. The museum is located adjacent to the Seoul Grand Park, and we were able to visit both places in one afternoon.

Making our way to the Gwacheon National Science Museum.

More of our science adventure after the jump!

Create Delicious Food (And Four Other Money Saving Tips) on a Budget.

For everything from getting a better mattress, buying clothes, upgrading your beard trimmer, going out for a day of fun, and even hiring a home cleaning service, there is a way to do it while on a tight budget. So, if you are finding yourself in a tight spot money-wise and aren’t sure how to still enjoy the things that you live while on a budget, this list is for you. Here are some tips and tricks to create delicious food (and four other money saving tips) on a budget:

1. Budget Cooking
One of the best things to do for your wallet is to cook at home. When you are always eating out, it is a huge waste of money on food that you could be cooking at home. Even if you are the worst cook in the world, there are always going to be simple yet delicious recipes that you can make for yourself and your family at home.

Homemade Pot Roast by Good Cheap Eats.

The key to cooking at home on a budget is to focus on cheap, yet healthy ingredients. Beans, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables are great examples of healthy ingredients that can be bought inexpensively and used in a wide variety of meals.

Here is a list of healthy, yet filling, and delicious meals that can be made on a shoestring budget:

• Lentil stew
• Oatmeal with banana
• Pot roast with veggies
• Burritos 

2. Shop the Trends for Cheap
Trends may come and go, but your budget is forever. There is no use in breaking the bank for clothing that will probably just go out of style soon anyways. Instead, shop for trends at thrift or consignment stores, and spend your money on sturdy wardrobe staples that will last you a long time and never go out of style. Of course, some stuff, like quality hiking apparel, is not something you can or should go too cheap on, but you can still find ways to shop the trends for cheap.

This is the smartest way to shop due to the cyclical nature of trends. If something is trendy, chances are it will go out of style and then back into style in a few years. Because of this, a lot of people will have donated their old trends to thrift stores, which you can then find at a dirt cheap price tag when the trend comes back around.

Children's Museum at the War Memorial of Korea.

3. Have Fun without Spending Money
A lot of museums will offer free or reduced admission prices for state residents, and a lot of national parks are free or very cheap for admission. Why not pack a picnic and go to a park? Or take a walk and look at all of the architecture that your city has offer? There are always great choices for cheap or free activities in your city.

4. Save for Something Fun - or Necessary
Saving money is so much for fun if you’re saving for something that you love or want to do. If you have the ability to, put aside a little bit of money each week for something fun. Maybe it’s a vacation, or a new video game, or something else that’s fun that you’ve been wanting for a while.

If you are also saving money for something that you want or somewhere that you want to go, then you are more likely to implement good saving habits in your everyday life. You should set both long term and short term savings goals, including saving for something like a car or a tooth crown in addition to a fun vacation or something else fun.

Saving up! :)

5. Find the Right Money Saving Tool for You
Saving money is so much easier when you have a great money saving tool to help you out. Obviously, opening a savings account is the best first step. Shop around for a savings account with the best interest rate for the amount of money that you will have to put away each month.

In addition to a good savings account, there are some awesome budgeting and investment tools that you can use. Check out features such as Bank of America’s round up tool, which rounds your spending up to the nearest dollar and puts the difference in your savings account, or an app like Acorns that allows you to round up to the nearest dollar and invest your change.

You can also be your own money-saving “tool” by checking your spending to see if there are areas where you can cut costs. If you think you are spending too much on your web hosting service, shop for more affordable web hosts. For business owners, this can also mean finding a SEO agency with better rates than the one you currently work with.

Being on a budget does not mean that you have to be scraping by. Instead, rethink the way that you look at saving and the way that you spend money to be able to save money in ways that you may have never thought about. Saving money can be fun and easy with our money saving tips.

Seoul Searching | Cartoon Street + Seoul Animation Center.

I had a 'eureka' moment while watching 'Hwayugi' (A Korean Odyssey), Lee Seung Gi's comeback drama after serving in the military. In episode 2, you'll see Son Oh Gong (Lee Seung Gi) sitting on a building rooftop, watching over Jin Seon Mi (Oh Yeon Seo) as she tries to find her lost umbrella.

Son Oh Gong watching over Jin Seon Mi. It was THIS scene where I had my eureka moment. :)

Jin Seon Mi passes by a row of buildings before heading towards the back alley, and I was like, "Oh my! I know this place! We were there last spring!" I immediately posted my discovery on my Instagram and my Facebook page, where I was later on bombarded by inquiries about the location, how to get there, and the like.

And so, for the benefit of my fellowmen (more like fellow Kdrama addicts, lol), here's a little background about the Cartoon Street, one of the filming locations in Hwayugi.

The intersection in front of Pacific Hotel.

Virtual tour of Cartoon Street after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Seoul Museum of History.

My family and I are such huge museum fans. We love museums so much that we make it a point to visit one or two in the places that we travel to. In Korea alone, we've been to a dozen different museums - but that's just a small fraction of the total number of museums and galleries in this culture rich country. (Korea has over 500 museums throughout the nation.)

Last spring, we had the chance to visit yet another museum in the capital - the Seoul Museum of History, located in the bustling Jongno district.

Seoul Museum of History.

Opened to the public in 2002, the Seoul Museum of History was established to provide visitors an in-depth knowledge of the city of Seoul through interesting and meaningful exhibitions. The main exhibition hall, located on the third floor, charts the history of Seoul since the Joseon dynasty.

Seoul during the Joseon era, a diorama.

More of Seoul Museum of History after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Gwanghwamun Square.

It's almost autumn in Seoul, but I'm still not done with my Seoul Searching posts. There are still a few more places that I have yet to blog about starting with Gwanghwamun Square, which we visited last spring - the day after the South Korean presidential elections.

Yue meets King Sejong.

A national landmark located in the heart of Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square is a public open space which connects Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, to Cheonggye Plaza, which marks the starting point of Cheonggye Stream. Gwanghwamun Square is divided into six sections, with the statue of King Sejong as its focal point. He is one of Korea's most famous kings, and one of the only two Korean rulers honored with the appellation 'the Great'.

Hangul, the Korean alphabet.

King Sejong, who placed great emphasis in education during his reign, created the Korean alphabet, Hangul. This, and his other main inventions such as as the sundial, rain gauge, and celestial globe, are on display in front of his statue at Gwanghwamun Square.

Rain gauge.

Celestial globe.

Sun dial.

At the other end of the square, you'll find the statue of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a Korean admiral and national hero whose naval victories were instrumental in repelling Japanese invasions of Korea in the 1590s. If you've seen the movie 'Roaring Currents', then you probably have an idea why Yi Sun Shin is a much revered figure in Korean history.

Yue meets Admiral Yi Sun Shin.

In front of his statue is the 12.23 Fountain, a symbolic fountain which honors the achievements of the brave admiral. The fountain commemorates the 23 battles he fought with 12 warships when he led Koreans to victory during the Imjin War. The water jet rises to a height of 18 meters along with 300 smaller jets, which symbolizes the battles he fought on the sea. In the summer, this fountain is opened to the public, allowing kids and even adults to play with the water.

Honoring the great Admiral Yi Sun Shin.

As we walked around Gwanghwamun Square, we discovered a door located behind King Sejong's statue. Apparently, this is the entrance to the exhibition hall and museum dedicated to both King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun Shin. Entrance to both exhibitions is free, with operating hours from 10 am to 9 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays.

Entrance to The Story of King Sejong.

And since Yue and I love museums, we made our way to the exhibition hall which is actually located underneath the statues, at the basement of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

The Story of King Sejong.

More of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun Shin after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Teseum Teddy Bear Theme Park.

One of my favorite Korean dramas of all time is Princess Hours, which first aired in 2006 and starred my favorite Korean actress, Yoon Eun Hye. I loved the drama so much that I've even dreamed of flying to Jeju Island so that I can visit the teddy bear museum which was featured in the drama. However, a trip to the island is not possible at this time - budget-wise and schedule-wise.

But as luck would have it, I need not fly all the way to Jeju just to see the teddy bears. Apparently, there's a teddy bear museum here in Seoul, and it's just a few subway stations away from where we live! I was over the moon, all the more after receiving an invitation from the museum to come and visit!

Sleuth = group of bears.

And so yesterday, Yue and I went to nearby Jongno to visit the Teseum Teddy Bear Theme Park. Located near Exit 6 of Dongmyo Station, this sleuth (aka group of bears) is the first thing you'll see when you emerge from the subway station.

Off to the bear cave!

This cave-like structure is the entrance to the museum, and as you descend the stairs you'll be greeted by rows upon rows of cute and colorful bear statues.

To the bear cave, we go!

More of Teseum after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Revisiting Hongdae: Trick Eye Museum + Cafe de One Piece.

Remember our trip to Hongdae last year and how this fun and funky neighborhood immediately and absolutely swept me off my feet? I was so enamored by this place that I made a resolve to bring my husband here the next time we visit Seoul. That plan finally pushed through last winter when we revisited Hongdae on New Year's Day. Our main agenda was to visit the Trick Eye Museum, as per Yue's request.

A 3D interactive gallery, the Trick Eye Museum first opened its doors in Hongdae in 2010. The museum features paintings that make use of the 'trompe l'oeil' (trick of the eye) technique, which gives 2-dimensional paintings the illusion of being in 3D.

Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae.

Everything in this museum is touchable, and guests can freely interact with the artworks and take photos to their hearts' content. Most of the paintings have sample pictures on how you should pose so that you can achieve the 3D illusion, and there are arrows and markers on where you should stand, sit, or lie down so that you can get the best shot.

Here are some of my favorite photos. As you can see, the boys had a blast posing with the paintings and Yue really enjoyed hamming it up for the camera. :)

Yue is trapped!

Hi ho Silver, away!

Surfing with winter coats on, haha!

More photos after the jump!

7 Budget Travel Tips for Students.

Heading off to college for the first time is an exciting time for most of young people, but with the new-found independence comes challenges and responsibilities. One of the biggest issues for college students is budgeting their money. But there's no reason why a tight budget has to prevent you from having fun or even exploring the world. In fact, if you take our advice and follow these 7 budget travel tips, you can learn how to plan low budget holidays without burning a hole through your wallet.

Seoul Searching with my childhood friend Kay, December 2016. :)

1. Fly using low-cost airlines
The cost of flying to Europe might set you back a few hundred bucks, but once you get there you'll be shocked to discover that flying discount air carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet can actually be cheaper than taking a bus or train. In fact, flights between European cities can cost as little as $10 if you plan early.

2. Choose Backpacker Hostels
Staying at a hotel in major European cities is insanely expensive. In fact, even a modest hotel in places like Rome and Barcelona can cost $200 a night! But backpacker hostels, where you share a room and bathroom facilities with fellow travelers, are not only affordable (around $15 a night even in popular destinations), they are truly a fun experience. Many city-owned hostels, such as the one in Geneva, Switzerland, even offer a discount on public transportation and airport transfers. Finally, a lot of hostels provide a free breakfast, which means one less meal to spend money on.

3. Hitchhiking
Through the Country Although hitchhiking went out of fashion in America in the 1970s, the practice is still very much alive and well in Europe. Not only is it the cheapest way to travel (and often entirely free), it is the perfect way to take in the landscapes and countryside while making your way through such places as France and Italy.

4. Join Couch Surfing
Couch Surfing, a popular hospitality service and social networking site, is how savvy travelers find places to crash without spending a dime. In fact, your host will often be eager to show you around their city and some even offer to cook meals in order to give you an authentic culinary experience. Airbnb is another hospitality site to use when you want to enjoy cheap European vacations, although unlike Couch Surfing it does require payment.

Street food! :)

5. Choose Meals Sensibly
While it might seem tempting to eat in luxury while visiting London or Paris, it is truly a budget breaker. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to eat delicious, satisfying meals while traveling. For example, the simple task of avoiding the restaurants in the most touristy parts of a city will save you money. Street vendors offer a taste of the city in a way that is very affordable. Many hostels have kitchens where guests are welcome to cook, so buying food at the supermarket is yet another great option.

6. Visit Museums When They're Free
Visiting a museum in a major European city can get pricy, but very often even the most famous ones designate a day or time when they are free. For example, the Louvre in Paris (home of the Mona Lisa) is free to everybody under 26 on Fridays after 6:00pm. While you are busy taking in all of that rich art and history, you may also discover the benefits of buying a college essay. Your custom college paper will meet all of your specifications and is guaranteed to arrive in your inbox on your deadline.

7. Go on Free Walking Tours
The best way to learn about a city is to take part in a walking tour. Not only does every major city offer them, they are often free! While the tour guides appreciate tips, it is a small price to pay for 3 hours of fresh air and fascinating stories about the city that you were not aware of.

We hope you found this advice helpful. There are numerous additional tips that are guaranteed to save your many and time while travelling. Do not be afraid to explore your options.