Solo in Seoul

So I didn't need to be nervous about Seoul. Despite the warnings of several people that nobody would speak English, I never felt lost. Every time I took out a map someone approached to ask if I needed help. And lots of English signs. All of this is post-Olympics I presume. And amazing travel info in the airport - no need to buy a tour book before arriving. The best thing I saw was one of the 5 palaces in Seoul - no way I'm gonna remember the name without running back to my room to get a book.



Then it was off to the conference in Jeju island. Cool volcanic scenery, good general conferenceness...until Tuesday night when it started raining and I developed whatever illness I got on the plane a few days earlier. So Wednesday and Thursday I stayed in bed and missed much of the touring around time. Before that though, I ate more than my share of kimchi (by that I mean more than I wanted, not more than I deserved) and who knows what else under all that spice. I do have to show you this:which might just look like a plate of sushi...but check out the wee crabs on the left. I was convinced to eat one, whole. Nice flavor, and the crunch wasn't entirely unpleasant.
Now I'm back in Hong Kong. I thought I might go back to Australia ahead of schedule cause I still feel lousy - but wow is this place interesting! I'll stick it out and let you know all about it in a few days!