Preparations Continue
For me one of the enjoyable parts of travelling is the preparation. All that research ahead of time. Thinking about what you'd like to do, researching what the area is known for, the off-the-beaten path places to go, thinks to experience, adventures, historical significance, public holidays, festivals etc happening whilst there.
Airport Day Spa luxury for your trip home or after your flight in?
Firstly, we have to arrive! Most going to World Masters will fly into Seoul and catch the fast train to Daegu. Kieren has found just 5 minutes from the Incheon International Airport in Seoul is a Day spa you can access at $30 for 4 hours (Jjimjilbang Spa Package or the Aqua Spa at about $50 for up to 6 hours)!!! There's a free shuttle from the airport!!! Visit Korea states: There are two tickets on offer, the Aqua Spa Coupon (Comprehensive Coupon) and the Jjimjil Spa Ticket. The former is akin to a day ticket to an amusement park, where you can use all facilities within CIMER for six hours. It is only taking bookings until end of June at present. Watch this space. I'm booking in for my return on Sep 13th! Read about it here: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/infoHtmlView.do?vcontsId=193081 You can barely buy a Macca's meal at Brissy airport for that much! For many of us flying home later in the day evening, the Day spa will be a reward for all your hard work (and mine!).
Stay connected...
In the past I've used Vodafone's international roaming with no issues. I'm currently with Optus and so intead to activate their $5 a day international roaming. Lots to consider with those or whatever way you go. Plan ahead and read the fine print is all I'll say. Having said that, South Korea is pretty connected. Free wifi on all buses and at all subways. Seoul has free wi-fi system called 'Kkachi On' - although Google tells me it can be a bit patchy.. like any wifi.
How DO we get from Seoul to Daegu?
Quickest way is the KXT High-speed Train (or SRT) and is approximately $25-$35 depending on the section you book, taking approx 2 hours according to Google and the train website. Main Daegu station is Dongdaegu Station (East Daegu), located on the major Gyeongbu Line. The KXT line is a bit more expensive than the SRT (Super Rapid Train) - they have different stations - check which gets you closest to your accomm. The cheapest way from Seoul to Daegu is via bus that takes 3.5 to 4 hours but a great way to see more of the country. Cost of that is about $20. Bookings aren't open online as yet - everything seems to be 'book a month before, and no earlier' system. Don't forget tip from Ainslie last week - when using the rail or bus systems, look at the numbers, not the names! Thanks Ains.
Is anyone coming into South Korea (be it Seoul or Daegu) earlier and doing some travel first, or staying later and travelling? I know some are in and straight out again after competing. I arrive August 4th and fly out on September 13th back to Brisbane. Definitely stopping at the spa enroute home.
Weather
Yep, I'm that old I talk about the weather! I arrive first week in August when apparently I'll sweat more than ..well you know how the saying goes! Whilst July is notoriously their wet season, it can trickle over into August (see what I did there ;)). Apparently South Korea is well prepared for wet season, rain and even flooding. August and early September are the sweaty months - apparently you don't know humidity and heat until you've done South Korea. Having lived in Cairns for a decade, I highly doubt this is a 'hold my beer' situation, but will let you know once I'm there. Daegu is apparently one of the hottest cities in the country. Google tells me average temps will be 32 degrees and humid. Pretty sure our Qld Masters Decath/Hep last December was about 36 degrees wasn't it. Our southern friends may struggle a bit more so be prepared with your electrolyte intakes, hydration, and where you can rest in aircon in the hottest parts of the day which is 11am to 3pm apparently. Upside is, less 'stuff' to pack and for me carry in my backpack! #winning
Always open...
South Korea is like the New York City of Asia (I made that up! but it sounds good). Everything I read talks about the country being open 24/7 and most people opting to eat out around 10pm at night (My bed time's usually then!!!). When in Rome!
What will I do for the other 28 days....
Each week when I blog I'll talk about something I intend or want to do whilst travelling. One of the big things I want to do in Seoul is go to a baseball game. Apparently Korea are crazy over their baseball, and the stadiums look amazing. They play 5 to 6 days a week during season!!!! Tickets to games start as low as $9 and up to $55 for a table in the diamond section! If the photos are half as good as the atmosphere is, I'll be super happy. Took the kids to see a Dodgers game in LA back in 2017 - amazing crowd, hoping Seoul puts on the same kind of show (and the helmet nachos are just as good, or maybe it'll be helmet Kimchi or Helmet binsu ;) .
Anyone else about to give up on Duolingo? I need to find a better 'learn how to speak some of the language' app. Any recommendations?
Timetable and registrations for World Masters Athletics Championships
Registrations close on June 23rd. Then the LOC and whoever does such things, works out the final program. Thank you to Jill who pointed out at present there are two 'rest' days for some of us, and seminar/meeting days for our committee members etc including World Masters General Assembly meeting, WMA Women's committee and others. At present these are noted down for August 26th and August 31st - also known as 'Jo's editing and uploading days!'.
Exciting news....
Every country gets to have a photographer accredited to capture all the moments for their team. Apparently not many take/send one. Canada's photographer has been to 25 World Masters events as Canadian photographer - so I'm in touch with him getting all the inside goss, insights, tips, tricks and lay of the land. I do love a good collab.
Drum roll please...........Whilst I'll be there for Team Australia, the amazingly talented Michael Thomas will be there for team New Zealand. Congratulations Michael. Insert huge cheer. So excited you'll be on this adventure with us.
Michael and I are meeting later this week to work out a collaboration that will see as many of you (Aus and NZ) covered as possible, with as many events and locations covered, and where time permits, allowing for photographing athletes whose country doesn't have a photographer, capturing the memories, the moments and the wonder that is you representing our country in the green and gold (and nZ black and white).... whilst helping us cover our costs. Watch this space ....
Til next week ...... my fave quote: Life's for living ....
