The Popular Places - ilsan

I'm in the city of Goyang. Goyang (Pronounced "Go-yawng", the ya sound more like yaw) is comprised of two halves; Hwajeong and ilsan. I live in the Hwajeong half. ilsan is a newer half. It's the exciting half where everything is always happening. My side tends to be calmer and more laid back.

ilsan (Pictured above)

This is a common hangout. I'm here at least 2-3 times a week.

The Bar - Frog and Toad
Yes just like the children's book. In fact many pictures from it are hanging on the walls. It reminds me of the Horse Brass back home a bit I guess. It's a foreigner's bar it seems. It has the usuals of darts and live music. We usually just sit back and nock down some beers with good conversation. It's a nice relaxing environment. The owner, Steve, conveyed it to me like this (I'm fairly certain he was under the influence of something) "It's a place where you can go and feel like you are home." The bartenders are all very nice and quick to get your drinks. Jessica speaks good English while Terry isn't bad himself. They have a new guy named Kevin who is still getting the hang of mixing drinks.

The Restaurant - Club AwesomeNuke
(AwesomeNuke is 236 in Korean)
2, 3, and 6 are lucky numbers when put together in any combination. This place is fantastic. It's small and just around the corner from Frog and Toad. The owner, Dane, went to Michigan St for college. He speaks excellent English. It's absolutely normal to just talk to him like any of your friends. He knows a bunch of our names now too. It's nice to walk through the door and hear him yell form the back "Hey Dowdy! Nice to see you again!" We also know the place as "Sunday Brunch" or simply as "The Mexican Place." He serves the only genuine margaritas in Korea (don't even ask what they consider a margarita over here). On Sundays he serves a Grand Slam breakfast just like at Denny's which is what he modeled it after. He told me that every time he was traveling from city to city in the US the last thing he would do is go to Denny's for the Grand Slam. In addition to the breakfast, he makes one of the most amazing Enchiladas I've ever had the pleasure of eating. It's gynormous (yes, that's a real word) and has this sauce covering it that is simply indescribable. He makes good Quesadillas too. He's a great guy to get to know and you can always find a great conversation with him.