Castles Made of Sand

Went to Busan last weekend. I was there a couple of weekends ago, but because the weather was so miserable that time, I didn't really get to go on the beach. This weekend though was a different story altogether. They were hosting the Haeundae Sand Festival. Professional sand sculptors were brought in to make some absolutely amazing sand castles. This one was over twenty feet tall. I don't know how the towers stayed pointy!


We entered the sandcastle competition with the intention of winning. And do you know, we did! We built a Buddha. Not particularly large, but I think it was the attention to detail that won it for us. The judge (aforementioned sandcastle pro) said he really enjoyed its originality. And I know that Buddhas not particularly into material gains, but the prize was pretty sweet- a satellite navigation system for the car we don't have! We're gonna sell it on, and hope to make a little money out of it.



The entire day was drinking beer and making sandcastles. So much fun. There were a few other festivals going on along the beach aswell though, and I managed to get a look at them. There was an international dance festival, there was a Korean wrestling festival (not unlike Sumo, but smaller) and a beach volleyball competition. Not too many other photos though.
The nightlife in Busan is pretty epic too- Friday, after checking into our hotel (the first I've ever stayed in without a bed...) we went to a club called Frankies. We saw a pretty cool post rock band, and then a pretty crap Japanese band. Still, the last time I was in Busan, we caught an excellent rockabilly band from Seoul, so I know now there's quite the music scene there. Saturday night was spent dancing. I mean serious dancing. I may have scared the locals a little. I was quite enthusiastic.
Sunday I met up with some friends I had made the last time I was in Busan, and we went to Nampodong market. It was pretty cool, lots of clothes stalls and places to buy little trinkets. I really enjoyed mooching around. I found some nice scruffy clothes, which I don't really have any of here, and I also decided I want to dress a little more like Korean men. They are a very well dressed nation, as a whole. So I think I'll be able to go back and spend a little more money there...
I was exhausted by the end of the weekend, but very, very happy I'd done it. Next weekend is a scavenger hunt in Daegu, not to mention the beginning of the World Cup. I think there's a giant screen in the middle of town, so I shall be heading in to watch it there. I solemnly vow to blog more frequently too, I have rather fallen out of the habit. Until then!