Dongdaemun Yarn!

Sarah and I went to the craft market at Dongdaemun (Dongdaemun Station, exit 8). They have a great selection of yarn from all over the world. Of course, I liked the expensive stuff. It actually isn't bad when you break it down per ball, but you have to buy in bulk, so I bought two packages of ten balls. This is not a place for strollers so luckily I got Ian into the CDC and went without him. Sarah and I spent our money quickly and went to an early lunch. We had a nice long lunch at an Indian restaurant and then I headed back to base. I had enough time left to go to the commissary to get some things for Ian's party and I still picked Ian up a little early. They should be adding more slots in Hourly Toddler so I might be able to get in more often.

Ian hasn't been to the CDC in a few months because it is so hard to get in these days. He cried a little bit when we parked the car, but I explained to him that he was going to school to play and I was going shopping. I said,"You don't like shopping. You will have fun at school." He stopped crying, walked into the classroom and didn't look back. I am happy about that. Makes me think the transition back into Montessori in January will be much easier this time.

What the Book, English Bookstore in Itaewon

Yesterday, Sarah told me about a bookstore in Itaewon called What the Book with a huge selection of English titles, reasonable prices and ordering options. They even have a website where you can search titles. If it is not in stock a delivery time is listed. The book I was looking for can be delivered in 10 days. Also, I compared the prices on the book I was looking for between Amazon and What the Book and the WTB price was the Amazon list price. So while the Amazon price was less, you get free shipping with WTB so it evens out and you are not being overcharged. With Amazon, you can get free shipping as well, but overseas that can take a long time so the convenience factor comes into play as well.

I have the APO and Amazon is usually pretty fast, but it is nice that there is this option for those who don't have the APO. It is also work a look to see if your title is in the shop so you don't have to wait. She said they have a big selection of magazines as well.

Update: What the Book just moved to a new, bigger, more convenient location on the main street of Itaewon. Get off at Itaewon station. It is under Wang Thai. Click here for a map.