Amazing Race, 2009 with the In-Laws!

You only get the details of the amazing race from one side, that is unlses someone else (Hubby or Twin) decides to write their account of the amazing race in another blog. 

I was the observer for Team 1, the team with Boy Cousin and SIL.   Here were the rules:

•       Total Score
–Best Time wins!
 –Total Time is arrival time minus penalties for hints plus rewards for scavenger items

•       •Equipment
–Each team must carry a camera.
–Each team member can pack a backpack with food, clothes, etc.
–Each team may bring a ‘travel publication’ with them.

•       •Receiving Help:
•       –Teams can use the internet for as long as they like after receiving the first hint, but can only print  one page.
•       –If you want a hint during the race, the observer will provide one but will assess a penalty (after arrival at the finish line).A hint is defined as providing enough info to reasonably relieve the immediate difficulty, but not so much as to solve future related problems:

•1st hint:  FREE
•2nd hint: -5 minutes
 •3rd hint:- 10 minutesEach additional hint penalty increases by 5 minutes

They also had a scavanger hunt list.  For each item they found the had 5 minutes removed from their final time.
1.Bad English’ T-shirt
2.Street food
3.Something made in USA
4.FC Seoul Item
5.Korean Candy
6.A piece of jewelry
7.A pirated DVD
8.Tourist Map
9.Picture at an exercise park
10.Religious Item
11. Something from 7-11

The first clue they received was:
Make your way to the observation deck of Namsan Tower.  Point out the direction of the USA for your next clue.

SIL & Boy Cousin hopped in a cab to head out to Namsan Tower, this was a good move!  Cabs are normally the fastest way to get to Namsan, however once the cabbie found out they were in a race and they wanted him to go fast, he started thinking...he was very excited because he knew a 'short cut'!  So, he pulled the cab over, put his flashers on and thought about the short cut for at least 5-6 minutes!  AUGHHHH!! Finally he cut through post to go out a different gate.  In the meantime, I am the observer, so I cannot say ANYTHING! I was having a cow!  This was the slowest and most expensive cab ride to Namsan I have ever taken! 
 

Upon arriving at Namsan, we saw the other team was already coming down the hill.  Oh, did I mention it was raining like mad?  Welcome to Korean and monsoon season! 

Clue #2: Take the bus to the Iteawon shopping district.  Find a Starbucks and order something to drink.  Once you have completed the drink, you will receive your next clue.

Even though team 1 thought they were WAY behind, when we came down the hill after completing clue #1, they found the boys still waiting for the bus!  Big SCORE for team 1!  They were all on the same bus heading down to Iteawon!

Clue #3: Make your way to the fountain in front of the Cheong WaDae, teh Office of the President of the President of the Republic of Korea, also known as the Blue House.  Take a picture of the fountain to receive your next clue.

SIL ask the lady working at Starbucks for the fasted way to get to the Blue House....once again we jumped in a cab and headed off - however this cab driver spoke NO ENGLISH, so it proved to be a bit more challanging than the last cab ride.  Once arriving at the Blue House, team 1 took a picture of the fountain from the cab. 

Clue #4:  Travel by any mode, but arrive at Yongsan Station by subway.  Make your way on foot to Emart.  To receive your next hint, you must find the kimchi in Emart.

This leg of the race proved to be a little harder.  Team 1 was going to take a cab to Yongsan station, but after reading the clue again and realizing they had to arrive at Yongsan station by subway, they had the cab driver drop them off at the closest subway stop.  SIL ask a local man for help - he ended up buying tickets for her, and taking her to the subway. 

Team 1 had to make a transfer on the subway, and the first guy wasn't going the same direction, not to worry, SIL talked to more locals and they walked her through it!   She even had them call their friend when they didn't know exactly how to get to Emart!

Clue #5:  Make your way to Seoul World Cup Stadium, home of FC Seoul.  Once there, locate a ticket booth.  Hurry, as this may be your final stop!

After receiving her last clue, we ran into my friends R & T at Emart, so she ask them for directions!

And the winners of the Amazing Race, Seoul, 2009 edition.............. drum roll please.......

Team 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They finished 2 hours ahead of Team 2!  Rock on Team 1!