Busan, a city of warm souls and pulsating nightlife

The music video to Richard Marx's Nights shows him heav Endless Summer - ily dressed in cardigans as he walks the streets, bearing the chill of the weather and the weight of love. Busan, in South Korea, is similar. The nights are cold, windy and chilly but I am happy to wear a jacket or sweater or both to arrest the chill, in the name of going out to enjoy the nightlife. Walking or being driven through well-lit and dazzlingly streets is satisfying, more so because of the friendly residents who have much to offer in warm smiles than language.

The architecture of sprawling skyscrapers dotting almost every street corner is a marvel especially at dusk when the lights are turned on as if to enhance the beauty of Korea's second-largest city.

Lovely evenings

The Westin Chosun Busan Hotel is home for a week and from my window, I am fed on the therapeutic waterfront of Haeundae Beach, characterised by the soft waves every daybreak.

In the evenings, many city residents like to come out and enjoy the scenic waters that take reflection of the lights from the hotel facilities that line the beach. On Monday night, there was a festival of music and art. Children and adults took to giant sand moldings and dance. The artists sculptured some admirable expressions from the sand which made for beautiful photographic backdrops.

Midway the festivals, fireworks lit the skies, adding vibrancy to a musically spiced evening. As I enjoyed a selfie moment, I remembered who I have to thank for all this; first, the Lord, for the favour and opportunity, and then my hosts, African Development Bank whose meetings I am in South Korea to attend and report about.

Culinary adventures

From the serious yet fruitful deliberations of African leaders, governors, ministers and key stakeholders in Africa's development circles, the festival was a deserved break to see a lighter side of life. On the night before, I was out canvasing the streets in search of some culinary adventure.

The dining culture is much alive and on a Sunday, there is more time to bond so you will see many families, couples and friends sharing a meal over jokes and conversations. There is something for almost everyone.

Culinary treats stretch from traditional foods such as, a snails, octopus, and ox blood to the continental offerings that draw in foreigners.