Time came, and went. Here I am. Back in the States. Back in the South. Still trying to process all that has happened in the past fourteen months. The plan is to share as soon as I can find the words to explain.
Above: Bangkok, Thailand
감사합니다 - thank you
Thank you Korea for
sharing your beautiful mountains, seas, and cities,
dissolving my sense of personal space,
increasing my tolerance for spicy or fermented foods,
teaching me how to use chopsticks when eating noodles,
introducing me to interesting and kind people from all over the world,
making me laugh every day,
reminding me of what I hold most dear,
reigniting my patriotism via yours,
schooling me in the art of the Asian queue,
and giving me a wealth of unforgettable moments.
I already miss you.
Over a year has passed since I arrived in Korea. Less than a week remains until I depart... for Thailand.
Here we go.
for all the 녹 차 in korea...
What better way to spend a birthday than by adding years to your life? In order to better understand the elixir of longevity we (Minhui, Eenah, Katie and I) traveled to Boseong Green tea plantation in southern South Korea. None of us knew what to expect as the signs directing us to the plantation were cryptic yet cheerful. After a short walk beneath towering cedars we were found ourselves at the base of a mountain covered in undulating green rows.
Look familiar? Tea is derived from Camellia sinensis, a member of the Camellia family.
Word to all the plant nerds out there.
proud
Before living abroad, I struggled to articulate what it means to be American or to coin what defines my national identity.
Truth be told, I still do.
In conversations with Koreans or other expats, cultural comparisons are the hot topic. They rattle off with authority about their cultures' stance on everything from sandwich toppings to sexuality. More often than not, America's ethnic assortment prevents me from weighing in on the subject. No worries. Diversity over unified sandwich preferences any day!
What I can say without question is that Americans are dynamic, creative, passionate individuals who believe wholeheartedly in their right to be heard. I'm proud to say that we continue to have a President that truly represents who we are as a nation, and that is well respected all over the world. I've lost count of the times that a taxi driver, sales clerk, seemingly rogue child, fellow airline traveler or elderly man has asked "Where are you from?" and upon learning I'm American, responding with a huge smile plus " I love Obama."
Me, too.
Truth be told, I still do.
In conversations with Koreans or other expats, cultural comparisons are the hot topic. They rattle off with authority about their cultures' stance on everything from sandwich toppings to sexuality. More often than not, America's ethnic assortment prevents me from weighing in on the subject. No worries. Diversity over unified sandwich preferences any day!
What I can say without question is that Americans are dynamic, creative, passionate individuals who believe wholeheartedly in their right to be heard. I'm proud to say that we continue to have a President that truly represents who we are as a nation, and that is well respected all over the world. I've lost count of the times that a taxi driver, sales clerk, seemingly rogue child, fellow airline traveler or elderly man has asked "Where are you from?" and upon learning I'm American, responding with a huge smile plus " I love Obama."
Me, too.
가 을 - fall
With Siberian -seriously- winds and overcast mornings, summer has faded into a distant memory. Trees that were so recently sources of refuge from the sun are quickly shedding their function. The views from the bus seat have changed dramatically in the past few weeks, and scarves are a daily necessity. Fall is here, in full color.
A day trip to higher altitudes was in order to further appreciate the show.
After assorted crowded interesting bus rides, we finally made it to Naejangsan National Park in southern Jeollabukdo province. Worth it.
A stranger's excellent use of naturally sourced materials. Andy Goldsworthy would be proud.
A day trip to higher altitudes was in order to further appreciate the show.
Golden gingkos.
부 산 - busan part 2
The general temple decor is similar throughout Korea. After awhile the location becomes the differentiating factor when scouting for a new temple to visit. Yonggungsa, located on the outskirts of Busan, has a truly unique setting. To reach the temple you must walk down 108 stairs flanked by thick bamboo. Midway down the stairs the bamboo parts and the East Sea welcomes you in all its blustery glory. Yonggungsa is perched on the cliffs with twisted pines surrounding its back door.
It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip to Busan.
It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip to Busan.
부산 - busan part 1
Korea recently celebrated Chuseok, their equivalent of Thanksgiving. Chuseok takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month which fell on a Sunday this year. Fortunately a few other national holidays were nearby and nearly everyone in the country was left with a FIVE day weekend. Yet another thing to be thankful for.
B and I went to Busan for the weekend to explore the "seaside Seoul." Busan is on the East coast and is the second largest city in Korea. Similar to Seoul, the atmosphere is international but without the hustle of a capital city. Perhaps the beaches contribute to the slower pace as well.
Busan Aquarium was an interesting afternoon. A winding maze of strange creatures and curious children.
More to come....
B and I went to Busan for the weekend to explore the "seaside Seoul." Busan is on the East coast and is the second largest city in Korea. Similar to Seoul, the atmosphere is international but without the hustle of a capital city. Perhaps the beaches contribute to the slower pace as well.
Busan Aquarium was an interesting afternoon. A winding maze of strange creatures and curious children.
Pig-nosed turtle....clearly
Jellies
In my previous experiences at aquariums, children are often frightened or emitting delighted shrieks. The tots here just kept saying how delicious everything looked.
On the streets in Little Russia-Chinatown
Hungry
More to come....
life underground
if a city is a body then the subway, or metro if you rather, is undoubtedly its veins. it thrives deep beneath the surface, unceremoniously snaking through the heart and webbing out to the furthest appendages.
a unique yet familiar society takes place in this throbbing means of transport.
its the uncanny valley of every city, the dingy doppelganger to every sparkly highrise. a commute for some, home to many, and a canvas for others the subway is prime ground for the unusual.
a unique yet familiar society takes place in this throbbing means of transport.
its the uncanny valley of every city, the dingy doppelganger to every sparkly highrise. a commute for some, home to many, and a canvas for others the subway is prime ground for the unusual.
a lifetime of fluffiness for less than 5 dollars.
feelin like a fly high...
or a dong bang? translation: poop bread. delicious... no lie.
by and far the most epic hair I've ever had the pleasure to encounter. when in doubt, bow in reverence.
군산시 - Gunsan City
Every weekend the sidewalks in my neighborhood fill with merchants and their wares. Some might call it a farmers' market but it is also a prime place to pawn gold or silver, peer at unrecognizable vegetables and purchase polyester pants. Truly the perfect setting for Sunday ambling. After a full afternoon of ambling, the local waygook (foreigner) crew got together for a picnic in the park.
Living abroad really streamlines the process of becoming friends. Our time together is limited and the environment is so different from home, relationships tend to bypass the awkward pleasantries and go straight to the heart of friendship.
Everyone was bitten by the fire poi bug at Korea Burn. Practice we shall!
Spinning fire twice in one month in Korea!....thank you Universe.
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