buddha's birthday bash

One might think that a birthday celebration for an awakened being and spiritual leader to millions would entail meditation marathons or scheduled selfless acts of kindness. Maybe you wouldn't expect monk dance offs, drum circles, opulent decor, and ice cream. Albeit red bean dairy free "ice cream", aka bingsu, but ice cream-esque none the less. As far as birthday parties go (and probably a few other things) Buddha knows what's up.

Following is a review of the shenanigans.

Late Sunday evening: After retrieving one jet-lagged smiley brother- Juan Chico !!! from Incheon airport, we made our way to Jogyesa temple in Insadong to explore. Emerging from the metro, we quickly spotted a string of lotus lanterns dancing in the night breeze along the sidewalk and followed them accordingly. A smiling older gentleman interrupted my documentation of the singular burning strand to assure me that much better photographic gems awaited down the way...

The air was perfumed by cut flowers, fruit offerings and incense. Even though it was nearly midnight dozens of devotees roamed the grounds, humming and quietly smiling at the awestruck foreigners.

Monday morning:
Post spicy stew breakfast, we boarded the metro for another temple- Bongeunsa. This temple is in the overtly corporate area of Seoul. Despite being flanked by glimmering headquarters, Bongeunsa is a forested 3 acres with multiple shrines and walking paths lined with strawberries. The grounds were far from tranquil on the Big B's b-day but instead stood uncharacteristically brimming with visitors and vendors.

All shapes and sizes came to pay their respects

 A thumping dance train twirled throughout the day

 and what party is complete without a balloon toting rat tail? No party I'm willing to attend.