Details from afar…
Holidays are upon us – everything is all skittles and rainbows here, but Christmas is not as big a celebration in Korea as we, depressingly broke Americans, like to spend ourselves silly for the ‘best gift award’. Go figure with all the fashion, knick-knacks, and doodads here – who can really afford to. I am sure all of you saw my makeshift Christmas tree that I made from recycled material – Go Green! -OR- Poor. You choose.
The past few days, for me, have been very eventful! On Thursday of last week, I was generously given that day and Friday off to compensate for having to work on Saturday and Sunday, which was spent interviewing students for a higher level English class – fun, fun. Back to Thursday, I was invited to go with my cousin to attend her cooking class over in Isu (west of Songpa-gu, where I live). The food was delectable, because “yours truly” was cooking. Met some fine acquaintances, some of which have upgraded to the fine friends’ zone, happily. Everyday since Thursday of last week, I have been hiking my little ass off - no complaints.
One of the mountains we hiked up randomly, after the cooking class in Isu, was called Gwanaksan. “San” means mountain in Korean. Although a small mountain among giants, my cousin and I, walked about 4 miles outside of Sadang, a half a mile south of Isu, to walk to the top of this 632 meter high “hat-like” landform. A temple close to the summit with epic statues of Buddha, guarding warriors painted to wood warding off evil, stone fountains - sacred and quenching, it is ornamented well. Chimes on every corner of the temple ‘tinging’ with every slight wind. The air was biting my cheeks and so we made our descent.
My cousin and I had been scouting out potential viewing sites for our Geminids Meteor Shower viewing I’d planned. We found the perfect spot atop Namhansan. This mountain was, like Gwanaksan, also relatively small compared to others, but there were some beautiful lookouts and I definitely could see myself doing some bouldering up there in the springtime. On Tuesday night, December 13th, Tori, Vinh, Andrew, and I hopped on the subway to Macheon. With flashlights, blankets, hot chocolate, wine, Soju and an eagerness to see some shooting stars, we made our way up Namhansan. At 12:30AM, we all made it to one of the lookouts. I climbed a tree and watched for some meteors. We all talked and laughed –hot chocolate – talking and laughter – wine – laughter and banter – Soju – looking up with wonderment as we see needle like streaks from peripheral glances – laughter and laughter and laughter…as the air is so cold it burns our skin.
Hiking, running, climbing, and exploring as always and next a public bathhouse! I am very excited to soak my whole body in nice hot water! In the states how spoiled I was with my very own bathing vessel of porcelain and how easily I took you for granted! Yes, my shoulders and lower back are craving some TLC – a bathhouse will definitely do the trick. Stay tuned. *wink wink*
Here are some pics from the cooking class, hiking, and of random explorations. Enjoy!
Fish Market...What's up Seattle!
Love, Jenn
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