I climbed a large hill by my house today and am currently surrounded by trees and sitting on a square wooden platform encircling a tree. I'm not sure the purpose of this place other than quiet contemplation. This is what I will use it for. I look out at trees and through the trees is a high rise apartment building. Behind this building is an even taller hill. Coincidentally there is a gym on top of this hill, which makes me laugh. You're telling me I have to climb this hill to then go and work out? Step one: Climb the huge hill without dying.
Step two: Possibly join the gym.
Yesterday I discovered how mountainous and breathtaking Korea is. Some friends and I took an hour long bus ride from Mokpo to Jindo island for the Miracle Sea Parting Festival that celebrates the time of year that the tides change and create a path from Jindo Island to another island maybe half a mile away. Along the way is where I discovered Korea's landscape. Since I live on the coast there's a immense array of small islands off shore of the mainland. The below pictures from the bus doesn't do it justice.
Some things that I learned today about bathrooms in the countryside. Some bathrooms have toilet paper outside of the stalls, so you had better know what number you're about to make to avoid the walk of shame to retrieve more paper. I'm just grateful I looked around the stall before doing my business and realizing there was no paper!
And #2, some bathrooms simply don't have toilet paper (or soap) at all. In this case, I went to a convenience store and bought some tissues. Lesson: always have hand sanitizer and tissues in your purse when traveling Korea.
The festival was so fun, and FULL of foreigners. Interaction with foreigners is something that I still wonder about. Since I just got here, anytime I see a non-Korean I get excited. When I first got here I would say something or smile to foreigners I saw, quickly to realize that I'm the weirdo. As my friends here say, you aren't going to be friends with every English speaking person. That is not a reasonable expectation back home and is not going to happen here. It seems to be the same as home that you meet people through friends and activities, not randomly going up to someone at a bus terminal. Still, its already feeling weird to hear so much English in one place.
The sea parting festival was so amazing! We bought these stylish boots to wear since there are lots of puddles and mud across the 'sea road'. They had a performance of western dancers in their 'global village' which was interesting to watch. In addition there were a lot of native Korean dances and singing in the streets. An old man in his traditional costume even grabbed my hand and dragged me to the dance floor to dance. I would have danced longer if I wasn't following 7 people who did not seem to notice I was being dragged away!
What can I say. I'm a celebrity.
I was also asked my a middle eastern or northern African-looking man to take a picture with me. My friends said its because I have blonde hair.
My friends say that when you first get here the staring will drive you crazy. I'm still getting used to it, because it's still weird to get so much attention!
Anyway, enjoy the pictures.
The grossest thing I've seen so far... silkworms. Yes, to eat. No, I did not try them.
Potato spirals on a stick in a cheesy powder.
The sea path
Someone gave me these three fish to release into the ocean.
Releasing my fish into the muddy water.. Honestly a little concerned that they still died..
The sea before the parting. It is to that island in the distance that we walked.
The parting!
Until next time. Love you all for reading :)
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