School festivities and total cuteness

About a month or so ago ago my school had their festival.  This is where the students really showcased their talents.  I was blown away by it.  They were instrumental performances, dancing, taekwondo and singing.  Their costumes were incredible, and my tiny school's gym was set up with impressive lights and sound effects.  It was so enjoyable to see my students displaying their abilities in such a different view then when I always see them in English class.  It was quite a show!

A couple weeks after that we had our English speaking performances.  All the students and teachers came to our little classroom to watch.  A few 3rd graders did a song while a couple others did a funny poem.  The 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes all did short plays.  I also had the opportunity to watch the countywide elementary performances/competition as we had one student participating in it from our school. That afternoon I got to be a judge for the middle school students.  They were both so fun to watch!

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than one seeks."

Fall could not come fast enough for me! I've been eagerly awaiting the cooler temperatures, mountains painted with colors, and outstanding hiking opportunities.  Over the past month or so, I've had the chance to experience a few national parks, 2 of which I had researched prior to arriving in Korea, and had especially been saving to enjoy this fall!

The first of those parks on my list was Seoraksan National Park.  This hike was the most challenging one I've ever done, since perhaps New Zealand.  This absolutely strenuous hike began around 4 A.M.  Braced with our lights and layers, we braved the unexpected blustery and frigid winter temperatures from the trail head up to the peak.  Since this was one of the prime weekends to see the leaves, there was an actual line for hiking! Can you believe that? It was so bizarre to be waiting to move, surrounded by so many people.  As the string of lights wound up and along the curves of the mountains, it provided a preview of the rigorous trek ahead.  After sunrise, and as we progressed closer to the peak, the crowds began to disperse a bit allowing a more "normal" hiking experience.  Upon reaching the peak, all the hard work proved to be well worth it.  Even with the wintry winds literally blowing us off our feet at times, the excitement from the surrounding views trumped it all.    

Descending from the summit, after a couple hours we were finally greeted
with warmer temperatures and views of brilliant brightly multicolored leaves.  As the trail curved along the bends of the sparkling crystal clear river, I was mesmerized time after time by the countless waterfalls rushing into the most immaculate pools.
If it was summer, I would have jumped
in every irresistible one!  Pushing to complete this tough hike, the company of some new friends, as well as scenery I couldn't take my eyes off, surely helped! At last, we emerged into a grand opening and the trail came to an end.  Awaiting was a statue of a massive Buddha in addition to the undeniable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. What a fantastic day of hiking with some great new people!

The next adventure the following weekend led me to Byeosanbando National Park.  This park is etched along Korea's western coast line.  Hiking along on this abnormally warm day, I enjoyed catching glimpses of the sea as it sparkled a dazzling blue in the sunlight, peaking from time to time between the trees.  There were sounds of crashing waves in the distance, views of jutting cliffs, and scurrying crabs across the trail.  It was a terrific day of hiking and a great chance to hang out with some cool people from around my area.

The last weekend of hiking as well as the second park on my list was Jirisan National Park.  This place was truly unbelievable! I knew before I even went that I was going to enjoy it.  From the pictures I'd seen it reminded me of the Blue Ridge Mountains, located near my old stomping ground in Boone, NC.  It was pretty much the perfect temperature and weather for hiking that day.
We began around 5 A.M. and ascended up to the peak in time to view the sunrise.  As the trail descended deep into the valley, the colors were bursting bright in every direction.  My eyes were seriously in awe; I was so captivated. I couldn't stop looking at all the stunning beauty surrounding me.

Throughout the hike I just kept thinking how it looked just like a perfect fall painting; showcasing each and every hue on the spectrum of fall colors.  Needless to say, I was loving every minute of it!   Occasionally, I would just have to "take pictures with my eyes", committing these images to memory as no camera could truly do it justice.  Later on in the hike, the trail curved adjacent to a river, allowing for views of cascading clear water, shimmering pools, and primo spots to stop and have a snack by the water.  Coming to the completion of the trek, I couldn't help but think how much I wished it could just stay fall for the remainder of my time here in Korea.

"I travel therefore I experience wonder."

About a month ago I went to a fascinating mask dance festival in the city of Andong.  This is known as the cultural center of Korea.  Before arriving to the festival, we stopped at a cliff overlooking the Hahoe Folk Village where we would be watching performances later that day.

This village is a treasured aspect of Korean history. It displays historical architecture, folk traditions, clan village life, along with authentic books and artifacts.  In addition to being an UNESCO World Heritage site, this has been a one family village since the 16th century; quite an unique place.

The first mask performance was a drama of traditional, religious, and ritual significance.  This Hahoe play is considered a South Korean National Treasure, as well as an intangible cultural heritage.  In the play there are characters such as a nobleman, scholar, bride, monk, and a butcher.

Following that, there was a brief taekwondo show. The kids were really impressive with their wood block cracking and so cute as they performed some dance moves intertwined with their regular  routine.

After, there was an incredible lion mask dance.  It was so intriguing to watch the performances and not be exactly sure what's going on  for us non-Korean speakers).  However, the spirit and energy of the characters succeeded in pulling us right into the story.

At times it can be a bit confusing, therefore, forcing you to draw your own conclusions and somewhat create your own plot in your head.  It was a really lively and dramatic performance, which I thoroughly enjoyed watching.

That afternoon there was a decent amount of time to explore the village.  Hahoe means "village enveloped by water."  The river is a giant "S" shape while the village is said to look like a floating lotus flower resting on it.  This place is  home to the descendants of the Ryu clan which included some well-known scholars from the Joseon period (~1300s-1800s).  There were 2 brothers, one was a great Confucian scholar and the other the prime minister during the Japanese Invasion.  In 1992, England's Queen Elizabeth visited creating a rise in its recognition.  What makes this place really special is that the buildings are still inhabited today. Surrounding the village are scenic views of the river, cliffs, and vivid green and yellow fields.  The houses with their tile and thatched roofs, flower-lined walls, and lovely gardens had an old enchanted feel to it, like you'd stepped back in time with everything so well-preserved.  There were several significant buildings, a small museum, and even a 600 year old tree that is said to be where a goddess resides.  There were thousands of wish papers tied in every possible space in and around the tree.  Overall, it was quite a charming place to wonder around.

As the rain began early that evening, there was talk of the cancellation of the fire show and fireworks. Thankfully they still did a small fireworks display.  Leaving the village and heading into the city, we had a traditional dish, jjimdak meaning "steamed chicken of Andong."  This was the spiciest thing I believe I've ever eaten. Wow! It did have a delicious flavor with its carrots, potatoes, other vegetables, noodles and chicken marinated in a Korean based soy sauce, but man! those chili peppers were absolutely deadly!

The following morning we awoke to the continuing sounds of the pounding rain.  On the way to the festival grounds we stopped at a lake known for its footbridge, which happens to be the longest in the country.  As the rain splashed across the water's surface and the dreary clouds hung low over the hills it still created quite a beautiful sight.  At the main festival site in the city there were the usual tents with various products for sale, food, pottery, masks, hands-on activities etc.

 There were also traditional folk mask dance performances by groups from all around the world.  I had the opportunity to watch the groups from Malaysia and Singapore before I left.  They were so incredible! For an hour they rotated every other dance; each performance had new stunning costumes and dazzling masks.

The stories and emotions portrayed through the dances were quite remarkable.  It was a fantasic way to end this immensely cultural festival!

"Land of the Rising Sun"

About a month ago for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) I had a 5 day weekend! I took this opportunity to jet off to Japan for a few days!!

Day 1: Kyoto! Japan's ancient capital for over a thousand years, and the current cultural center of Japan.  I landed in Osaka and took the train from the airport there! I just absolutely love traveling by train! I wish I could do it every time I go somewhere. Fighting the nods of sleepiness from spending the night in the airport I summoned all my excitement to keep my eyes peeled in order to watch the scenery zooming past me. This is always one of my most favorite moments of traveling: that first time of leaving the airport and the rush of the new sights bursting all around in a foreign land! After arriving to Kyoto I found my hostel, dropped off my bag and with map in hand began my day of exploring!

My first stop was Fushimi Inari Shrine. This is famous for its thousands of torii gates (gates that mark the entrance to a shrine).  This is one of the many shrines dedicated to the Shinto (an indigenous faith of the Japanese people) god of rice, Inari.  In a sea of orange, the serpentine paths through the endless gates provided an unique walking experience. This was such a spectacular sight!

Sampling some nearby "gelato"/all-natural ice cream I navigated my way to another area of the city. As I wandered in search of specific places, I continuously stumbled upon other small temples or shrines. It was such a nice treat! After stopping at a couple temples, and checking out a massive pagoda, I wandered through the winding European-esque streets of the Higashiyama district.  This is one of the city's most well-preserved historical districts. It's filled with cafes, small shops, restaurants, and countless samples! This was basically my lunch! Along with some tea, I ate numerous samples of the delicious Japanese sweet called yatsuhashi.  It’s addicting and amazing!

Following the maze of people and stores, the street curved its way up to one of the most famous temples in Japan, as well as a UNESCO world heritage site, Kiyomizudera (meaning pure water temple).  Founded in 780, it’s best known for it's large wooden deck overlooking the surrounding landscape, as well as providing a stunning view of the city below.

Departing the temple, I meandered a bit ending up in a lovely park, and caught a peak an 80 foot Buddhist war monument representing “one who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.”  Continuing on my path, I explored another shrine (Yasaka), one of the most famous in the city.

Making my way into another district, I discovered quite a large covered market filled with all kinds of local foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood, crafts and pottery goods, and some delicious looking treats.  I strolled around the grounds of the Imperial Palace as the sun was setting and stopped for a quick peak at nearby temple. As the day came to a close, I couldn't help but notice the giant golden full moon rising, lighting my way along the river. It made for a perfect stroll as I returned to the district around my hostel in search of something to eat.

Lead by the hunger of a full day of exploring I quickly settled on a quaint place with satisfying looking pictures of the dishes within.  Upon entering, I was seated at the counter, a fellow American and English teacher working in Korea was seated a few seats down.  We had a nice chat while the food was being prepared. Actively taking shots of the man's movements occurring behind the counter as he was slashing, sliding, and flipping my meal, he motioned for me to join me.  Eagerly, I zipped around the counter and was handed the reins of finishing up my dinner! What an unforgettable time! For the rest of the evening I was flying high off such a unique and perfect "travel moment".
After a delectable desert at a nearby coffee shop, I headed back to the hostel. Being in Japan, I had to try the famous sake.  Lucky for me, my hostel had a sake bar connected downstairs. They had several specialty brews/flavors. I requested a sweet one.  As I concluded the night sipping on this traditional drink, I couldn't help but think how completely awesome Japan was so far, and what a wonderful first day it had been!

Day 2: There were a couple places left in Kyoto I wanted to see before
I headed out. First, I hopped on the bus to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple with its two top floors completely covered in gold leaf.  This was a spectacular sight! It looked so mystical, glowing and shimmering there across the pond. It just made me think "Wow! I'm so in Japan right now!"  Following the path around the pond, it led to another pond area, a tea garden, and a small temple house. On the way out there were a few souvenir shops with more of the impeccable yatsuhashi samples!

My last stop in Kyoto was Nijo Castle.  This was the residence of the first shogun (military commander) of the Edo Period (1603-1897).  As well as another UNESCO world heritage site, this served as an imperial palace for a time, and is possibly the best example of castle palace architecture in all of Japan's feudal era.
Like a "true" castle, it's surrounded with both stone walls and moats.  Upon venturing over the moat and through the walls there was a beautiful gate that led to the main attraction, Nimomaru Palace.  This was quite gorgeous on the inside, covered in delicately painted walls and doors, along with exquisitely decorated ceilings. Something I found quite interesting were the nightingale floors, it purposely squeaks to warn of possible intruders.  It was neat to see all the elegant and formally extremely important rooms of this palace. Leading around the outside of the palace were small walking paths and a lovely garden and pond. Departing the castle, it was time to say goodbye to Kyoto. I hopped on the train and headed to my next destination: Nara!

This was actually Japan's very first capital in the year 710, and is home to some
of Japan's largest and oldest temples, as well as numerous historical treasures.
My first stop in Nara was for a quick bite at a 'hole in the wall' restaurant within a covered market street. I had a delicious rice bowl with egg, fried pork cutlet, and some other savory ingredients. Yum!  I first went to a small temple which had both a 3-story and a 5-story pagoda; the second tallest one in Japan.
Throughout the temple grounds wild deer roamed and napped in the shade.  Nara is known for its wild deer who live freely in its massive deer park which encompasses many temples, shrines, and other notable areas.  In Shinto, they are considered to be messengers of the gods, and have been named a national treasure.  They are free to frolic around, dashing across roads, congregating around the treat stands, and lounging on outdoor patios like they own the place.  There are deer snack stands along the sidewalks and you can constantly see people stopping for a quick pet, a photo op, or a feeding
session.  It was such a bizarre thing to see!  It's so rare to watch them being so calm and acting nonchalant around people.
Continuing through the park, I headed over to Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), both a landmark of
Nara and one of the most historically significant and famous of Japan's temples.  Constructed in 752, it had such a strong influence on government affairs and was becoming too powerful that it caused the capital to move to another city.  The most stunning aspect of this temple is its Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall). This contains an enormous bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana (bliss body of the historical Buddha), also the largest in the Japan, and one of the largest in the world.  This jaw-dropping seated Buddha reaches almost 50 feat tall!  It was truly something to marvel at!  Also, within the building were several other Buddhist statues. Outside the door of the building was Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing.  It's said that if you touch part of the Buddha and then the part of your body in pain, the pain will then be eliminated.

Continuing on the paths throughout the park I came across several shrines, and hundreds and hundreds of lanterns. It was so enjoyable to stroll through the forests and deciding between forks in the path.  At times, I would discover myself alone in such peaceful places, only in the presence of deer hanging around.

 Departing the park in the early evening, I wandered through an area of town filled with traditional warehouses and houses, boutiques, cafes, as well as some restaurants. After strolling through the streets, I walked up and down the covered market for a while, making stops in a few interesting stores.

For dinner I headed back out to a restaurant I'd spotted on one of the old streets and had a savory Japanese pancake called Okonomiyaki; okonomi means "what you like/what you want" and  yaki means "grilled/cooked."  It's filled with a mixture of ingredients such as different meats, vegetables like green onion, cabbage and others, eggs, seafood, etc.  What's really great is after they cook it, they put it on the hot plate fitted into the table to keep it nice and warm.

Day 3: Before departing Nara, I made a brief stop at a charming Japanese garden comprised of three individual gardens: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden.  Japanese gardens are actually considered an art form which have been practiced and perfected for over 1,000 years.  Next, I boarded the train for Kobe, a dazzling port city.

Arriving here, I first went to one of the oldest shrines in the
country, Ikuta, which is a Shinto shrine. Next, I ventured over to its Chinatown.  After Kobe port was opened to trade in 1868, this area was developed by the Chinese merchants.


It is packed with food stands, restaurants, shops, bustling streets, bright lanterns and intriguing architecture. I sampled the Beijing duck, a delicious dumpling soup, and a sweet and really tasty snowy ice dessert.

Leaving Chinatown I headed down to the waterfront park where there was an earthquake memorial, a maritime museum, and Kobe Port tower.  Following the park's path along the edge of the water led me to Harborland. This was an entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, cafes, and live music playing. 

Just a short train ride away I stopped in Osaka for a couple hours before heading to the airport for the night.  I walked down the main street that headed towards downtown to the shopping arcade and cruised up and down there for just a little bit.

What an awesome mini-vacation! I really loved Japan and had a total blast my few days of exploring there!