Frenzied Flying

It’s been over a month since the last blog post and so it’s no big surprise that things have been happening here faster than I have had the chance to write about them. I remember before studying for a semester in Germany, how we were told at a meeting that our experience abroad would be punctuated with phases like the ups and downs of a rollercoaster. Weeell--- that wasn’t really the case for me. Over there, I had family and friends, the language, and lots of previous visits all under my belt which made the whole experience quite easy to adjust to. I guess all those ups and downs that I missed out on in Germany got stuffed into my suitcase, just waiting for me to arrive in Seoul. And then KABOOM!

Being here has definitely been a lot more challenging than I expected. Working really long hours, not being fluent in the language, the occasional frustrations with things not being like they are back home, and things not always happening the way I want or expect them to can be quite overwhelming. At one point I asked myself--- “Why in the heck did I ever sign that contract? What was I thinking???” because I felt like I wasn’t having enough free time to experience the culture and learn the language. But thank God for family and Skype--- because a little pep talk with my cousin helped me realize that I can get through it, that I should stick it out, that this experience will make me so much stronger, and that with better time management, I can do more of the things I want to do and feel less stressed out. So far, it’s been working. In fact, writing this blog right now is helping me realize how much I’ve done/seen/experienced (even if it was only on weekends) and how blessed I am to be here.

Seoul vs. Incheon

On the first weekend in October I went to see a game at the World Cup Stadium with some friends. The subway took us almost directly to the stadium. We just had to pass vendors that were selling snacks that made my stomach rumble, make our way up a giant escalator that with each inch it took us higher, made the chants of the roaring stadium that much more audible, climb up the stairs of the stadium, and finally walk through the doors that led us to a view of the perfectly trimmed quilt-like green field below. The team we were rooting for (Seoul) won 2-0. I hadn’t been to a soccer game in such a long time, so I really enjoyed the whole experience. Everything from the game itself to the chants and cheers that the fans sang, to the energy that I felt from just being there. What ended the night on the perfect note was the dinner and dessert that followed. My noodle soup was only about $4.50 and it was delicious. As was the persimmon swirl ice cream cone that I got. Oh--- and I also helped my friends finish their giant tub of ice cream (what a surprise). ;-)

(The player on the left is from Montenegro! Hearing that reminded me of my friends from Serbia and Montenegro ;-) )

*** For videos:

Seoul vs. Incheon

Han River

The following weekend, I went to the Han River to explore. I heard that there would be fireworks that night, so that gave me an extra incentive to go. After cleaning my apartment, I hurriedly got ready to leave, remembering what I read on a student’s pencil case earlier in the week: “Time doesn’t wait for anyone.”

Once I got to the bridge over the Han River, I just stopped and looked out at all the people below me spread out on the blanket of green grass, picnicking and enjoying the gorgeous weather and the company of good friends and family. After making my way down the stairs, I walked along the river as motorists sped across the bridge above me and as bicyclists pushed their pedals past me, admiring everything that my eyes were taking in. The atmosphere kind of made me feel like I was walking through Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte." It felt so great to slow down and to be in the moment, appreciating the beautiful things in life that usually get passed by because we are too busy or in too much of a hurry to notice.

I eventually stopped completely while munching on my apple to observe the frenzied flying of a dragonfly zooming above me. As it darted frantically to and fro, the mini helicopter reminded me a lot of myself and how I sometimes feel being here.

Slowly the day began to fade as night took over. The yellow light from the setting sun reflected onto the glass-like river, providing a subtle glow that illuminated the city less and less as it got darker and darker, the perfect canvas for the fireworks that later lit up the night sky.

Korean Folk Town

The day after, I went to a Korean Folk Town with family friends. The wonderful weather, awesome performances, and the beautiful old homes/temples surrounded by the mountains and tress with changing colored leaves made the experience one I won’t forget. It was so interesting for me to see how people used to live and where they used to live. It made me want to go back in time--- maybe just for a day. ;-)



*** For more pictures:

Korean Folk Town

Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace

On the third Friday in October my school went on a field trip to Gyeoungbokgung Royal Palace. It felt so good to be outside on a weekday during the day for longer than my lunch break! The perfect fall weather made it even more enjoyable. Walking around the palace was amazing. It is so impressive! What made me smile as I was there were the tall modern buildings that juxtaposed and jutted up behind the palace entrance as I faced in one direction, and the serene green mountains towering high above the palace as I faced in the opposite direction.

*** For more pictures:

Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace

Food (the best for last) and more :-)

Pictures and captions for the rest! Click here to see:

Food (the best for last) and more :-) (Oct.-Nov. 2010