Buddhist Temple

So since yesterday (Friday) I have been ill with some kind of virus that causes you to have a fever, body aches and a headache. Today my symptoms are less but still time stopping, I feel hot and achy. I have been taking Korean Tylenol but it seems too slow to work so I have been using my American Tylenol stash instead, despite I know it is my only supply. However, I feel I can find affective Tylenol here just need to give it another try.

Anyways, I think I can manage to put up a post with pictures of my trip to the Buddhist temple.

On Tuesday July 29th 2008 from Iteawon Bo Kwan took me to Seo dal mountain where he led me to the Dalma temple.
This meant a few transfers on the subway and a bus ride. But it was really worth it to have to travel so far for something to remarkable. The area near the temple was a hilly part of Seoul that almost resembled the hilly parts of San Francisco, mostly because of the narrow streets and tree lined streets.

After we got off the bus we were at very high spot where you could see a vista view. Next, I followed BK until he found his way to the temple. We entered first on this dirt road where there were forests around us. If you have ever watched an Japanese anime movie or show then you may recall that familiar buzzing sound that they play when the characters our outside in the summer time. It is the buzzing sound of cicadas. Well they have that here in Korea and with full force. Sometimes this sound can be deafening, but I don't mind because it is a good reminder of nature. After walking through a little path we came upon another dirt road and the entrance to the temple. Next we made our way up some stairs and saw the gate to the temple grounds. Let me just say that it felt especially amazing to see a real Buddhist temple, because I had studied Buddhist artwork in my Asian Art history courses and always thought it would be best to see the artworks in their real environment. As you made your up to the temple grounds you first see a set of houses where the monks stay. We made our way to a tea house and sat and rested while we ate an ice dessert dish which was delicious. Inside the tea house it was wonderfully relaxing and you could see a lovely view out the window, but I enjoyed most the view from out the doorway. After our relaxation and rejuvenation session we took a look around the grounds. There were several temples set up around the grounds. Some of which were Buddhist statues outside with candles around them for prayers. Others were somewhat more sacred, one of which was inside a natural cave, which offered I think a truly inner perspective on meditation. Unfortunately I did not snap a picture of this one.

You know one of the aspects of Korean Buddhist architecture that I find especially fascinating is its painted decoration. The colors and geometric patterns are exquisite and almost seem to burst with optimism and energy.

Keep in mind that I did not take any pictures of the altars or interior of the temples in order to preserve their sacredness. Yet I did take pictures of objects I felt were interesting, like here are some lanterns:
We did do a little praying and BK taught me the proper way to do it, and I hope to do it again someday. After our visit to the temple we walked up a little path to a garden where you could see the temple grounds from a distance. This was all too comforting and I knew it was also temporary, due to that I knew I had a bus and subway ride home.

Yet thankfully as we made our way back to the bus stop we went through a path in the forest, which was pleasant and beautiful. And so as we took this path away from the temple I could not help but feeling a great sense of accomplishment but also eagerness to return someday. It would be a dream to be able to live on such a peaceful mountain and paint all day. But I suppose first I must live with the rest of the world and pay my dues.

Well I need to get back to resting. ;)

Itaewon (why?)

Ahh vacation time... a period in life to reflect on how much hard work you have done and release yourself into the unknown. Sometimes your list of stuff to do may be bigger than what you are capable of, but nonetheless you truck on.

One of my goals this break was to get some shopping done (clothes, shoes, etc). So BK heard that Itaewon is a great place to shop for clothes. However, I think we must of ended up at the wrong end of Itaewon or maybe it is all just hype.

Why I thought this is because I had heard the streets were too much like America and that it wasn't like visiting Korea. Ok?

But what I saw was just like any other Korean street in my mind. Little shops crammed next to each other with goods spilling out onto the sidewalk. My idea of an American shopping street is where you get brand name stores with shiny store displays in front of you. But typically in Korea the streets are narrow and clothes spill out onto the sidewalk: example But hey I don't mean to complain, I am just stating what I saw. (actually this is not my photo, and this was not the street I was on, but is pretty much a good example.)

Besides I didn't travel away from America so to find slices of it hidden in another country, right? I came here to be here. So I will say that this kind of shopping area isn't that bad, its just a way that I will get use to. Besides, there are malls here and department stores where I can get that western feel and spend my money well.

But if anyone can tell me where the golden part of Itaewon is I would love to know.

Anyways, we walked on despite this small imperfection.

We found a taco place and ate some tacos!

They were pretty decent and I wanted to ask them where they bought their ingredients. So after filling up on some chow, we headed back out this time our destination was a Buddhist Temple, but to get there we had to transfer trains and take a bus. So I will post about my visit to a Buddhist Temple later on because I am beat from being a tourist.

So here are just some pics from the rest of Itaewon...

(Below: Why I am not a tourist...thinks BK)

Man carrying a fan down the escalator in the subway station.

Total Solar Eclipse

The world will be blanketed in darkness and all will crawl in fear!



Just kidding...not all the world just a portion. Its happenin' August 1st!

Complaining Expats: A resolution?

Roboseyo and Ask An Korean have done it again with a follow up post this time examining the causes for Koreans defensive attitudes and a way to be criticizing without being so damaging.

It is a doozy to read but well worth it.

I have to say that I can not find any memories of when I complained about Korea to a Korean and got an angry response. Actually I haven't really been complaining about Korea all that much. If I do it would end up in BK's ears. I think sometimes I joke about the amount of stairs from subway stations, or other little nuances. But is never a reflection of how undeveloped Korea is.

A quote from the post that I find illuminating:

First, let us eliminate one popular hypothesis from the running. Some observers posit that Korean culture is simply not a “criticizing culture”, because it emphasizes homogeneity and harmony. Because Koreans are reluctant to criticize one another, the theory goes, any amount of criticism is considered a very bold act, and often deeply insulting.

The Korean can unequivocally say that this theory is 100 percent crap, because Koreans liberally criticize their country and each other. And truly, the severe and ignorant nature of their criticisms aimed toward their fellow Koreans makes criticisms from expats look like sprinkles of flowers and baby powder

This is so true!!!! I experienced a Korean's level of complaining when I met Rainbow (young Korean woman) last year in San Francisco when I worked at the Asian Art Museum. She complained and nit picked about people and places with great accuracy and also a fierce tongue.

The Post goes on to say:

that a Korean when trying to defend a nasty comment about their country will fail to respond in English in an analytical and objective way:
So when the irresistible compulsion to defend Korea against non-Korean-generated criticism of Korea strikes an average Korean, she is often poorly equipped to do so. Her argumentative tools simply are not adequate to properly express her fervor. Therefore, she flails about as she tries to stand her ground, and frequently resorts to poor rhetoric and obstinate denial.

 Now, I think this needs careful reconsideration. Because I have had very intelligent conversations with Rainbow (she made this name for herself) and BK. I was very impressed by Rainbow's  understanding of her country's position in the world and her understanding of its differences. The same goes for BK, he too understands that Korea, although developed, is still using old regimes of thought to function.

Of course though both of these individuals English levels are high. But I think I am making an important point.

As an Expat you kind of naturally believe that because of the language barrier you tend to think that a Korean speaker does not have the capacity to think as advanced as you.

This is FALSE!

Anyone on this planet whether poor or rich has an opinion. They may not be able to express this in every language or within a thesis paper, but the ability to form an opinion is a function every human is born with.


The Point:

• Leave your assumptions at the door.

And so I hope we all can see that these kind of issues arise out of the fact that the world functions on a global scale. That when an American travels to Asia they bring with them their American way of thinking. And so a mixing of thoughts is born in cities across the globe. 


This is nothing new and has shaped many cultures for centuries. The only realization now is how it will shape our world for the future?


Anyways its VACATION TIME!

Living Your Dreams

Mom has sent me a video lecture of the individual Randy Pausch who has given this lecture on living your childhood dreams. A lecture he gave before he passed away.

Since I feel like I have lived a dream to live abroad I thought it would be important to share this. 

The video is long due to being a lecture. But you could leave it on and do other things while just listening to it.

Mom says:

VERY LONG and VERY SIGNIFICANT!
Maybe watch it in chunks...........

Anyways:

Coex = Totoro love

Last weekend BK and I traveled over to Coex. I believe since it was raining a lot of people had the same idea to go to Coex, because it is an indoor mall that offers shopping, fun and food. Anyways, I made a little video of the adventure for all of you to enjoy.


You may want to know but the song I chose for the video is really popular here, especially amongst the youngins'. I know because I hear it being sung at school.

The mall is an extensive maze of shops and restaurants. There is a movie theatre inside too and probably other places of interest.

Actually while BK and I were making our way out we passed by what appeared to be some kind of celebrity appearance. Because suddenly a large crowd of teenagers came rushing pass us screaming in glee. It reminded me of when I was much younger and went to a mall in Florida to see one of the popular guys in Beverly Hills 90210. He didn't show up but there sure as heck was a crowd.

I would like to return to COEX for shoe shopping or just general Totoro shopping. ;-)