History and Culture with a backdrop of autumn colours!

Today, I went with my dear friend, Sun (my korean teacher/ more of a friend than that rather impersonal title) and her friend (and now my friend-Sora) on a cultural and historical adventure in the heart of Korea, a.k.a "the middle of no-where". It required an early morning start, meeting at the bus station at 6:30am. Then a connecting bus to Wonju and a transfer to Yeonju where we met up with Sora (who is Sun's friend from her days in India). After some bargaining with the taxi driver we were finally on the way to Seosuwon at about 11am.

Seosusuwon- an intellectuals' paradise-an old scholarly village where the elite were sent during the Joseon dynasty (built in the 15th century) to further their quest for knowledge. Located in the beautiful paradise that happens to be Sun's mom's hometown, one can just imagine the ideas and thoughts floating in the minds of these young men who were lucky, privileged and rich enough to attend such an institution. Old Korean style buildings were sporadically dispersed specially designed for poetry recital, reading philosophy, story-telling, painting and singing ancient folksongs. There were also sleeping quarters with traditional Korean heating systems, stoves, kimchi fridges and soju ceramic pots. With a peaceful stream weaving it's way through the village added to the magnificent autumn colours all around, I was certain that these scholars were in a location that rivalled the steps and view from Jameson plaza at UCT.

By this stage, I was ravenous!!! Luckily, after another short bus-ride, we landed up at Buseoksa temple- along with another 2million Koreans! We quickly found a seat at the nearest Shikdang(restaurant) and were not able to order anything other than the Bibimbap, as they were too busy apparently to conceive of making any other dish, and so I could picture the poor chefs in the kitchen churning out the fried eggs, veggies and rice repeatedly for 5 hours that are needed for the delectable bibimbap (one of the only dishes in Korea I might add that is vegetarian). Monks are supposedly veggies which is hard to believe in such a carnivorous nation. We were also treated with a potato pancake and a delectable soy sauce, chilli concoction that I couldn't keep my hands off. Then, the trek began! Little did I realise we were on one, but luckily the beautiful yellow-golden, burnt-orange and crimson-red leaves kept me distracted. The scrumptious apples and the adjumas selling them under brightly coloured umbrellas was also a scene to behold. We tried them on the way back down-indeed delicious. So, the temple that we eventually got to after climbing through a series of four large gates, was magnificent-something you imagine when you think of_the FAR EAST! Just so idyllic with a backdrop of warm vibrant colours. The Buddhist pagoda was erected in the Silla Dynasty in the 7th century and the Temple (being the oldest, wooden temple in Korea) was built in the 13th century in the Goryeon Dynasty. With her wealth of knowledge, Sun informed Sora and myself that this temple was unique in Buddhist culture as the temple and pagoda were misaligned. The temple was facing the west supposedly towards the more enlightened Buddha in the west (India) who believes that all humans are capable of becoming a buddha in their own right. We then walked up to the temple right at the top of the mountain showing Uinsang-the monk who founded the temple. The story goes that he stuck his cane into the soil and it turned into a bush that is now encaged in a mancky chicken coop. The temple's name is called Busoeksa named after the floating rock that is mysteriously ledged alongside.

After that, we managed to dodge the ever-gorwing number of tourists and head to dinner in a neighbouring town. Sun treated us to a feast for kings of beef, and about 25 side dishes with everything from fried ginseng to mash potatoes, to lovely leafy veggies. We had an interesting dicussion about the conventions of Korean life still especially with regards to men and their expectations of women. I passed out on the bus ride home after a very enjoyable day filled with joyous autumn leaves, stories and a refreshed sense of "oh right I am living in Asia"-the asian exploration.

Bisous
JO

Feeling free in FALL!

I am gliding through things liek the leaves falling all around the city! It is absolutely beautiful! :) My darn sd card won't fit into my computer! I guess that's what happens when you try and do personal things at school. But I figured I have done my lesson plan for next week-so what the hell! Besides I need to comment on all the goings-on! I will shortly upload some of the magnificent photos I have been snapping of the golden trees aroudn Chuncheon. They are absolutely stunning! It is as if someone has painted the town gold and it is glimmering everywhere! Nevertheless, it is super chilly already adn I have a sneaky feeling it will be gone soon -so trying to enjoy it while I can!

Here is a pic of me on my scooter and my new Zara down coat! I absolutely love it! My scooter has given me such a ticket of independence it is just wonderful. The other day after class and before Korean class I decided to just scoot around and take in the city. It might not be completely roadworthy considering the speedometer doesn't work, the mileage is still on 1069.8km , the tyres are worn, only the right brake works, the key doesn't start the engine so I need to jump start it everytime, and lastly the lights are temperamental! EISH! I am alive when I am on it-and occasionally have broken out in full song including "Summer Holiday", "man I feel like a woman" by Shania Twain, and "SHout to the Lord" from primary school days! :) I absolutely love it! And besides my helmet looking rather unfashionably large according to my students they still think I am cool! :)

So, the reason for extreme overexcitement is that fro teh next 2 months I am pretty much fully booked full of things to do! This weekend I am heading with my Korean teacher Sun to a temple and the oldest Korean school near Wonju! We need to head off early at 6:30am to beat the crowds! EISH! I am looking forward to it! Then, next weekend is Chuncg's birthday and will hang around Chuncheon. The weekend of the 20th November I am off to Seoul to party it up wiht my dearest friend Lisa Lau as she comes to paint Korea red. The weekend after that I am off to a temple stay (Buddhist retreat) where we are woken up at 3am to do meditation and have lectures on life-totally my thing! :) That Monday I am back in Seoul for THE JONSI CONCERT (for one night only) -he is the lead singer of the group Siguros-so excited!! That music makes me want to jump up and down! Back in Seoul on 4 December for the Fourtet concert with Kirst. The following weekend I am going with one of my students and her family for a skiing expedition in the mountains in Gangwondo! EEEK! And then My parents and bros arrive!!! YIPPEEE! WE have finalised our trip (lucky I have been given time off by my school to take with them)! WE are going to tour Seoul, doing a trip to the DMZ, then Gyeongju and will have Christmas with them in Busan probably eating some delectable fish for Christmas dinner! The final week of the year will be spent teaching my boys for winter camp and then bring on 2011!!!!

JUST GREAT! Now, I am off to badminton! Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

I need to tell you about my wonderful classes this week about South African public holidays and apartheid! They were a great hit! Sending all my positive energy into this world!

Bisous

JO

xxx