SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK

OR, the first time in Korea I wish I had a damn good camera.

Lately I've wished I had more words, but conveniently Seoraksan doesn't really merit any. I'll leave you with this until perhaps the sentences unravel. This is me extremely happy and wet after a brief episode of torrential downpour and hail on an 18 km hike

After a weekend such as this, it's unthinkable to leave this country prematurely. I've extended my teaching contract until the end of October, a decision I did not really consider the periphery of and one based totally on instinct. And hey:

BOSEONG 5k

This video is from last month in Boseong, but I came across it while looking for pictures of my run this weekend. 

Head to 1:15 for yours truly gleefully coming across the finish line.

RAMYEN HAIR

What happens when I show up to school sporting my natural wave...

"TEACHER, WHAT'S WRONG?"

"Teacher?! Sleepy?!"
"No, this is my natural hair."
"Why? You late wake up?"
"No, I shower and POOF! this happens."
"What?... TEACHER!... MAGIC?!"

"Oh, whoa! Teacher! What is this? This is surprising!"

"Teacher!"
"What?"
"COME ON." (translation: Come here.)
"What?"
"COME DOWN."
.. I bend over and student touches my hair.
"TEACHER! WHY?"

PERMA?! (translation: Did you get a perm?)

"TEACHER! RAMYEN HAIR."
"hahaha. Do you like it?!"
"No."

(Ramyen is the Korean version of Ramen.)

8 HOURS OF FROLICKING AT MUDEUNGSAN

I ended up at Mudeung mountain in the early morn last weekend awake, restless and without a plan. I hadn't packed a lunch. I had a bottle of water and I planned to explore for a few hours before heading back home to shower and relax before the Cinco de Mayo festivities.

After the bus I took dropped me off on a side of the mountain I'd never been, I was immediately unsure if this impromptu circumstance of adventure might be less than exciting OR perhaps far too exciting, (like ya know, if I got lost.)

I heard running water. Convinced there was a secret waterfall just around the corner, I followed the noise. It wasn't so, but there were rocks big enough to hop down the creek for a good hour. It was a glorious day, and the sight of running water and sun through the trees fulfilled my nostalgia for Asheville and outdoor escapades. So many of my happy moments involve nothing more than sunshine and a flat surface. Eventually nature called, and I headed back toward the bus stop to find a group of foreigners near the restroom.

As it turned out, they planned to summit and they were willing to let random me tag along.

At least this time I kept my eyes open for the photo at the top.

청산도

Located on the southern coast of South Korea, Cheongsando is just a 45 minute ferry from the port city of Wando. This island was Asia's first Cittaslow (or slow city), a cultural movement that started in Italy that aims to embrace, support and breath life into small towns through the concept of a slow life.

There are walking paths around the entire island. From what I gathered, it's a little over 42 kilometers from start to finish. Taxis and hitchhiking are also available. I found this island enchanting, although not somewhere I'd stay for more than a day. In the month of April there is a Walking Festival that I'm sure brings tourists to the island, but I didn't see another foreigner besides my lovely friend Rachel during my stay.

As has always proved true on my outings, I was humbled by Korean hospitality. Oranges, bananas, rice, maps, travel information, makgeoli, waffles and other Korean sweets were offered free of charge from generous, curious onlookers.

TULIP FESTIVAL

Chelin calls me at ten pm on Friday night:

Chelin: So, let's be honest here...
Me: Girl, I have already thought about this.
Chelin: This trip is really only about the pictures, right?
Me: UM, YES.
Chelin: So, what do we wear?
Ryan in the background: Are you guys serious?

Chelin and I arranged to meet at the bus terminal at 7:30, took a 90 minute bus to Jeomam and hoped on a short ferry to Imja Island. Not long after paying our $4 entrance fee, a Korean man shuffled us to a booth where we were given a "service" kite.

I get a lot of "service" out here. Free side dishes. Discounts in taxis. Cookies. Coffees. Add a new one to the list - children's toys.

From there we took our grand tour of the tulip festival. I give you the wonderfulness that is Korea in Spring, cutesy Korean style.