SPRINGTIME

When the weather is a little warmer, and there are blossoms on the trees, Korean people of all ages come out to enjoy! Babies, dogs, teenagers, dating couples, and of course older people - all ages and species just seem happier.  Add a little blue sky and sunshine and it's practically nirvana. 

Daffodils and pansies line the banks of the Oncheon river.

The camellia bushes are covered with heavy blossoms.

Gradually the cherry blossoms appear, then all of a sudden, the view from our apartment on the 10th floor looks like this:

A misty morning on the Oncheon River

Looking across the Nakdong River in Jinhae, you see some of the 2,500 cherry blossom trees that line the streets.

GYEONGJU CHERRY BLOSSOM MARATHON

A few weeks ago, we traveled to Gyeongju, the ancient city of the Silla dynasty, to participate in the Cherry Blossom Marathon and l0K run, which we had done last year. The big difference was that this year RAIN was forecast! Luckily, we stayed in a nice hotel, close to the starting line of the race, and we had a great dinner the night before - so important!

Our plan was to meet in the lobby of the hotel at 7:00 am, but at 6:45 am, the downpour was pretty serious. For a 10K (three of us), solid downpour isn't a huge problem, but for President Barrow running the Marathon, four or so hours in the heavy rainfall could be miserable. When we walked to the race area, every runner had a poncho raincoat, and many were holding umbrellas. The traditional parade was not happening, nor was there the music, dancing, drones flying around, and people in traditional costumes. 

This was the view from our hotel balcony the morning of the race. No blue sky or sunshine appeared, but it was still beautiful.

After a little while, the rain turned into a fine mist, and we were able to finish the race (my goal), although each of us was slower than last year! Luckily all participants get a medal - yea! so we took some pictures with our official race shirt and medals.

We really enjoyed walking around the lake the night before the race.  It was cold, but the lights on the trees and around the lake, along with the plentiful blossoms made the whole experience remarkable. A fireworks show at the lake welcomed the runners, and classical music was piped into speakers all along the tree-lined path. The lake was calm and quiet.

SONGDO BEACH

A few weeks ago, we traveled to Songdo Beach, a small cove on the southern coast, famous for the egg laying and hatching of sea turtles. Notice the turtle below - there are also lots of "turtle egg shells" that people can climb into for an excellent photo.

         Between this Joseon Dynasty Korean man and me, you can see a turtle shell. Fun! Hop in!

This photo above shows the walkway, "Skywalk", that is built out over the ocean. In the middle, you can look through and see the waves and the water beneath you. 

Bryan in front of the "Skywalk" - there is also a gondola ride that goes over the ocean - open only in summer. You can see the cables going up to the tower.

This "Turtle Island" is shaped like a sea turtle. People climb up the stairs and dive off - in the summertime when it's a little bit warmer. Below are more photos of Songdo Beach, Turtle Island, and the Skywalk Bridge. It was a fun new discovery for us.

I was so happy to see another dating couple dressed alike!

Before we left, two Buddhist monks came and sat on the steps, chanting and playing a drum and a bell. The woman (drumming) is reading a scripture book, and the man, facing backwards, is wearing a bead necklace around his body. Notice the amulets hanging from the necklace.

MORE HISTORY

I love these old photos!

This 1920 photo shows market day, with Koreans setting up booths and stalls in which to sell their produce. The traditional dress was all white. Some people wrap their heads in white cloth, others wear huge straw hats. Both function to keep heads protected from the heat and sunshine.

With so much white clothing, Korean women spent hours washing, drying, ironing and sewing clothes. They took their laundry to the river, or the sewer. One statistician calculated that Korean women spent about three billion hours a year doing laundry. The Japanese tried to convince them to wear darker clothes, but they refused. (1945)

This 1910 photo shows a large Korean extended family laying out all of the necessary foods for the ancestor worship ceremony. This is done today, at Solleal, Chuseok, and on the year anniversary of the ancestor's death. After the ceremony, everyone eats. 

 YELLOW HEAVEN

Yesterday, we were invited to join Vicky, Daniel, and Hana on an all day outing. Purpose: looking at flowers - my favorite.

The canola blossoms go on and on, and thousands of people come to stroll through the park, looking at them and taking pictures. 

 

Upon entering, we were greeted by this family of totem poles. There are many totem poles throughout Korea. Historically, they stood at the entrance of a village. In more words, they are saying, "Stay out of our village!" They kept evil spirits, and people away. In some places the totem poles still stand. 

 

 Pinwheels are omnipresent in Korea, mostly in parks. When it's windy, and they are all different    colors, spinning wildly, it looks pretty fantastic!

Vicky and Daniel and pinwheels 

 

 The fields of solid yellow went on and on forever.

We went to a restaurant on the beach in Jinhae. While we waited, Vicky and I explored by climbing down the rocks and pathway where we saw an old fishing boat, tied to some huge rocks. Beneath our feet were thousands of oyster shells.

It was the end of a beautiful day. We appreciate cherry blossoms, and other things because they don't last forever...

When you see the "pink snow", you know that cherry blossoms will soon be gone.

We must enjoy them.