This smiling horse is so playful and stately all at the same time.
Clock shop--look at those cuckoos!
I love this new take on the classic red brick wall.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Travel Photos: Everyday Suncheon
Here are some photos I took a few weeks ago while exploring our city, Suncheon.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Damyang's Bamboo Forest
Last weekend we decided to get our butts off the couch and get outside. The weather was sunny, cool, and breezy and it was practically demanding we go spend time in the warmth before the chill of winter sets in.
We decided to head a couple hours north of Suncheon to a little town called Damyang, which is known for it's bamboo forests. The guidebook says something about enjoying the sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo and that sounded very charming and delightful to me.
We stepped off the bus in Damyang and into the smallest bus station we've seen yet in Korea. We thought maybe there would be a map or something to help us find our way to some bamboo since this small town was known for it. Alas, no. There was nothing.
We walked out to the street, looked both ways, and turned right since it seemed like there was more stuff that way. We passed several groups of boys who had obviously just gotten out of school and at least one out of each group would say hello to us. When a Korean group of kids sees a foreigner, one will always pluck up some courage and say hello. It's really very cute and welcoming. Plus, they think it's hilarious so fits of laughter were all around us!
When we found a park with a tourist map (in Korean) we waited there looking confused until a group came up to us and asked us where we wanted to go. We pointed to a picture of bamboo and they said, "go that way, turn left." So we did and within about 15 minutes we were at the entrace to the forest!
We really had no idea where we were going and they saved us. It seems like kids are our saving grace in Korea. Not only are they the reason we are able to get a job here, but they also are always willing to speak English and help us out if they can. (Thank you boys of Damyang!)
Spencer bought our tickets (2,000 Won each or about $2) and we started our journey into the bamboo. It was really cool to see all the tall stalks together and the weather was perfect for walking along the paths. The sound they made when the wind blew was, in fact, charming and we enjoyed a nice stroll around the hill. It was a Saturday and pretty busy but even so, it was nice.
When we reached the summit, we went down the back way and down into a big open area with ponds and old fashioned Korean buildings.
It was so beautiful down there. It felt like we were back in time. There were a lot less people around and it was a big wide open space compared to the trails through the bamboo.
We watched a woman in traditional clothing playing a drum and singing along with three little girls for a while. I took a video of it, if you are interested.
After that, we watched the coy in the coy pond glide along the top of the water, admired the leaves that were just beginning to change color, and then made our way back to the teeny tiny bus station to start our journey home.
See all our pictures from Damyang on our Flickr.
Directions:
From Suncheon, we took a bus to Gwangju where we transferred buses to go to Damyang. Damyang is a small town with a tiny bus station. If you're coming from anywhere in Korea, you'll probably have to go through Gwangju. It took us over 2 hours to get there. We had to wait incredibly long to get a bus to Gwangju from Suncheon, so that added a lot of time. Actual riding time on the bus was about 45-50 minutes each.
Have you ever been the Damyang? What did you think about it? Did you get there a different way than through Gwangju?
We decided to head a couple hours north of Suncheon to a little town called Damyang, which is known for it's bamboo forests. The guidebook says something about enjoying the sound of the wind rustling through the bamboo and that sounded very charming and delightful to me.
We stepped off the bus in Damyang and into the smallest bus station we've seen yet in Korea. We thought maybe there would be a map or something to help us find our way to some bamboo since this small town was known for it. Alas, no. There was nothing.
We walked out to the street, looked both ways, and turned right since it seemed like there was more stuff that way. We passed several groups of boys who had obviously just gotten out of school and at least one out of each group would say hello to us. When a Korean group of kids sees a foreigner, one will always pluck up some courage and say hello. It's really very cute and welcoming. Plus, they think it's hilarious so fits of laughter were all around us!
When we found a park with a tourist map (in Korean) we waited there looking confused until a group came up to us and asked us where we wanted to go. We pointed to a picture of bamboo and they said, "go that way, turn left." So we did and within about 15 minutes we were at the entrace to the forest!
We really had no idea where we were going and they saved us. It seems like kids are our saving grace in Korea. Not only are they the reason we are able to get a job here, but they also are always willing to speak English and help us out if they can. (Thank you boys of Damyang!)
Spencer bought our tickets (2,000 Won each or about $2) and we started our journey into the bamboo. It was really cool to see all the tall stalks together and the weather was perfect for walking along the paths. The sound they made when the wind blew was, in fact, charming and we enjoyed a nice stroll around the hill. It was a Saturday and pretty busy but even so, it was nice.
When we reached the summit, we went down the back way and down into a big open area with ponds and old fashioned Korean buildings.
It was so beautiful down there. It felt like we were back in time. There were a lot less people around and it was a big wide open space compared to the trails through the bamboo.
We watched a woman in traditional clothing playing a drum and singing along with three little girls for a while. I took a video of it, if you are interested.
After that, we watched the coy in the coy pond glide along the top of the water, admired the leaves that were just beginning to change color, and then made our way back to the teeny tiny bus station to start our journey home.
See all our pictures from Damyang on our Flickr.
Directions:
From Suncheon, we took a bus to Gwangju where we transferred buses to go to Damyang. Damyang is a small town with a tiny bus station. If you're coming from anywhere in Korea, you'll probably have to go through Gwangju. It took us over 2 hours to get there. We had to wait incredibly long to get a bus to Gwangju from Suncheon, so that added a lot of time. Actual riding time on the bus was about 45-50 minutes each.
Have you ever been the Damyang? What did you think about it? Did you get there a different way than through Gwangju?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Hiking at Suncheon Bay
A few weeks ago, we took a day trip to Suncheon Bay. Several of our students told us that they like to go to Suncheon Bay with their families, and we would always ask them if they went swimming. Every time we mentioned swimming, we were met with a strange look and a laugh. Little did we know, no one goes swimming when they go to the Bay. Everyone goes hiking!
When we arrived and started the hike, we realized that swimming wasn't really an option around Suncehon Bay. The area is designed to let people get up close and personal with the scenic landscapes and the nature. You get great views of the water, but you just don't go in the water. We walked on a raised wooden walkway to protect the plants and animals below.
It was great to feel so connected with the natural environment and know that you were not destroying the habitat around you. We saw so many little crabs and other creatures scurrying around in the mud below. It was so fun to be so close to the crabs in their natural habitat.
The hike from the entrance to the observation deck on the top of the mountain only takes about an hour, and there are numerous rest points, benches, bridges, and other surprises along to way.
The end of the trail is an observation deck with three levels. It provides an amazing view of Suncheon Bay and the surrounding coastal wetland. Well worth the hike!
You can see all the photos from our hike at Suncheon Bay on our Flickr page.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Chuseok: Korean Harvest Celebration
This weekend is Chuseok in South Korea which is a three day harvest celebration comparable to American Thanksgiving. All the kids said they are going to their grandmother's houses and will be eating lots of songpyeon. In Korea, Songpyeon is to Chuseok like turkey is to Thanksgiving back home.
Everyone makes it!
It's a soft little "dessert" thing made out of rice. I say "dessert" because it's not sweet. It kinda tastes like one huge grain of soft, soft rice with random nuts and spices inside. I think the outside part is made of rice flour and water, but I'm just guessing.
It tastes horrible.
It sticks to the roof of your mouth and the sides of your teeth. The filling has the consistency of sand and I'm pretty sure there is some form of pine needles in it. I can't see why, but the kids all love it.
We don't have grandmothers in Korea and will definitely not be eating songpyeon but we have some perks too. One of which is, we get a four day weekend! Yay! Four whole days of freedom and bliss!! A four day weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit other parts of South Korea. However, we are both sick and the weatherman is calling for thunderstorms for most of the weekend so we decided to stay home and rest. A little stay-cation is just what we need at the moment.
Our other perk is, we get presents! A few of the students got us presents and the school gave us presents, too. The school gave us....wait for it....a spam and tuna gift pack! That is right. Spam, tuna, and two bottles of oil all nicely displayed in a bright yellow gift pack. Korean gift giving at its finest! They also gave us a box of 100 instant coffee packets.
Gifts we got from students include a set of his and hers traditional Korean slippers, cherry blossom scented body wash/lotion, and lip gloss. As you can see, Chuseok gifts can vary widely. One of the other teachers got a Costco sized box of pears!
Happy Chuseok!!!
Everyone makes it!
It tastes horrible.
It sticks to the roof of your mouth and the sides of your teeth. The filling has the consistency of sand and I'm pretty sure there is some form of pine needles in it. I can't see why, but the kids all love it.
We don't have grandmothers in Korea and will definitely not be eating songpyeon but we have some perks too. One of which is, we get a four day weekend! Yay! Four whole days of freedom and bliss!! A four day weekend is the perfect opportunity to visit other parts of South Korea. However, we are both sick and the weatherman is calling for thunderstorms for most of the weekend so we decided to stay home and rest. A little stay-cation is just what we need at the moment.
Our other perk is, we get presents! A few of the students got us presents and the school gave us presents, too. The school gave us....wait for it....a spam and tuna gift pack! That is right. Spam, tuna, and two bottles of oil all nicely displayed in a bright yellow gift pack. Korean gift giving at its finest! They also gave us a box of 100 instant coffee packets.Gifts we got from students include a set of his and hers traditional Korean slippers, cherry blossom scented body wash/lotion, and lip gloss. As you can see, Chuseok gifts can vary widely. One of the other teachers got a Costco sized box of pears!
Happy Chuseok!!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Travel Photo: Sailing Belize with the Ragga Queen
We took this picture while on our honeymoon in Belize. We did an amazing sailing trip with Raggamuffin Tours for three days. Our boat was dubbed the Ragga Queen and we had a blast. Read more about our sailing adventure here.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Travel Photo: Laundry Day
We got home from our trip to the Boryeong Mud Festival and snapped this photo. If it's not raining, you can bet at least one person is drying their bedclothes on the ledge outside their front door. They even make these big, special clips to clip on the top so nothing will fall.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ten Reasons to Visit Belize
Belizeans are among the nicest people in the world. From the moment we stepped off the plane everyone was welcoming and full of smiles. Anyone is willing to offer you advice, give you directions, or chat about life. It really does make for a relaxing vacation when you feel safe and welcomed.
I know a lot of people who had never even heard of Belize before we decided to honeymoon there. I hope now they will realize how easy it is to navigate this little Central American nation and maybe come visit themselves!
Here are some reasons why this country is so easy to travel in and worth using those precious vacation days on.
1. Everyone speaks English. Belize was once a colony of Great Britain and therefore the national language is English. It's very easy to travel around when you can communicate with everyone and are able to read all the signs. (I especially appreciate this now after moving to South Korea where I am not able to do either of those things!)
2. There are Caribbean waters -- light blue, warm, and beautiful! The most beautiful beaches, the second longest barrier reef in the world, brightly colored fish, delicious lobster....what more could you ask for in an island paradise? Oh yeah, and plenty of rum!
3. There are historical Mayan sites. There are some great Mayan ruins in Belize and you could even visit some as day trips from the islands. We did a day trip to Tikal, which is just over the boarder and into Guatemala. It's the largest site in the area.
4. The exchange rate is simple (for the US): $2 Belize = $1 US Most places will accept US dollars with this simple exchange rate and not even think twice. It's very helpful for when you first arrive or if you run low on Belizean dollars.
5. There are lots of Eco-friendly options. Belizeans are really trying to promote sustainability and eco-friendly travel. There are many eco-lodges in the jungle as well as along the beaches. We stayed at an off the grid place called Black Rock Lodge in the Cayo district. You can read about their conservation efforts here.
6. The second largest barrier reef in the world. Need I say more? The diving and snorkeling here are amazing and there is the blue hole to consider as well. We explored the reef with help from Raggamuffin Tours and had an amazing time!
7. It's Central Standard Time so no jet lag from anywhere in the continental US/Canada. This is just awesome. I love arriving to an exotic location ready to go and not even thinking about trying to stay awake/go to sleep when my body is protesting.
8. The people are so nice and willing to help you out all the time. Like I said in the beginning of this post, Belizeans are some of the kindest most welcoming people I have ever encountered.
9. The food is delicious! There is all kinds of yummy seafood, stewed chicken, beans and rice, fresh fruit(!), and some of the best hot sauce in the world, made with love by Marie Sharp. The fruit juices were my absolute favorite! I drank so much lime juice!
10. You can have the beach experience AND jungle adventures all in one trip! I love this about Belize. You spend time out on the islands listening to reggae music and enjoying the warm water and fresh food from the sea. Then, in just a few hours, you can be looking for howler monkeys, hiking up mountains, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins! It's the best!
I know a lot of people who had never even heard of Belize before we decided to honeymoon there. I hope now they will realize how easy it is to navigate this little Central American nation and maybe come visit themselves!
Here are some reasons why this country is so easy to travel in and worth using those precious vacation days on.
1. Everyone speaks English. Belize was once a colony of Great Britain and therefore the national language is English. It's very easy to travel around when you can communicate with everyone and are able to read all the signs. (I especially appreciate this now after moving to South Korea where I am not able to do either of those things!)
2. There are Caribbean waters -- light blue, warm, and beautiful! The most beautiful beaches, the second longest barrier reef in the world, brightly colored fish, delicious lobster....what more could you ask for in an island paradise? Oh yeah, and plenty of rum!
3. There are historical Mayan sites. There are some great Mayan ruins in Belize and you could even visit some as day trips from the islands. We did a day trip to Tikal, which is just over the boarder and into Guatemala. It's the largest site in the area.
4. The exchange rate is simple (for the US): $2 Belize = $1 US Most places will accept US dollars with this simple exchange rate and not even think twice. It's very helpful for when you first arrive or if you run low on Belizean dollars.
5. There are lots of Eco-friendly options. Belizeans are really trying to promote sustainability and eco-friendly travel. There are many eco-lodges in the jungle as well as along the beaches. We stayed at an off the grid place called Black Rock Lodge in the Cayo district. You can read about their conservation efforts here.
6. The second largest barrier reef in the world. Need I say more? The diving and snorkeling here are amazing and there is the blue hole to consider as well. We explored the reef with help from Raggamuffin Tours and had an amazing time!
7. It's Central Standard Time so no jet lag from anywhere in the continental US/Canada. This is just awesome. I love arriving to an exotic location ready to go and not even thinking about trying to stay awake/go to sleep when my body is protesting.
8. The people are so nice and willing to help you out all the time. Like I said in the beginning of this post, Belizeans are some of the kindest most welcoming people I have ever encountered.
9. The food is delicious! There is all kinds of yummy seafood, stewed chicken, beans and rice, fresh fruit(!), and some of the best hot sauce in the world, made with love by Marie Sharp. The fruit juices were my absolute favorite! I drank so much lime juice!
10. You can have the beach experience AND jungle adventures all in one trip! I love this about Belize. You spend time out on the islands listening to reggae music and enjoying the warm water and fresh food from the sea. Then, in just a few hours, you can be looking for howler monkeys, hiking up mountains, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins! It's the best!
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