Getting back into the weekly grind...

It turns out that spring = construction in SoKo. Everywhere they are ripping up sidewalk and ripping up plants to make room for seasonal blooms. Well, let me clarify, cities with money are doing these things. My coteacher was explaining to me that the cities have money that must be used up (like back in the States) so that they can get money again next year. They will rip up perfectly good sidewalk and lay down a new pattern, just because they can. I am always suprised when I see the amount of effort put into landscaping here. Every season people dig up plants, shrubs, etc. and plant something new that will blossom for a few weeks and then it will be replaced. I am trying to think back to living in SF and Sac, but I don't remember this kind of diligent obessessiveness.

Gyeongju, trip number 6, happened yesterday. You'd think by the number of times I have headed to that city that I had a friend there... I have traveled the hour and 20 minute trek to do all sort of random things. Saturday was originally a trip to see a concert in Gyeongju. Plans changed quickly, as they do without fail in SoKo. We ended up heading to the 5 tombs (where the Shilla Dynasty began) and ending at the king's celebration stream (the end of the Shilla Dynasty). The king had this stream constructed. He and his friends would sit around and the king would send alcohol down the stream, where it stopped the person had to read a poem or do a dance on the land in the center of the stream. We also saw three buddhist statues and walked through the forest. We had two picnics, ate delicious sam bab (you take rice, (meat), soy bean paste, and wrap it in different leafy greens... One of my favorite dishes, especially because the number of side dishes is always incredible), had coffee in a boutique, and found out that the concert was over by the time we arrived at the place. We also stopped at a rest stop on the way back. It is my favorite thing. Korean people frequent restops, even for hour long trips. The car will stop usually right outside of the city you start in. It always makes me smile.

Sunday I tried really hard to revel in Bangkok (stay at home and do nothing in Korean), but I think I failed. I read the book Water for Elephants. It was pretty good. It reminded me of staying with Vicky in So Cal because her grandma was part of a Vaudville act. It also made me think stupid amounts about aging. I really want to take care of my parents and make sure they don't end up in any sort of geriatric facility. I also pray that I am part of a society when/if I get old, so that I am taken care of and kept a member of the society and not ushered off to some dark corner to rot alone. Elderly, all people for that matter, are treasure troves of history and the thought of people being shoved off to cope alone, when they need people more than ever is just unsettling in my mind. I also cleaned my house, went grocery shopping, and made soup.

I was affraid it would rain today because it sprinkled last night. It is gorgeous out right now and I am excited to bike to yoga tonight. Holler.

To Do:
-Talk to co-teacher about renewal/trip back to the US
-Pay for the Zen workshop in Seoul
-Pack up carrots to snack on today
-and a banana
-add music to the ipod
-make a new yoga CD^^

---

---