Advertisement
Published: September 3rd 2008
Edit Blog Post
So the soul of this city is...well I haven't decided yet. I came to the conclusion that you have a couple vibes from the city. One: quite, serene, peaceful, relaxing=only found in early morning when the streets are still sleeping, or in the mountains and temples surrounding the city area. Two: crazy, loud, pushy, fast-paced=afternoon and evenings in the city....the driving is insane here, and people can get pushy, but all in all, not too bad thus far. Today was my first day exploring, and it's amazing how diverse my day was. After crashing hard last night I woke around 8am and started to prepare for the day. The plan was to look for a place to get a entry visa for China...mission failed! Instead I spent the day wandering about aimlessly. Who doesn't love to wander in a foreign environment? I made it out into the streets by about 9:30am I'd say, and though life did exist, it was nothing like last night when I arrived...I just walked the streets a bit, but most shops weren't even open yet. So I headed back towards the hostel. Before I made it there I ran into Bong, the guy who runs the
place. He took me up the street a little ways to show me the Temple of Confusionism at the University. We then walked back and he gave me a travelguide to use for the day. He pointed out where the Palace Temple was and some shopping areas. I looked through it a bit and decided I wanted to go on a hike for the day. So I gathered a few things and I was off. The streets were starting to come alive at this point. I think because it is bustling all night, it sleeps until noon...which is why we would get along so great...I'm the same way!!! haha I stopped at a little bakery and had a quick bite. Then I hit the subway station. I arrived at the station I needed to get off, but once I was out of the subway, I couldn't find the bus line I needed...so I walked back and forth on the block about 6 times or so, and finally stopped to ask a young lady if she knew where the bus came to. I was right when I guessed it was the Blue Line 120 bus, because the book said Green Line
The Bathroom
So the shower is in with the toilet... 120 bus and there was no sign of one anywhere! I took the bus to the end of the line, and from there I was uncertain which direction to go. Luckily I found a couple to ask where I needed to go. They spoke little English but understood when I showed them the book. She sort of pulled me along side her and motioned for me to follow them. They were dressed and equipped for hiking, trekking poles included, so I figured they were going as well. So up the road we went. Along the street the shops were outfitted with all the outdoor gear you could imagine. They are no fools, of coarse they cater to the consumers they encounter everyday! The shops stared at me as I walked along, tempting me to come in and make a purchase, those tricky little buggers! I had to stay focused! So as I followed suit I noticed them picking up something from the ground. I reached for one myself, out of curiosity, only to discover what I think was an acorn...I think they make noodles and such with them(at the temple they had a bunch sitting out to dry and a
My Room
Lovely cozy temp. home whole thing of them crushed and layed out.) I continued walking up a steep street where I considered trying to climb to the peak of the Bukhansan mountain...but really wanted to visit the temple first. I walked a little further up the road to the Doseonsa Temple gates. Once I came around the corner I could here the chanting from the temple. Wow...it sounded so peaceful and beautiful. I walked about the temple/temples a bit, though I didn't take many pictures because I felt it was disrespectful. As I was walking past one temple I had a lady sort of invite me to enter, she waved me to go in. Soooo I removed my shoes and walked in. It was very peaceful, the walls were lined with hundreds of little Buddha statues, along with several large statues. Their were only a few people in the temple but they were doing their ritual religious practice, so after walking about a bit, I kindly bowed at the Buddha and exited the temple. I wandered the grounds a bit more before deciding it was time to head back down. I took the bus back to the subway and headed for 'home'. Hopefully tomorrow
Good Morning Seoul
Elderly lady on the street in the morning preparing some vegetables and fruit for selling. I can figure out my visa BS, and after that I hope to go to the Palace Temple and wander some more.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.206s; Tpl: 0.039s; cc: 8; qc: 40; dbt: 0.0431s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Michelle
non-member comment
You go, girl!
Wow! I love that you've made the effort to post so much cool stuff. PLEASE don't stop. After a day of lame meetings it's so great to come home and read about your adventures. Truly. Be safe, have fun, and bring your Mom home something cool. Uh, when you come home. All the best in your travels! -Michelle