Bus Tour - Day 5

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Before we start the day's entry, we should give you a mini lesson on Korean toilets - at least the Ladies' Room.

#1 - Almost all restrooms have the standard toilet, but some have both standard and squatting versions. Check before you enter stall if no picture is indicated on the stall door.

#2 - Some standard toilets come with fancy buttons. Don't press unless you can figure out what they are. One's a bidet, one's to wipe your butt in lieu of toilet paper and one air dries. For the curious or those who don't mind adventure in the nether regions, go ahead and press away!

#3 - Some restrooms have a common area for toilet paper. i.e. Stalls don't come equipped with paper. Check before you enter stall.

#4 - Almost all restrooms have policy where you need to throw the toilet paper into a toilet bin beside the toilet. There are signs posted inside the stall that request you not flush toilet paper down the toilet as this may cause toilet to clog. Sophie and Ann preferred the ones that had closed toilet bins but not all of them are designed as such. It's okay if you forget as we did a time or two out of habit - no clogging thank goodness!

#5 - Some restrooms have hand soap dispensers, some have bar soap stuck on a metal stick.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

Today's agenda included one of the prettiest spots in South Korea, Daewangam and Ulgi Park in Ulsan. The park has a lighthouse, tons of beautiful trees (no cherry blossoms were in bloom at this time of year but the park abounds with them) and loads of crashing waves against picturesque rocks and coasts. T

We did quite a bit of walking at the Park and while every breakfast at the hotels we've stayed at had very hearty breakfast offerings, including both Korean and Western type of food choices, we worked up an appetite but was told today's lunch menu was all vegetarian. Halahbujee was very happy as he eats very little meat, but Robb was craving some beef after several days of mostly seafood. There was always dinner and lunch was still tasty so no one walked away hungry.

Back on the bus to head next to Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. The Temple, completed in 774 during Silla era, is Korea's National Historic Site #1 and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art.

Continuing on our education of the Silla Kingdom, our next stop was Gyeongju Museum (History of Silla Dynasty). Halahbujee could have spent hours here and in fact, we couldn't find him when the designated meeting time to reboard the bus came around. He was last to board the bus.

Near the Museum, still in Gyeonju area is Daereungwon Tomb Complex. There are 23 large tombs here of kings and nobles of the Silla Kingdom. Korean burials back in the very olden days had tombs which were raised so these Royal Tombs are massive hills, like green pyramids, where each one hill housed one King or royal family member. A quick stroll through the complex brought us to a quaint market area where they sell the popular Gyeongju bread ("bahng" in Korean). We had to try it so bought a box of 10. The baker tossed in a few extra after finding out we came from Toronto. The bahng tasted like two mini pancakes with a sweet but not too sweet filling. The baker advised that the bahng only lasts two days so we were told we had to eat all within the two days or they would go bad. No fear of that since everyone found them to be pretty good.

Dinner did not produce the desired meat that everyone was seeking but we ate and left room in case we came across a McDonald's or other burger place.

Our hotel was in Daegu. We noticed there were quite a few foreigners here and the front desk spoke a little enligsh. Turns out Daegu is a commercial hub because of its geographic location in south east South Korea (80km from the coast). Electronics, textiles and apples (not the computer) are some of the main industries here. Novatel hotel where we were spending the night was centrally located in the heart of Daegu. The evening was nice and breezy, a nice change from the 40C humid heat we had all day so we took a walk and came across a McDonald's! Stop for beer on the way back and we had a feast in the hotel room. Sleepy now with fatigue and bellies full of meat, we said our goodnights and went to bed.

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Photos

Could that grill to Ann's left be for meat?
Nope. It was for a large pot of vegetable and seafood broth.

Comments

[Diana Stafford]

Great Pictures
Obviously you're all having a marvellous time with lots and lots of food and wonderful sight seeing. Good on ya ! My house in Stayner went up for sale on Wednesday and got a firm full price offer the same day. Agent says tons of viewings requested. So am going to wait and see if bidding war ensues. Love ya all. Mom