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Stoned Fortress
Yes. There are Blossoms. The first sign of spring in Korea comes with the overwhelming number of blossoms that line pathways, tower over streets, create walls, and brighten the grey streets of Seoul and stone buildings of the Yonsei campus. At this point, the weather is still cold, despite the fact that the lingering feelings of spring allude to warmth and make you wish you could put on a mesh shirt and a flowy skirt.
These beautiful blossoms last a total of about 2-3 weeks. This means that at any given place where over 100 buds can be seen, you are likely to see a handful of Koreans with their cell phone’s taking pictures amidst the flowers.
In Tennessee, people find a sense of honor in hunting out and being photographed with the most drunk and oddly composed individual at a gathering (and oftentimes at a family reunion…or even Adam’s house which sometimes constitutes as the same). These people are usually unique in a raving way and over popular due to their ability to loose all self control and socially humiliate themselves. So being photographed with someone of this stature some how gives Tennesseans a sense of pride, or maybe
just a reassuring feeling that there are others weirder than them in the world.
I think this is how it is for the Koreans and their flower blossoms. It is first of all a unique time of the year that captures Korea in its striking new state. Being amidst these blossoms and being photographed with them in a sense adds to the beauty of their broad, cheek boned smiles and silky black hair. So instead of it being a contrast, it holds more of a complimenting element.
So you see people lining the streets with cell phones; you see girls taking pictures of their boyfriends and boys taking pictures of their girlfriends; they take pictures of themselves and even of their friends taking pictures of blossoms. Some times if you walk down the right street or walk way, there are people standing there with the sole intention of wanting to take your picture for you. Sometimes people even want to take your picture with their camera phone or cannon on a tripod.
On my way to class, I would often feel like I was stuck in a never-ending prom themed a Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Blingsley Hall
"You should bring her there and take pictures."
"Why?"
"That is what all the couples do..." People were constantly posing side-by-side holding hands; they posed with cute hugs and sweet kisses; they raised their peace signs and poked their cheeks. It was charming, and it was precious, but like all things timed changed the blossoms into leaves and people keep their phones on hand with the sole purpose of texting…or “Yopuseo?”
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Mom
non-member comment
WOW!!
Bekah - I am so thrilled to see your blog!!!! It continues to amaze me your talent on photo taking and writing. I am so proud of you. Here is the email of the person from the bank I told you about: mrlzf@mtsu.edu I think my favorite flower you presented was the magnolia. I also like how you capture the heart of the natives regaring their "blooming" season. I have to say I think I like their way of expressing themselves rather than those here in Tenessee. I am still recovering from the strip - oh, I mean the college students dancing. Love you, Mom