Seolleung Tombs and Fall scenery

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November 8th 2009

Published: November 8th 2009

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Nika3

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I have been seriously yearning for taking pictures of Fall scenery. Sure, CA has some signs of Autumn, but with all the trees here, I really feel like it’s Fall. One of my goals for this weekend was to go out and explore and take in the sights and smells of the season. So, Alison and I decided to go to Seolleung tombs, which are only about 30min away from home. As soon as we step inside, 2 Korean women offer us tours, along with 2 other foreigners. We gladly accept and join the group. The site is comprised of 2 major tomb areas: Seolleung, which is the tomb of King Seongjong and his second wife and Jeongneung, the tomb of King Jungjong. The area devoted to the tombs is massive, filled with small-scale forests, mini hiking paths, benches, and beautiful scenery. I really enjoyed being in such a tranquil space, especially considering that when you look beyond the park, you see the insanity that is Seoul. I wandered around alone behind the group for quite some time, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. I don’t have much to say except that it definitely made my day to be surrounded by

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so much nature. The park was huge, the weather was great, the air smelled of leaves, and the trees were multicolored and bright. I loved it!

Afterwards, Alison and I headed to Butterfinger Pancakes, a western-style restaurant. I had a bowl of clam chowder which was delicious. Then I had a mellow night. Woke up early with full intentions of writing up my research manuscript but feeling a bit lazy due to the rainy day (rainy weather always makes me lazy). So I’ve been goofing around all day, posting blogs, reading, and trying very hard to motivate myself to get some work done. I’ve run out of things to occupy my time with, so when I finish this blog I will at least organize things for writing the manuscript. The sooner I get it done, the sooner I send it to my mentor, then she will edit/add on, and send it off for publication. I am making end of November my deadline so I don’t have to worry about it while Alex is here so let’s hope I can stick to my deadline. Then I will officially be a published psychology researcher. Woo hoo!

Tonight is my first

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time going to trivia at a local foreigner bar. Some of my friends have been a few times, and I’m joining their team, so I think it’ll be a fun, mellow thing to do on Sunday nights.

That’s about it for now. Some other foreigners and I are planning Thanksgiving, which was the only holiday I really celebrated back home. I have a friend who is a great cook that is organizing something, so that’ll be nice. Oh, and November 28th I will attend my first Korean wedding; my co-teacher is getting married. I’m interested to see what the wedding will be like.

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