Mudeung Mountain and other adventures

Last weekend, I went with a friend and braved one of Gwangju's mountains. I shouldn't say "brave, " I suppose, because it's not so terrible to climb - it was the chill that got me. The friend that accompanied me works at the other location of LCI. He'll be leaving in a few weeks, so I was glad to get to know him better before he departs. It was a long hike and there were many topics of conversation. One in particular is making me laugh as I type this: he was making fun of people that feel the need to blog about their adventures and are so vain in thinking that other people actually care to know what's going on the blogger's life. Only after that little speech did I inform him that I have a blog. We both laughed and he said he would make it a point to find mine. So, Andres, if you have found my little self-absorbed, online, spill-my-guts blog, I just want to tell you: HA HA HA. That is all.

The structure that housed the bell.

Beautiful, hand-painted wood. Just gorgeous.

To walk on this deck/patio, you must remove your shoes - which is a little awkward in the wintertime. The view was amazing, though.

 Statue in the courtyard

Andres made me drink from this random fountain in the courtyard. He said something about it bringing luck. It kind of grossed me out, because there were plastic measuring cups that are always there for people to use. And people do use them. So, germs + a slimy fountain = one interesting-tasting drink. Surprisingly, it just tasted like an icicle. I really can't complain.

The inside of the temple. We removed our shoes for this as well. There was incense burning and we thought it best to speak in whispers. I'm not sure why. It just felt right.

The doorway leading back out to the courtyard.

The vaulted, hand-painted ceiling. There were paper flower lanterns hanging from the rafters.

The view from that patio place. Much more grand than my camera is relating.

I'm a sucker for tigers, or big cats of any kind ^_^

We reached a 3/4 point in the hike and saw the most amazing overlook. Beyond the hills in the foreground is the city of Gwangju. It kind of put things into perspective for me - this city isn't as vast as I imagined it to be. Here it was, in one place, an easy eye-full.

Andres kept insisting that he take a picture of me, which was awkward. He caught me "in a natural smile," as he was delighted to have done, but I'm not even looking at the camera. Why am I always right about these things? If I don't want a picture, then don't take one of me. Sheesh. 

In other news, the week is almost over. I had the best mid-week boost: a new bike!! Well, new to me. Really, I'm on cloud nine...! Now, I can explore the city in more depth, freedom and less time. Bam.

Annnndddd a GPOY Hangin' at Chez Moi, Rambo-Style Edition. Notice my cranes that dangle above my bed. This place is feeling more lived-in and comfy. I'm glad something is becoming familiar.

Yeah. This is my apartment. What. Don't fool with the cool.

Cheers

I am so thankful for friends that make me feel at home. When you have Jesus in common, new friends can seem like long-lost family members.

Super-long Picture Post

These little children pretty much make all my culture shock evaporate. I can't get enough of them.

Reading "This is Ping," a story about a robot. These are my two best readers, Johnny ^ and Max. Johnny can't say his f's or v's and makes the most dramatic faces trying to form these consonants. All that comes out are p's and b's. I almost don't want to correct him because he's so darn cute. And those cheeks. Scrumptious!

Max is basically a boy, Korean version of me when I was a child.

This chica wouldn't hold still for my slow camera.

Ten-Story (our computer program once a week) was down so we had a play-room day! Here's Max again ^

David and Johnny:

Max with a blurry Izzy behind him.

Christina, Max and Izzy

Jade, blinking.

Alex: Wild Child Edition.

The ghetto trampoline!

Which bus...?

I got up to go to church this morning and was a little apprehensive to start my journey. A. The two people I had met before that go to Wolgwang, I knew would not be there. B. I had a vague idea which bus to take (I'm trying not to use taxis as they aren't financially convenient for weekly trips) and C. It was raining. I almost stayed home. But I didn't. I ventured out into the dreariness. After arriving at the bus stop to find that the bus number I needed to take didn't stop at the one closest to me, I did the Leigh Margaret thing and hopped on a random bus. I had quite an eventful trip - taking a bus, getting off at a subway stop that seemed close to my destination, thinking I knew where I was, walking for a half hour, asking a ton of Koreans where the heck I was, having a nice Korean lady try and use her GPS system - but in the end I gave in and hailed a cab. The driver was sweet and tried to speak in his broken English about where I was from, how long I had been here and if I liked Korean food. Unfortunately, I arrived at church 10 minutes before the sermon ended.

I could have gotten angry. I could have been upset and nervy with being "lost." Funny - I'm never really lost. I know where I am, directionally, all the time. I don't know why I have this crazy, inner compass that screams at me, but I sure am thankful for it! Recently, I've been trying to look past the wrenches thrown in my plans and realize that my plans can be changed. If it's the weekend and I'm not tied to school-business, then I need to relax. Life can wait. I don't need to rush everywhere and make myself have a heart attack because I'm not sure how to get to church or if I'll get there on time. I'm trying to enjoy the ride.

I think I can see the reason that God had me go late to church: I was walking into the lobby and over to the elevators; nearby were several rooms with cell groups meeting. There was a muffled roar of peoples' voices, all different, rising and falling in prayer. I was overcome with it. I stood there, with tears in my eyes and had this epiphany. In this country, a place that barely speaks my language, there is the same God that I love. These people are just as crazy about him as I am. They were praying fervently and I could feel the Holy Spirit, thick, in that hallway. Any time I encounter the Holy Spirit, I kind of can't hold it together. I made my way up the elevator sniffing and snorting my tears away.

After church I was again faced with the fact that I didn't know anyone (I'm lying, I did know one person, but had only been introduced once.) So, I turned to a foreigner and introduced myself, then introduced myself to another and another. Meeting people isn't as scary as the world would have you think. Just say your name, and be interested in them. Find some common ground and talk! Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with being someplace where I know no one, but then I realize that it's not that big of a deal. Most people will be nice and accept you; and if they don't then they can go eat mud.

I sat in on a women's cell group meeting and then went to lunch with some new friends :-) I met this especially lovely, South African girl - she's leaving in three months, which is the pits, because she's amazing and I would love to have her around longer - and I felt like we totally hit it off. We had so much in common! Well, really we only talked about God, but he's enough to have in common with anybody, haha. I've already made plans to go meet these new friends on Wednesday and Thursday night...!

I've been putting God in a box. I keep thinking that I've got to do something miraculous to make my life worth living, to meet people and make new friends, to get involved in this city. But I've had it all wrong: God brings people into my life - just the people I need to encourage me, or me, to help them. God will lead me in the way that I'm supposed to go. I'm so crazy about him.

Sunday: a little wobbly in the directions area, but overall, a success.

Downtown

I wandered over to get my guitar fixed yesterday. Here's a pic of near the bus stop. Busy, busy!

There was a wonderful, smoky smell in some of the back, less-crowded alleys - I found the culprit. Looked to be pork...can't eat it, but I love the aroma! Reminded me of ren faires with my sisters :-)

I found a really inexpensive clothing store - so big too! You never would have guessed that it was smashed into this little alley. All the other stores are shallow, but I walked in and this one just kept going!

I like this sewing machine. This store was ridiculously expensive. I walked in, almost had a heart attack when I looked at a price tag, and then found this machine. This little antique was the redemption the store needed. I took a picture and the store-owner was fussy. Oh well.

Weird giraffe is weird.

Mountains in the distance. One of these weekends, I WILL hike one.

When I went to pick up the guitar after the fixing, the little old lady that helped me asked if I wanted a case. I said no, I didn't need one. Then she said, "I have this for you - it's old, but it is gift!" and then I took my guitar home in a beat-up leather case. I was touched. And really, I'd rather it be second hand. Who the heck likes things that are brand-new? Eesh.

Some of my spoils of the day.

St. Patty's Day

I was on such a life-high last night. I went after to work to meet some friends that I met at church a few weeks ago. We ate at First Nepal, an Indian restaurant downtown. Several awesome things came to light:

- Downtown is amazing. I feel stupid that I haven't seen it until now. It's like a festival! I saw it at night, so perhaps it was more impressive with the bright lights - but there were clothing stores like mad in several maze-like alleyways. Pictures to follow, when I go there on Saturday.

- I am exponentially grateful to God for giving me a desire for adventure + a great sense of direction. I mean he could have given me one without the other. That would have made for a very enthusiastic lost person, or someone who always knows where the kitchen is in conjunction to the bedroom. (That is to say that I would never bother leaving my house.) I hopped on the 98 bus to go downtown, with some vague directions from the interwebs and some coworkers on how to find First Nepal. I had to ask a girl who spoke no English if downtown (Shi-ney) was here, at this stop (Yogi-oh.) She said yes (Ne.) Then I stopped a gorgeous foreigner with a beautiful British accent where, along the street, was the restaurant(?) Only after I walked away did his beauty hit me. Pity I was in a hurry.

- There is a guitar shop immediately next to the bus stop downtown. I can go on Saturday and have my guitar fixed for under 15,000 won! (That's about $15.)

- I am making friends :-) At least, I hope they feel the same way. I think I mentioned this couple in an earlier post: I met them at church and they invited me to their home for lunch after the service. Amazing hospitality, generosity and so genuine. The wife and I were making plans to possibly visit Busan and try the famous naked spas...! That would be fun. Not necessarily for being naked, but come on - it's a SPA. Can we say I need this every day of my life?!

In other news, I've been longing for dreadlocks again...I never thought I'd have the desire after trying them for four months (and loving them but being made to remove them to be in a show) and trying them again for about two weeks, a year later (which didn't work out because it was summer and I was in chlorine all the time. I also had a boyfriend that disapproved. Something I will never do again...have a boyfriend that influences what I do with my hair.) I'm thinking along these lines maybe...?

I know they're not all my hair color and definitely not the same length, but maybe after the year is out, I can try them again. The next time around, I've vowed to use dread pepper, which dries the hair while making it mat, unlike the wax which weighs it down and gets all over EVERYTHING.

And then there was one...

Yeah, yeah, I know, Cotton died a while ago. Candy and I were just reminiscing about those wonderful two days that he was alive. She's really resilient. Been through a lot, that pink fish has.

Today was much better. I was in a better mood, the day went faster, my kids were more enjoyable to work with. We sang more. They love "John Jacob Jingle-Heimer Schmidt" and "Mr. Sun." I sang the last one to them because there's a boy in the class who goes by "Sun." I also rewrote some other songs to fit with the kids names: "Hey, Jade, don't make it bad - take a sad song, and make it better..." and "It's a jolly holiday with Jolly." Yes, there's a girl named "Jolly." I didn't name my kids; whoever had them for their first year did that. I've got a Candy and a Sandy, and I want to kill the person that named one of the girls Christina. It take her forever to write her name. Grrr.

Today marks the one month anniversary that I've been out of the states! I hopped on the plane to Chicago February 16, and now it's a whole month later. I can barely believe it. I'm not complaining in the least. Now if only the other eleven months can go at the same speed...

Chilled

The cold air moved back. I'm so frustrated with the weather. I know I shouldn't be, that I should just accept it - but such a bitter walk home in the evenings is a personal hell. I would much rather sweat than freeze. I was chilled all day in my classes and my cold has not gotten any better. Hopefully, I'll take one of my co-workers advice and get at least eight hours of sleep tonight. I'm very discouraged today. My kids were less than cooperative. Perhaps I was too "fun" yesterday and not strict enough. I would give them instructions and they all looked at my as if they couldn't understand a word I was saying.

My nose and lips are chapped from too many tissues wipes.

Monday: check.

I am without pictures for this post. I try to appease my visual-learner audience with photos of my everyday, but I'm afraid words will have to suffice.

I'm surprised at how quickly the day goes. I arrive at work a little early, but find that free time is limited. I'm squeezing in lesson planning and looking over material for the next classes on my skimpy breaks. I don't mind it. I enjoy a fast-paced environment, I love making my kids laugh, and I think I could get into this.

My first afternoon class (the first class I posted pictures of) were especially fun today. They're impressionable, very smart, and are able to hold a conversation and comprehend more intelligent subjects. We went off on a tangent today about the word "national,"- did you know that while the U.S. has a "White House," South Korea has a "Blue House?" - which led to talking about U.S. national monuments, then the Empire State Building, the Twin Towers, 9/11; - - these kids weren't even alive when that happened, by the way. I felt so old when I realized it had been almost 10 years that our country experience this tragedy. I was getting chills. I've been so emotional lately that just mentioning 9/11 chokes me up. We discussed the recent earthquake in Japan as well. I was so impressed with the comprehension of my class. They were also able to recall some U.S. history, like the Civil War. Another digression took me to acting out The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, one of my favorite stories. They were enraptured. I told them when their English is better to go and read that book because they would love it.

My younger class was doing a workbook earlier and had to write down how many people were in their families. At the end of the exercise we were to draw a picture of our own family. I drew my rendition of the Mannings up on the board, along with three silly-looking cats. While I introduced each member, they repeated me. I wanted to cry when I heard them saying, "Ashley," "Jordyn," and "Mattie Mae." So surreal. I don't know what it was about their little voices - but it hit me that they were saying the names of some of the people I hold most dear. To them, my sisters' names are simply words; not faces, not people, not anything they can fully understand. And they will never meet them or know them or love them like I do. I miss you, sisters.

buzzing like neon

Every time I pass by this love motel, I think of the song by John Mayer. It's so loud with buzzing.

SO, ya know, just jammin' in my room, getting my apartment in order for the week, rockin' out to The Edgar Winter Group, having a dance party by myself :-P I certainly miss having a roommate, but I get to do all the weird things I was ashamed of doing before. No. I take that back. I was just as weird when I lived with you, Nicky. And you didn't judge me so there was no shame. Yep. Still weird.

I had a great time visiting Danielle and Stephen. Here are some picks of the bus ride back to Gwangju:

Leaving Jinju

Dirty bus window. As you can see, I stuck my nose ring in for the weekend. I'm using my retainer for it during the week because I intend to keep the $40 hole I put in my face. I can see myself wanting to don a ring after the year is over, so waste not! The weekends are when I can go wild heh heh.

This doesn't begin to convey how vast the landscape was. I would say it's almost pretty...

Towards the end of the bus ride, there was a weird animal channel on that was showing birds and their courtship/mating habits. It was really awkward. I think on the screen is a bird puffing out his chest...but you can never be sure with birds...

Jinju

I'm in a cozy bed right now - not my own - but by the generosity of my friend, Danielle and her husband Stephen. Ah, such good friends to have me visit for the day and then let me stay overnight. I'll head to church with them tomorrow and meet more foreigners, which is always new and exciting. I woke up today without any intention of doing anything, but decided to venture out and travel to Jinju. I'm so glad I got my lazy rump out of bed.

I started out for the bus stop, but soon turned around and shed a few layers. The weather was so beautiful! I couldn't get over it. I was actually sweating as I was walking. I never realize how much I've missed warm weather until it comes back again. Gorgeous. So, I made my way to the bus stop, hopped on a bus, got off at the wrong stop, walked the rest of the way to the Namgwangju subway station, got off at the Nongdeong (or whatever it's called) stop and walked to the U-Square bus terminal. Quite a trek, but luckily I wasn't pressed for time. I bought a ticket and waited for my bus to leave at 14:40. Military time kills me.

The bus ride was a little over two hours - not quite what I was expecting, but the trip was scenic.The landscape here reminds me of Asheville - and then again, it doesn't - I miss it so badly, the mountains. I was thrilled tonight, walking back with Danielle and Stephen and I could smell real air. Not stale, putrid, city air. Real, breathing, tree-filled, lung-quenching air. It was lovely. I never would have pegged myself as a nature girl, but I think Asheville has the perfect mix of nature vs. city. I will go back there once I'm in the states again.

I've got all these ideas flying around in my head about the future. I want to get back to the states asap (only because I'm homesick and a little culture shocked) but being in the warm weather and around Danielle and Stephen gives me the encouragement I need to explore maybe another six months here...I don't know. I don't feel like divulging all my future plans right here, right now, because I'm trying to think a year ahead (which is always a little silly) and I'd rather not have outside opinions on it at the moment. My future dreams are my own for tonight.

Me, in the subway

 

Some kind of river I walked over on my way to the subway

 

Aaaaannnnd....the subway!

 

Korean countryside

 

 Sweet friends. So blessed.

 

Goodnight, Jinju.