Here I Go Again

Last weekend was so much fun, and so today I thought I would go looking for some more.  I have been looking on Google Earth, the new one thats like MapQuest on roids, and I found an area that looked like a second Urimji.  I kinda had an idea where it was, so I got up early, 12:00 (early for me), and headed to find this fabled land.  It turned out to be a lovely 65 degrees with sunny blue skies, so I knew only good things would follow.

After last week's flower bonanza I thought it would be best to not take any more pictures of any flowers.  Also, most of the flowers have already turned to leaves.   However, this turned out to be impossible, because the flowers just made it too easy!

While browsing Google Earth I found a short cut to the second Urimji through the original Urimji, so I started there.  And this is where I first broke my no flower policy.  I know, I am quite resilient.  I also, got the waterfalls involved as well, and a quick video because a still shot of a waterfall is quite boring.

















Now I was a little bit nervous, because I used Google Earth once, and while it is fun, and quickly distracting, sometimes my memory isn't as keen.  Unlike MapQuest you can't print it off, so you go on raw memory.  And  due to an excessive use of Antiperspirant deodorant, loaded with Aluminum, my memory can be a little sketchy at times.  However, I was feeling particularly brave and so I winged it.

On the way to the second Urimji, the path followed a quiet little river.  The man-made walls of the river were built to an excessive height, I think due to monsoon season, so it took away from the natural feel of things.  But man made can be quite beautiful sometimes.

Than out of nowhere, I saw it under a bridge.  Something that in a strange way made me feel at home.  In my travels in Korea I had not seen any of this.  Honestly, I had quite a chuckle when I saw it.  Please enjoy this graffiti, it might be the only of its kind in all of Korea.

Also, I felt guilty for taking any pictures of dandelions, because I know that they are nasty little things.  I didn't want to gratify them in any way, but the sheer amount of them demanded a picture or two.  You think your lawn has it bad!

Along the way, I came across this cute little park.  It had some crazy trees, and some really really pretty flowers.  It was right along the river, and I could imagine it would be great for a picnic.  Also, I finally got a bumblebee in one of my pictures.  I can't describe how many are in the trees, but now you know that they exist, and in all likelihood plotting my demise as I type.

After all this excitement, I still had not spotted the second Urimji.  I began to wonder in my heart if Google Earth had failed me again.  Was this just mythical, or did the second Urimji actually physically exist.  In the very back of the park, I spotted a massive hill, and than shortly after that a massive flight of stairs that looked like they might lead to Heaven.  They looked endless and I didn't take a picture, because it might invoke tremendous terror on the kind and gracious readers of this blog.  However, I battled up those endless stairs and climb the last two to this.

The fabled, and once thought to be mythical, second Urimji stood there in all of its brillance.  It was very beautiful, and minus the crowds, a true hidden gem.  I sat there for a second, mainly to catch my breath, and took in the views.  I also, got a picture of Jecheon from afar and another picture of the second Urimji from a higher position.

You might ask how I got so high, and that is the twist in this story.  You see every since Amy and I failed to summit during our epic climb in the Seobaksan Mountains, I have harbored this summit fever.  I felt so defeated, and if Amy wasn't there I would have lost my life trying.  So, I also was looking up smaller mountains to climb around the second Urimji.

I was trying to follow a stream up a nearby mountain.  I guess I shouldn't really say mountain, maybe hill, but it adds to the story, sorry writer's liberty.  So, while I was looking around I saw this trail off in the trees.  Not really marked off real well, which made me nervous, but still a trail.  It was just calling my name, like we had been separated at birth.  So with no water, and no idea how high I would have to climb, I accepted its invitation.

Lucky for me it turned out to be fairly mild, but by the end I was huffing and puffing and sweating like a Nanney.  It amazes me, because I was sporting shorts and a t-shirt and the Koreans had pants and jackets and didn't sweat at all.  They must think I am some kind of monster, oh well.  Anyways here are some pictures of my journey up this mountain.

Make no mistake either, I thought I was about to summit three separate times.  The mountain was tricking me, and I think it was having fun doing it.   Each time I thought, "that wasn't so bad," but by the last time I wasn't thinking only sweating.  Near the summit, again I know this is a ridiculous word to use but please just humor me, it was quite intense, the terrain was really steep.  But just when I thought I couldn't go any more, or actually 15 minutes after I thought that, I saw the top.  I climbed with earnest and summited.  To be honest it was way to gratifying.  The climb was mildly difficult, but I saw a sign that said it was only 1km.  My pride balloon quickly deflated.  Here are some pictures of what I saw at the summit, and even a picture of me so you can see my delight.

This is Semyung University and its soccer fields.  They don't use grass, I don't know why, it is a little bizarre.

Here is Jecheon, can you see my apartment?  Don't worry I can't either.

This is a picture of the original Urimji.

Though I didn't want to leave the mountaintop, the flies were numerous, and so I thought it was time to head down.  But not before I did some pull ups, 7 once I was done with that bar.

On my descent I was quickly reminded that going down can be worse than going up.  The forest floor was real slick and I was holding my camera and sweatshirt.  I eventually realized my need for aid, and grabbed a stick to balance myself.  Just before I enlisted the help of my faithful stick though I saw the funniest thing.  A wild animal, and you have to remember that I have seen 0 squirrels and 3 bunnies since I have been in Korea, and that is all.  So I was really excited.  It turned out to be a mix between a squirrel and a bunny, my reasoning for this is due to the lack of wildlife the squirrels and the bunnies had no choice.  Don't worry I got a video.



There were a few scary moments, and some how I ended up on a different trail that took me back to the park, but by the end of my descent I was jogging just like the Koreans.  Honestly, it is so much easier to run down the mountain once the terrain becomes a little more forgiving.  I just used my legs and let gravity do the work.  I felt proud, like a mountain man, now I see the draw to this.  Here is a picture of a flower I took on the way down.  Also, a picture of  a tomb.  These are scattered all over the mountains, and yes it is okay to farm right next to them.

Finally, it was time to head back home.  Along the way I just wanted to show the magnitude of the dandelions so I shot a quick video, and some of the trees were so beautiful I thought that I might amend my no flowers policy a few more times.  Also, I found a coffee house that roasted its own coffee, and it was worthy of some pictures.

I ended my day with a trip to E-mart where I grabbed some essentials.  Barbeque sauce, M & M's (a big bag), a basketball (I found a court nearby), and something else but it must remain a secret.  Than I went to go see Iron Man 2, which was just delightful.  And now I'm making tacos and so I must go.  Though tomorrow I have something planned that just might trump everything so far.

To be continued...



 

Spring's Growing On Me

***I apologize for the formatting errors.  I battled this junk for 3 hours, and than I just it is what it is!***

I remember when I was young, and I dreaded the coming of Spring. I prefered the cold to the warm, I hated bees and wasps (still do), and I sweated like a monster (This is one of my most manly traits). But in the past couple of years I feel myself warming up to it, no pun intended.

This Spring in Korea has felt more like Fall, because of the overcast skies and mild temperatures. It has been a welcomed change, mainly because the temperature of my apartment greatly depends on the temperature outside. Also, the sprinkles of green everywhere are refreshing, as winter's dead brown was left exposed much of the winter without much snow to cover it up.  And anything new in Korea is just exciting, because its full of the unknown. So today I was feeling like I needed to tour Jecheon a bit to take in the spring fever that is nestling in quite nicely.

First up was a stop to the local elementary school.  They have some beautiful trees lining the walk up to the school, and it is very breathtaking. Now I must apologize because I have no idea what anything is called and if I guess I will probably just get it wrong.  So, I'm just going to say flowers. Also, I wanted to get a better close up, but I realized that there were angry bees in most of these trees, and so I quickly retreated!

Next, naturally, while walking to school every day I walk past about 15 fields of various foods. Now please understand, there is a hidden monster in these fields, a stank that could steal the courage of a thousand men, it is quite unnerving.  I realize that it is only some sort of feces, but I'm just not used to getting punched by it, in the face, day after day!  Still my nose is growing immune, and I'm just trying to remember not to blow bubbles with my gum around these fields, for desperate fear of fecal material.  But anyways, I saw the funniest looking plant the other day and I just had to share it.  I'm gonna guess this is garlic, but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong if it isn't.  I would like to point out the fields location and the need to plant anywhere where 3 feet of open space exists.

After this I decided to walk over to Urimji to see how things have changed from Winter to Spring.  It's a bit of a hike (1.5 miles) so I had plenty of time to take some pictures of the various flowers along the way.  Some didn't turn out very well, but here are the ones that did.

Once I arrived in Urimji I was surprised that not much had changed. I was expecting some major color, but it appears that most of the tress are evergreens.  However, there appeared to be a lot more water than before, and the whole reservoir seemed full.   I saw some families capitalizing on this by coasting in style, via the swan boats.



































I have to give it to Koreans, because they take family seriously.    I saw so many cute little families doing silly stuff and just spending time together.  It's quite refreshing to see such an emphasis on something I think is so vitally important.  By no means are they perfect, and alcohol has plenty to do with it, but they make an effort and I think the families are so sweet.   

Moving on, to my great delight both of the waterfalls were now functioning.  I don't know what it is about waterfalls, but I just love them.  Waterfalls are so soothing and powerful, even if they are man made.  I love to just sit close by and listen.  Life just seems to slow down.   But you can imagine with two waterfalls that I occupied myself for some time, exploring the waterfalls and finding ever angle to gawk.  Here are some pictures; first from above, than next to, and finally if you look in one of the pictures you will see a bridge crossing the river.  Yes I found that bridge, I know jackpot!  Also, I took some photos of some flowers I thought were pretty along the way.  As well as the second less impressive man made waterfall. Though it did have the always elusive hidden cavern behind the waterfall, a definite plus!

There was only one thing that I had left on my agenda.  I wanted to visit the garden we (Amy, Ian, Casey, and I) previously visited at Semyung University, which is about another 1/2 mile from Urimji.  So I trekked my way over there, grabbing a cherry coke for moral support.  On the way you wouldn't believe what I saw more of.  You guessed it Spring flowers, and I'm not complaining.
























































Finally, I arrived at the garden, and two thoughts occurred immediately.  First, "Wow everything is still dead."  Second, "What is that mist coming up from those rocks?"  You guessed it waterfall number three!

As dead as everything was, except the occasional tree here and there, it was still amazing.  There was a stream running through the garden, and it was just so peaceful.  I can't wait to go back with a book and just kick back and relax.  I also shot a quick video to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

After the garden I marched the 2 mile journey back towards home, and found a short cut that cut it to about a 1 1/2 mile journey.  I also wanted to check out a potential running spot, which happens to be an air strip just outside the city.  Though I am a little nervous of a random landing.  I guess beggars can't be choosers.  I think I'm gonna give it a shot.

Finally, I stumbled one very small park and than one park that was much bigger.  This park had a skate park, excellent tennis courts, and a little soccer field.  There was also this path that lead to a hill that overlooked it all, it was quite festive.  Than the path followed some twists and turns and than low and behold I was back where I started at the elementary school.  I was quite excited about this find.  I didn't know there were hidden trails in the hills, oh the simple things.

Lastly, I snapped some of my favorite pictures of the day.  Can you see the moon in any of them?  Overall I was quite pleased how the day turned out.  Even though Korea can be dirty (sanitation wise) and smelly and frustrating its also has a lot of God given beauty to it.   And if this keeps up I might look forward to Spring in the coming years; sweat, bees, and heat all included.

Another chapter is this story we call life

Its been a very looong while since I've added to our blog about out life in Korea but there have been a variety of reasons for the lack of blogging. Most of you know that at the end of January my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within 3 months she has had 3 surgeries, 7 incision sites, 15 lymph nodes removed, a PowerPort installed, and a complete mastectomy on the right side leaving an 8 inch scar. Needless to say being in Korea was not where I needed to be. On Tues. March 16th I made the long trip back to Grand Rapids, MI to be with my Mom.

I'll be here in the US until May 9th, sadly thats Mother's Day and that will not be much of a present to hear as I leave. I am however VERY thankful that I'll have this time to walk through some of the hard times with her and makes some memories too.

Much to my surprise there has been reverse-culture shock coming back to the States. We've been in Korea for about 3 1/2 months and felt like we'd finally settle into a system. You learn to grocery shop, do laundry, dry clothes, clean, cook, and get around town. What you don't hear much about is when you leave the country you just got adjusted to you are going to have some shock the other way.

I will never forget sitting in the airport in Chicago and thinking why do I have a headache, there is so much noise in here. There are so many people talking and I don't want to hear about it. I hadn't realized I'd gotten used to not hearing English and it was overwhelming to my brain to all of the sudden hear so much of it.

Another sense that overwhelmed me was sitting on the plane thinking, "what is that smell!?!?!" then you realize is yourself and its soooo embarrassing. I was like how long have I smelled like this and those poor people sitting around me wondering has this girl taken a shower in a week? No, its not that I just came from Korea and frankly Korea has a smell of its own. Most countries do even Brasil.

So its been a transition coming back to the States. An unexpected trip has been a curve in the road but we are making it work on all sides of the world. There are hardly words to describe how much Ben and I are missing each other. We had gotten so used to having just each other around and being in such close quarters all the time... I've grown to miss my little Korean home it kept us close in so many ways.

Its funny this things you miss. I'm already excited to go HOME, my home is with Ben, where ever we are. But alas I'll miss a wonderfully comfortably sized bathroom, HOT showers, adult size towels, and restaurants being open later than 10pm. Thats just the beginning. But there are many more things we've yet to discover and learn in Korea and I look forward to the rest of our time there with fondness.

Well thats all for now...

Taco Night With A Special Guest

So I have been alone in Korea for about 3 weeks now, and its definitely been taking some getting used to. For example, I don't have to fight for blankets anymore. I don't have to be quite while staying up late. I do dishes three times a week, rather than every day. I never make the bed, and I have 3 empty pizza boxes sitting around.

But for the most part the lonely bug has left me alone. That being said I miss Amy terribly, and not like it used to be either. When we were dating we would go 3 weeks without seeing each other and it was hard. But now its like half of me is gone. I miss seeing her little face everyday. I miss the hugs. I miss the coffee dates and playing Scrabble with her. I miss not being able to decide what we want for dinner and just wandering around. I miss breakfast on Saturdays (never thought I would say that). I miss doing fun things on the weekend, and all the little meaningless conversations about nothing. I miss making her laugh, and laughing with her. I don't want to get to mushy, but just thought I'd let you in for a minute. Amy is one of the greatest gifts that God has blessed me with, and though we've had our hardships and fights, marriage is such a blessing in so many ways!

That being said I thought I would give you a peak at a boring mundane weeknight alone in Korea.

Lately, I have been eating too much pizza. (I know I didn't know that could happen either) Well in all honesty I could eat pizza 5 days a week no problem. But than I began to think my heart just might explode. So tonight I opted for taco night.

I went to Lotte Mart and grabbed some stuff including a $9 package of steak bites. Yeah steak is a rip off over here, but I went with what I recognized. I also grabbed some M&M's and a 1.5L of Coke. These ingredients are essential to a man's survival! Also, I was looking for some veggies (everyone please don't die of shock) and they really only had carrots. So I thought my heart could use the help and I threw them in as well.

Lastly, I ran to Paris Baguette to see if they had any more cinnamon rolls left. Oh, were you just shocked? Cinnamon Rolls in Korea? Yes, last night I strolled into Paris and saw just that, and it was love at first sight. It was the most delightful shock to see my sweet little delight sitting there. So innocently like it was expecting to see me. I had to look twice, because I didn't believe it at first. But I guess it was just meant to be. Very rarely are things in Korea as good as they look, but I am proud to say that my cinnamon roll definitely was. I guess its the little things that just bring you joy. I also snapped a picture of some of the doughnuts for all my doughnut lovers out there. So if you come to Korea you know what you will find.



Here is a final picture of my tacos, and I realize they are rather boring, but I'm a pretty basic guy. Now if Amy were here you would see some major artistic points, but with me its pretty simple.



Finally, my special guest made her appearance. I tried to be modest, but Ms. Cinnabon was so beautiful it was hard to hide. I know it does look like a mountain of delight doesn't it?



On a more serious note while the time alone has its serious low points, it is so very good for putting perspective on everything. I have rather enjoyed my time in Korea, because a lot of what I thought mattered so much before I left, now I dismiss as something I can live without. Everything I ran so hard after, now seems so worthless, and to be freed from this never ending greed is so liberating. Don't read into this too much either. I am hardly pointing the finger at you. For me though the more I gained the more I wanted and it ate away at my heart.

This time alone has truly been the therapy my heart needed. I feel so clear in thought and new in spirit. I was so choked out by the worries of everything, now I realize that its not about things or status. I may never own a house, or have what it takes to be a corporate big shot, or live where I want to live, or be the envy of my neighbor. However, I have found something far more valuable in the peace I have in Christ and He is more than enough. Hope for today, strength for tomorrow, and one day complete freedom from sin!

And with that I will say goodbye. Thanks for all the prayers everyone. Amy's mom is recovering from a successful surgery. If you want to read her blog here is the link...

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/robincuthbert

I encourage you to leave her a note, I know it means a lot to her.