Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Blossoms

One of the many things Korea prides itself in, is the fact that they have 4 seasons. I am sure you are probably thinking I am crazy - of course every place on planet earth has 4 seasons, that is true. But Korea's seasons are far more distinct in nature than I have personally experienced back home.

In Korea, winter is winter; heavy snow falls in some parts of the country making for great ski resorts. In fact, the South Korean town of Pyeongchang has been chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Similarly, summer is characterized by super hot days, especially in my city, Daegu, which is infamous for its humidity (think Durban), this  coupled by about a month long monsoon season. Autumn is simply cool, calm and collected. The leaves begin to transform to warm tones of orange, red and brown, before giving in to the cold and disappearing altogether.  Hiking is most picturesque for me in this season, not only is it great exercise, you also get to enjoy the crunchy sound of the fallen leaves as you step on them (you know you like it).

But spring is probably my favorite. Probably because it marks the end of a bitter Korean winter. The rays of sunshine will put a smile on your face yet without the discomfort the heat of summer brings. But the highlight has to be the Cherry blossoms. These are just simply gorgeous and you can't not see God's glory in their beauty. They don't last very long (maybe a 3 week period) before turning green so capturing their beauty is a must. I was in 2 minds about posting these pictures since I don't feel my camera skills can do them justice but thought you deserve to see even just a glimpse of them.






See, told you they were gorgeous.

Ps: Happy 4th of July to my American friends - YES WE CAN

Sunday, July 1, 2012

once upon a time

Can you believe it? Korea used to look like this....

 


Well, minus the electric wiring of course. Hanok is the name given to these traditional Korean houses pictured above. Catherine and I did a walking tour around this well preserved Hanok village in Seoul during our spring break earlier this year.  Now these houses are let out as guesthouses for those who want an authentic/ancient Korean experience. Well worth the visit whilst you are in the capital.

things i did this week


Top 5


1. tried a new restaurant :) - after being here over a year, you start being a repeat offender so this is somewhat of an achievement
2. bought a 2nd 8th hand bicycle for 10 000 won (about R75)


3. watched madagascar 3 and literally laughed out loud - never too old for animated movies
4. also watched the Amazing Spiderman, needless to say it was AMAZING- love the big screen
5. went to an art gallery and enjoyed a delicious dinner afterwards with great company