Week 2 in Korea: August 7-13, 2023

 

It started raining on Wednesday, August 9th and continued pretty steadily until this morning (August 13th). The temperature dropped from the 90s to the 70s, which was a nice change, but the rain made adventuring a bit difficult. 

I spent the week attending meetings and trying to shop for things like a shower curtain (check!) and shampoo (check!). Going shopping involves a bus ride so I have to limit myself to small loads of things to haul back. I have to be very selective about what I buy. 

But there was a nice break in the weather today, still cool outside but not as wet, and my colleague Nimmi and I decided to take advantage of that break in the weather by hiking up to a temple that is near our apartment complex. 

The photos on the left are actually from another temple that we passed on the way back down the mountain. But the colors and design are similar. 

In the video you will hear the cicadas. They are so loud sometimes it is difficult to hear anything else. This is the ever-present background sound when we are outside. 

After the morning trek up the mountain Nimmi and I worked at school for a little while. I wanted to showcase some of the beautiful things that are in the hallways at school. I am terribly impressed with the idea that such beautiful things can just be left in the hallways with no glass or guardrails. 

At the end of the 22 minute video you will get a glance at some of my favorite neighborhood foods. I have a favorite kimbap place (Momo kimbap) and there is a bakery near the school that I enjoy. Grapefruit ade is a great, refreshing beverage (see last photo, left).

What I can say so far about living in Korea is that it is really peaceful. Even the rain was subtle. I have been sleeping well and eating well and feeling healthy. 

I hope that this installment of the blog finds you in equal good health and good spirits. 

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