Gatbawi

Blair, Pete, and I hiked up to Gatbawi this past weekend. There are a couple beautiful temples on the way, and Gatbawi is a famous Buddha statue in the region.

The one downside is that this is a very crowded trail; here's a shot of the beginning of the trail. I'd tried it before and given up, partly due to a hang over. Now, spending my weekends sober and going to bed early, it was an easy afternoon.

After 1.2 km, you will reach this temple. There are two trails to Gatbawi from this point, on the right it is mostly rocks with some steps, and is 1km longer. The one on the left is very steep and is almost entirely steps. We took the less steep one up, and it was less crowded, an enjoyable hike. The way down, we took the steps. It wasn't terrible, but the trail was crowded.

This is 갓바위 (Gatbawi). Gat means hat and bawi means rock, so the name is quite fitting. Its a single slab of granite, and is 4m tall.

Directions take the 401 to the last stop. Chances are you will be standing the entire way on the bus, as it is always crowded. Also, when you're leaving Gatbawi, there will be a long line of hikers trying to get on the bus. If you are going to a few different tourist locations, though, you can take the Daegu City Tour, which leaves from Dongdaegu Korail Station (go out to the cab turn around, you'll see a tourist information stand and can buy a day pass there).

Sweet Potato Farm

November's field trip was a day at Goo-Am Village, the folk village I went to in September on the Daegu City Tour. We were going to dig up potatoes with the kindergarten students.

Michelle, our director, is showing the kids how to use the tools for digging up potatoes.

The village is on beautiful Palgong Mountain.

Joanne, my coworker, helping the kids pack their bags for optimal potato fitting. She's traveled all over and is truly kind and intelligent. Joanne really is one of my favorite people at St. Louis.

Wini and Mina - Wini is one of our newer students. I teach their class first, and they are always diligent and excited to learn .

This is my wonderful homeroom class, K-E

Korean style swings, the kids loved them. I was worried they were going to wipe out jumping off of them, but luckily there were no injuries.

Cindy and Julia, their class is awesome.

We were finding bugs.

Earlier this month I realized I have now been in Korea for over 100 days. This means that I've been in Korea for over three months, which leaves nine more here. I feel like I have established a life here. Its nice to have groups of friends and people I can count on. I've met so many people from all around the world, it really is an amazing experience. I have had friends leave, which is hard, but am comforted knowing that most of my close friends here will be here at least another 6 to 9 months with me. Its nice to be able to say that I am happy with my life.

Daegu in the Fall

It is fall in Korea, and I couldn't be happier about it.

This weekend I went hiking with my friend Evan in Daegu. We were attempting to climb a trail to Gatbawi, which is a famous Buddha statue, but didn't end up making it to the top. Its a pretty long trail, we started late in the day, and didn't prepare for it ahead of time.

We did end up making it to a beautiful temple, however, which I loved.

This is Evan. Don't let the backpack fool you, it did not hold hiking gear.

Evan took this picture of me. I like it a lot, even though I look awkward in it.

The following day I went to the Daegu Arboretum with Corinne and Shelley.

There was some sort of festival going on there that we were unaware of, but it involved giant flower animals.

A dragonfly landed on Corinne and wouldn't leave her shirt. I think its a beautiful brooch.

There was also a huge glass greenhouse with cacti. It reminded me of the Frederick Meijer Gardens, which I miss.

This is Shelley. We threw leaves in the air together, it was great.

Corinne took this picture for me, so I could show you guys some more Korean food. We went out for Gamjatang, or hangover soup. It is made with pork spine, and you have to use the chopsticks to pull off the meat to eat it. It is really spicy and delicious.

For those that might be wondering, I have finished my 3rd month in Korea. The weather is great here still, not too cold. I have a bit of a cold, but the health care here is pretty cheap, so I'll see a doctor this week. I love Korea still. My students are wonderful, and I have made some great friends. My cat is the sweetest thing. My parents, sister, and I are going to Thailand in six and a half weeks. I am excited already.