August 3 journal entry

August 3, 2008

Thanks everyone for the great e-mails. I feel so connected. It is always comforting to come home after a day of unpredicted adventure to a familiar hello.

Yesterday was a huge day. I woke up early and went for an early morning run up to an amazing Buddhist temple and village where actual people live. I wish I had my camera, but will promise to take it next time. The trail was rock, uphill, humid, hot and buggy, but absolutely exhilarating. There was water running from the top across huge rocks and the trail followed this the entire way. The trail was well marked, in Korean of course, and along the way there were natural springs with water scoopers in them to fill your bottle with. There was cell service too, as many people were talking along the route. Korean’s seem to stay in touch too.

In the afternoon we decided to take the train to Seoul station. On our way to the train station, the police stopped Mark. The policeman came out of his car and asked Mark, “Do you remember me?” Of course Mark had no idea who he was. He then proceeded to tell us we asked him for directions the other day when we were lost. Great I thought, does he realize how many people we asked for help that day? Anyhow, he gave us his phone number and helped us buy our tickets for the train. He was obviously very anxious to become friends with Mark, and upon our departure warned us to be safe, and to call him if we had any trouble.

We actually made it safely to the big city of Seoul, and were amazed by the thousands that were at the train station. It was very similar to Grand Central in NYC at 5:00PM. We walked around some huge market and bought food from a vender on the street. I was enjoying my “pancake” until a tentacle fell out. After that I just ate the rest of the clam soup and took a bite of sushi. I’m going to be so skinny when I get back!

We spent the day walking around the city and found ourselves in some back alleys trying to get a feel for the life of the upper class. We also walked into the fancy Hilton and used their bathrooms. The hotel definitely competes with any hotel in Aspen. It even had maids in black and white dresses wearing white gloves, wiping out ashtrays and polishing chandeliers and handrails. I hate to admit; this was the most I have felt at home so far.

We finished our adventure searching for body wash and deodorant for Robert and splurging at Smoothie King.