Sabbath Walk around West (Seo) Cheonan

On Sabbath (Sept. 25), I had a cold and was trying to recooperate. I slept a lot and decided to go for a walk outside for 2 reasons: 1) I saw the sun was out, and 2) just to be outside. Those of you who know me know I need to be outside. So I went. I just took 1 street and wanted to see how far I had to walk in order to leave the city/reach grass/whichever came first. I took my camera along as well.

This statue caught my attention. This is a statue of Yu Gwansun. She was an ardent Korean patriot who helped lead the March 1st Movement protest against the Japanese (Korea was occupied by Japan at this time). She was arrested and her parents were killed. She continued protesting even in jail. She was severely beaten and tortured. She died of her torture wounds and was buried quickly, 'cause the Japanese guards knew her influence. All this and she was 17 when she died.

check out more about her here:
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Yu_Gwansun

Dramatic angle

Beside the statue.

E-Mart.

This is where I usually go to get my groceries. Americans, this is like Walmart on steroids. Those familiar with Interspar, this is like Interspar . . . on steroids.

Finally, some nature.

I'm glad I went walking this way; 'cause I found the closest metro/subway station to my apt! And I don't even need a taxi to get to/from here!

Walking back, after I discovered the station, I also see something I don't usually see everyday.

On the way back, we meet again.

This was actually taken on Sunday. I've never seen this kind of flower before.

They can be quite large.




Ok, these are all the pics I have for you now. Now if you will excuse me, I have a cold to fight off.

Day after Chusok (Friday, Sept. 24)

Back to teaching but praise God it was only for the morning (and only 2 students from each class showed up). Another special thing about today is that it's payday! So Thulie took me to the bank and I got to check my account and transfer some money home. We took a taxi there and decided to walk to Lotte Mart (another mall of a grocery store . . . and then some). On the way there, we went on a bridge that looked soooo cool.

I couldn't control myself (and was so grateful to have brought my camera along)!

Walking up to this pedestrian bridge over a busy intersection.

The bridge is quite large.

1 angle.

Walking up on the ramp.

On top, looking around.

. . . and around.

Another ramp that snakes down.

On the other side and corner from where we were.

and the tall apartment buildings continue.

Inside Lotte Mart. I was shocked to find these German products.

Hmmm . . . my pleasant surprise for the day.

Well, this was pretty much my break. I'll see if I can try to enjoy the weekend, although it will be difficult. I just caught a cold. . .

Chusok (pt. 3)

Thursday: Itaewon. Ever since I arrived to Korea, I've been hearing about this place called, "Itaewon" and how it is the place to go when you need/want something from home. Itaewon is the place to go for foreign stuff (like American/European size clothes and shoes). Well, we got there and took a walk around.

As soon as I walked out of the Itaewon Station (bottom center of picture), I turned around and this is what I saw.

Starting below are the plaques that are spread out on the sidewalk on both sides of the street. This is a very international place. I didn't take pictures of all of them, but here are some to give you an idea:

We walked pretty much from 1 end to the other. This was at both ends.

Ah, such a lovely day.

fun with editing (as usual)

Such a large, yet very friendly looking dog.

Beautiful animal.

At the entrance to Times Square from the Yeongdeungpo Station. Some numbers spin.

Besides the editing, see any differences from the previous picture?

At the main Times Square auditorium. Apparently something was going on.

No idea who she is, but she has a lovely soprano voice.

There was quite a crowd.

1 Security guard per bridge . . . always gotta be careful.

Another singer. No idea who he is either. Lovely baritone voice, though.

They sang a duet ("All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera). Sounded nice.

Well, from here I returned to Cheonan. It took longer than expected, being stuck at 1 station for about 30 minutes, but I made it (praise God).

Ugh, now back to teaching on Friday . . . still in holiday-mode.

Chusok (pt. 2.2)

Okay, I just left Seoyeon and am now going to Christina's apartment for our American Thanksgiving Feast. I had to transfer about twice and was stuck for over 30 minutes in 1 of them. Thankfully, around 14:30 (was supposed to start @ 14:00) I made it. There were others who came after me, and we didn't start til more like 15:00, so it was all good.

After enjoying our feast, we talked some then decided to go some place where there was supposed to be something happening. We got there and there was nothing. Oh well, off to Michelle's apartment it is! We really should've had the feast there (soooo much more space!). Anywho, it was getting late and we needed to get back before the subway closed for the night. It was a race against the clock, but at least Rebecca and I made it to her place. Even though we were exhausted, we didn't got to sleep til about 2:45 am.

Good times!

When waiting for the subway, this is 1 thing you'll see.

Just the other side of the platform I was waiting on.

Walls on both sides and a screen to keep one entertained as they wait for the train.

Also, on the bottom of the screen, it tells you where the next train is from 2 stations.

Walking on a bridge that crosses the Han River.

I love night shots.

Under the photographed bridge.

It looked much better in person.

Well, this part was pretty short (compared to the 1 before).

Next is Thursday, hanging out at Itaewon and Times Square mall and my return journey.

Chusok (pt. 2.1)

Hey, I had to divide Wednesday into 2 parts, 'cause there are a lot of pictures from the morning and not few from the afternoon/evening.

After the best night sleep I've ever had since I came to Korea, I was thrilled to see it wasn't raining. After breakfast, Seoyeon and I went back to the Olympic Park and walked around.

Wow, there was a lot to see. But other than that, I felt just how homesick for nature I've been. I couldn't stop taking pictures of the trees, hills, even the grass! I did control myself a bit, but here are the pictures from Wednesday morning.

The neighborhood.

Nice and interesting promenades between each of the buildings.

The playground for our building. Really, each building has its own playground.

Just looking towards where we came the day before.

They really love the high life (no pun intended).

Ooooo . . . a wall . . .

Same, but in color.

The tiny Pagoda on an island behind the wall.

Yours truly with said pagoda.

There are some very interesting artwork scattered all around this complex.

Just can't help but look.

The line of 33-floor buildings go on forever . . .

Off to the Olympic Park!

Olympic Museum. Must return and visit it.

So, where are we going again?

I really like this bridge.

an island of nature in a city.

Whoa . . .

River, Museum, and Apartments.

Let's study this.

A bench . . . NOT by a road full of noisy traffic!

1 stone from someone's artwork and 1 stadium in the distance.

A field with Hanbok-wearing scarecrows.

One way to get around.

1 lonely tree and 1 lonely scarecrow on a hillside.

This really caught my attention.

Why, hello.

I like spheres

How many of me do you see?

I think this was done by an Israeli, called "The Way of Light" or something like that. I liked the split trees idea.

"Dialogue"

(seriously, this was the artist's title).

I like it.

Really dunno what it's called, but it made me think of skateboarders.

Looking at the other side of the river, where we were before.

Did I mention that I like spheres?

See anything sticking out?

Mmmm . . . flags . . .

Whoa, hello!

I don't feel worthy . . .

An interpretive twist.

Where you can rent these interesting "bikes".

An interpretive wing.

A flower sculpture back in the apartment complex.

From here on, I got my stuff, Seoyeon took me to the metro/subway station (it was within walking distance), said our farewells, and I was off to my next engagement.