Long-overdue Excursion

On Sunday, Dec. 19, I decided to take a much overdue excursion around Cheonan. I did not expect to be gone for so long (10:00-17:00), but it was much needed/worth it.

1st stop: random Buddhist temple I happened to spy.

Said temple with statue.

The enlightened one.

a priest I caught.

colorful animation, or . . .

. . . animated antiquity?

Buddha and his altar.

I think this picture is amusing. I look like a Muslim in a Buddhist temple, when I'm actually a Christian. The clash of religions continue . . .

Close-up of the altar.

Little bird hut.

That's one way to store your things . . .

Buddha in Korea (about as big as the apartment buildings).

I thought it looked cool.



2nd stop: interesting (and open) stationary shop.

You would be amazed with the variety of stationary that exists in these shops. That or I haven't really visited stationary shops before (since before college).



3rd stop: ransom cake/confectionary shop beside Nazareth University.

Just look at these edible works of art!

This was nearby. Apparently, something was here.

The view of traditional houses/roofs beside Nazareth University's campus.

Walking down a street.

Good ol' city time.


4th stop: this was by far my most exciting find . . .

Can you say, "Happy place"?

After months of deprivement . . . a library!

Ok, so it only has 4-8 shelves of books in English, I don't care! If anything, there's more of a chance that I can read them all before I have to leave Cheonan!

The reality of such a goal is not clearly defined, but there is no shame in trying!

As always, I had fun with the architecture.

This one is from the lobby.

As I leave and look behind.

5th stop: the KTX station in Cheonan/Asan.

(The KTX is Korea's bullet train)

The end of 1 of the platforms, looking back.

Same platform, looking ahead.

Don't let the picture fool you, this is pretty long.

I saw this after I got back from the platform. Oh well, it's not like I got on a trian without a ticket. I'm not that crazy.

This reminds me of an airport terminal.

6th and final stop: the new Galleria.

They call it a "department store"; I call it a "mall".

You know, rivers/streams are necessary.

See why I call it a "mall"?

Ok, I'll give in and say a "department store" . . . on steroids.

Me and plants; what can I say?

Some of the architecture.

The ceiling. I was on the 5th floor when I took this picture.

Anyone care to try?

From the roof of the Galleria. Now this is where it gets exciting for me. No, the merchandise for sale was not that appealing to me. At all.

The artwork, on the other hand . . .

Another skyscraper that's being constructed right beside the Galleria.

The apartments and a new Lotte Mart that will open on Thursday, Dec. 23.
(Lotte Mart = Korea's Walmart/Interspar--along with E-Mart.)

Reminds me a bit of Escher, only everyone is on the same level.

Reflextion of a couple

The KTX station, where I was just at (beside and behind the tall building).

Self-shot.

Dual-single stairs.

Hmmm, pianos, anyone?

Whoa.

That.

Is.

One.

Huge.

Fish.

Sushi, anyone?

Imported memories of beloved Austria and Deutschland (among others).

. . . and, back outside.

So yes, this is the end of my Sunday excursion. Feeling exhausted? Like I said, I had to make up for lost time.

Well, now I must be off, as I am in the institute and my time for working is coming rather quickly upon me. Until the next adventure!