3 Weekends of Travel

Andy and I have been lucky to have three eventful weekends full of beautiful weather and sightseeing with friends.

We took a day trip to the DMZ. Although we didn't go to the Joint Security Area, we had the chance to glimpse parts of the North, including the Kaesong Industrial Complex. It was unnerving as South Korean guards walked through our bus at the Civilian Control Line, and it was thrilling to walk through the 3rd infiltration tunnel. There were many symbols representing a call for reunification, and I felt a surreal sense of disconnectedness as I looked through binoculars at North Korea. I could see this country that is a subject of much controversy and debate, and I couldn't help but wonder what could come of the isolated separation North Korea continues to hold.

The remains of a train recovered after the Korean War. It was filled with bullet holes and other marks of conflict.

Trying to push the two Koreas back together.

These characters representing North and South Korean soldiers could bee seen at every site we visited.

At the northernmost train station just before the boarder. You could buy a "ticket" to Pyeongyang.

Andy and I take a Korean class that is offered through the YMCA in Cheongju. The teachers are so helpful and kind, and they had arranged a trip to the Jincheon Bell Museum and 농다리 (a stepping stone bridge with "thousands of years of history") for our classes. It was nice to spend the day picnicking and hiking with friends.

At the Bell Museum, we had the chance to make paper pressings of bells.

After spraying the paper with water, and covering it with cloth, we slammed a brush against the design.

Once the design was properly pressed onto the paper, we used small ink dabs to copy the design.

Andy tries to win for the blue team!

The waterfall near the stepping stone bridge.

Andy and James are always such serious gents.

In that same weekend, we had the chance to go to a shooting range with some friends from our building. I'm proud to say that I hit 8/25 clay birds, and I just missed tying with Andy's 9/25.

 We also had the chance to see some traditional Korean archery.

Different from the western way, they pull the bow behind the ear and release with their thumb.

This past weekend was a holiday, Buddah's birthday. To take advantage of the time off, we took a trip to Sokcho. We went hiking through Seoraksan National Park, camped on the beach, and went exploring with friends.

Plenty of dried fish to be found at this seaside town.