Chungju in the Spring and Up a Mountain

09 Apr 2009
Posted by Marisa
Marisa's picture

This last weekend we ventured up to Matthew's town for a visit.  Spring is coming, it feels very slowly, to Korea and so the countryside was filled with blooming flowers.  Matthew took us on a nice walk to a temple, and then a hike through the brush and straight up the side of a mountain.  When I finally arrived to a bench at the top I was greeted by a lady laughing and yelling at me in Korean (I was not properly dressed for hiking).  She was so shocked at my feet in sandals and the fact that I was wearing a skirt, she talked to me for about 5 minutes.  It was most amusing.

 

Bonding

 

Koreans who know how to dress appropriately.

At the Top...Korean Style

Follow this link for more pictures.

Moss!

I am gratified that my moss picture made the cut, seeing as how I don't really know what I'm doing with cameras. It's a great pity that it was so hazy; the Chungju picture really doesn't do the view justice, and you didn't even get to see the really nice lookout (out over Chungju Lake and Woraksan National Park, which features some of my favorite scenery in the world). So the trip was sort of a waste.

(Those Koreans took the main---that is, cowards'---path up. They did not earn their walking sticks! Also I can't believe that they aren't sweating in those jackets...)


Hiking Daughters

I have to agree with the woman on the bench. However, the woman would have been even more upset if she saw your sister hiking through Petra in moccasins - and walking through hot Dubai in uggs. Apparently, I have failed at passing on my camping, hiking, "roughing it" knowledge to my daughters. I assume you did have your handy-dandy Chacos on, but it looks too cold to me for those. The skirt is no surprise - you would have loved living in the 40's and 50's. I still think you are one up on your sister. The real question is if you were wearing a "hiking necklace", similar to your camping necklace?
PS. ( I really just wanted to write my favorite phrase and leave it at that, but as you can see I have learned self control.)


Style

I think Erica and I just know how to rough it in style.

And I have a necklace for every occasion.


I once was hiking in the rain

I once was hiking in the rain in Korea a man walked up to me and started laughing hysterically while pointing at my bald head. he kept on pointing at my head, making signs for an umbrella and pointing up at the sky. After a few minutes of this, the guy left, and it was explained to me that in Ulsan, there is a belief that the rain is so dirty-it will cause hair loss. but since I am already bald, I dont need an umbrella -so the guy was laughing.


Matthew, we need to hear more

Matthew, we need to hear more about your life. We don't get enough of what's going on with you, through Jordan & Marisa's blog.

The story about Ben is hilarious. The guy was thinking - "you foolish foreigner! obviously you didn't know about the rain here, and have been out in the rain so often that finally ALL your hair fell out! our traditional wisdom is vindicated! you will be an object lesson to everyone I know in the future!" :-) And speaking of rain, Ben, it did rain alot in PR - did you use an umbrella?

Sorry we were all the way to Korea and didn't get to see Matthew or Ben. Maybe next time... :-)


Ditto

Ben's story IS hilarious and we need to hear more from Matthew.
Matthew, do you have your own blog?
Marisa, i saw the "Will i make it?" and "Doubtful" pictures. You DO know how to rough it in style.
Looking forward to an update, with maybe a word about your folks, Jordan.


Hey, Jed, I hear you're

Hey, Jed, I hear you're graduating - congratulations!  When is that? Can we stay with you guys overnight (5 of us) on June 1 (I think)?  It's funny, communicating with you via notes on Jordan & Marisa's blog...! :-)