Hiking!

We finally got a chance to hike - and it was absolutely beautiful!

Nicola and I went up a rather steep (but very lush) trail. At the top we found a temple building. Off each corner of the roof there was a bell, ringing as it was pushed by the wind. It was an eerily holy feeling place. The steps leading up from the trail were all stones. The view was beautiful, but visibility was poor, given that it was misty and drizzly. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be that high up on a clear day.

We continued around the temple, found more steps and a sign reading "Cave". We went a bit further up and found ourselves in a Buddhist shrine inside a beautiful, well lit cave. We removed our shoes, stepped onto the hardwood floor and sat on cushions. The Buddha was standing, and white, and surrounded by shelves of oil lamps. Amazing.

Afterwards, we walked back down the (treacherous, wet) stone steps and went on to the main temple complex. Korean temples are painted on every inch with flowers, lines, shapes, Buddhas etc. I really loved it. With only 90 minutes, we certainly didn't have enough time to see everything. I can't wait to be able to spend a full day of temple/hiking -- maybe next weekend?

Tonight, we are off to a Hof (Korean pub) and a Nori Bang (Karaoke rooms). What should I sing?

Please leave me messages or e-mails and tell me about your daily lives. Thanks Ann for the photos - it makes me feel more connected.