Peace Is The Biggest Adventure

The Han River, in Jeongseon

I finished The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle last week. I was left with a lot of questions, but mostly a desire to read more Murakami and more strange fiction. A very dystopic view of modern Japan, but fascinating nonetheless. I was excited to get back into The Unbearable Lightness of Being, but now that I've started, it doesn't feel as good as rereading Kokoro, and it doesn't give me the same insight as I had years after the first read. The plot is not quite as an engaging as I remembered. Maybe lightness vs. weight is better as a life concept than as part of a story, or maybe somebody has done it better than Kundera. Or maybe still, I am growing tired of European fiction and becoming more interested in Asian authors. I'm a fan of the last conclusion.

Still Not Missing The City
Three excursions have gone down since I last wrote. Last Saturday, a bunch of us new teachers got a great deal on ski and snowboard equipment from a Korean acquaintance and spent the afternoon on the slopes at High 1 Resort. It was a warm sunny day and I had a more positive attitude on skis, despite fear and silly falls. I didn't get any photos in the snow 'cause I was afraid for my camera, but next winter will be here before we know it so I'll have plenty of opportunities to do it all again and better. I definitely want to try snowboarding as well, since so many people are experts here. Never thought I would be a winter sports enthusiast, but since we're in a prime location, might as well take advantage of it.

On Thursday, three of us finally made it to and from Jeongamsa Temple, by virtue of an English-speaking Korean gambler taking a taxi to a random sauna by the temple. We didn't stay long and didn't get all the way to the beautiful top of the hill because the paths have accumulated so much mud from rain mixed with melting snow.

I can't wait until blooming springtime to go up there again. It's a peaceful place, with monks and gong-banging and strange little Buddha figurines. I want to be even more peaceful next time, really experience the quiet and not just be one of the awkward tourists. My stupid camera always gives me away and I sometimes lack the courage to go places on my own, though I do quite a bit of that. On the way back, the bus was taking its sweet time so we decided to thumb down a car that turned out to be full of young Korean guys who squeezed us in - first random hitching in Korea, about 10 minutes ride.

This past weekend, I opted out of St. Patty's Day in Seoul and stayed in these parts. Despite the pervasive rain, exploring Jeongseon and getting to know people was a really chill time. It's nice to meet other EPIKers who are into nature, being active, good home-cooked food and learning Korean. Drinking still happens though.

Jeongseon 5-day Market

The coming weekend will see my first ever visit to Seoul. I am proud of myself for staying away from the distractions for so long and am now getting excited for what this enormous Asian metropolis has in store. I expect to be enveloped by this great city, yet feel ever more grateful for the return to the beloved mountains. I imagine a labyrinth of underground clubs, big public parks, hilltops and huge department and food stores.

Work, Work, Work
Next week, I will begin my new work hours, which will add a lot more teaching time to my week. I'm glad that I've already begun adapting to a good personal schedule, already getting to school by 8 a.m. and getting to bed by 11 p.m. I'm slowly falling in love with my students' presence, their laughter and bright personalities despite what must be their extreme fatigue. Things will probably change a lot next week and I hope to be even more productive, though more tired.

You Know It's True
This week, my head was buzzing with good vibes and I couldn't figure out why. I don't take this state of mind lightly because as most people will agree, I'm a person full of negativity and criticism about half the time. This is because I often feel threatened by many forces around me. My family is broken up, I'm constantly moving to new places where I have to explain myself to new people, dominant culture is oppressive to women, sensitive souls and dreamers.

Suddenly, I find myself in a place where none of this seems threatening. The liberation is mental and physical. I walk down the streets of my town, I go to school, I go out and I come home. No one gets angry at or belittles me or those I love. I have nothing to prove to anyone. And as much as I miss being around artists, activists, cyclists and concerts, I don't miss the undue stress I put on myself at all these times in the past few years. Maybe someday I can do what I love and remain comfortable in my own skin. Sometimes peace is the biggest adventure.

A wall representing the train line, Jeongseon

Pancakes at the market

Ubiquitous soybean and chili pots