just an update

this week i took the 1187. the bus was completely full, so i was standing and giving my best death grip to the handrail, trying not to fall completely onto the other struggling passengers as our bus driver wheeled us rapidly and sternly around each upward curve around Mudeung Mountain. by the time we stopped about halfway up, i was completely nauseous. only a few steps off the bus i was inside a convenience store reminding me of old Satterfield's (the gas station in my hometown years upon years ago). people were sitting around small tables resting with cold drinks and snack foods like salted boiled eggs and squid jerky. i paid for a drink comparable with sprite and a large striped hat, and let my sea legs carry me down the busiest path. this turned out to be 'restaurant row'; along which sat at least ten or fifteen eateries all of which understood well the serenity produced by flat rocks, bare wood, and running water... i will show you pictures later... for now suffice it to say i would gladly sit for an eternity at any of these establishments as long as the weather kept.

the hat, my new best friend, protected me from a rather determined sun as i made my way along a path of rocks alongside a creek bed:

down to the creek. off shoes, off socks, into this bag. the water was freezing. three small girls played in some sitting puddles... tadpoles and baby mosquitos twisting bodies, no doubt. a wooden sign announcing random destinations and their proximity to myself at this spot. i chose the smallest number and followed the arrow. up, up, up, and up. a stairway of dirt, roots, and rocks. fully leaved trees assisted my hat brim's cause. passing couples nodded hello. some ladies were taking this small hike on in heels and sunday dresses. such bravery. i still didn't quite make it to the top before giving up and stepping down, down, down.

also this week:

i got my hair did... i keep finding kind ladies who want to help me over the language barrier.... kevin scooped me up in the German Bar and we devoured some Burger King with Chris, then visited Michelle (and neither were Gerkes, sadly)... i chatted with a korean man named B.J. Park who worked in coal mines in Germany, on the streets of Chicago, and who made and left a family in California... i had mashed potatoes.... i saw Robin Hood and shoe shopped with my new friend.... i found a good book.... i bought two t-shirts... i played music for the crowd, and they all sang along.... i laughed with the kids... i learned a few Korean words... mmmmm.

goodness.