Springtime Activities

On a particularly warm spring day, we enjoyed a great time in the park. We took the time to be one with the locals and strip off the shoes and socks and run around in the fountains. Go Michael!

Another shot of us actually together with one of our arms NOT extended taking the "self-portrait."

Me in front of public art.

This was a temple entrance that we saw when on a hike on Cheongye Mountain (chon-gay). We had to get up at 5:30 to get started at 7:00 a.m. All this to avoid the literal herds of people coming at 9:00.

"I woke up at 5:30 and hiked to the top of a mountain."

Three mountain men.

In the afternoon, we went into Seoul to get first glimpses of the cherry blossoms. It's definitely helping the look of things here! Welcome, spring!

Seoul, seen from Namsan Tower, a landmark of the city.

Namsan Tower!

A Few Recent Adventures

We got to take a tour of a historic fortress called Hwasong Fortress.  I wanted to tell everyone that we visited the Great Wall of China, but I didn't think that would fly with most intelligent people.  

Enjoy the pictures!

The king's pond with a lookout post in the background.

This is a pulley that was used to move the heavy stones that comprise the entire fortress.
So we were forced into this photo by the zealous Korean tour guide.  She insisted on not 1 but 3 photos with these kind and tolerant guard guys.

A demonstration of ancient Korean fighting style.  

A giant statue of Buddha (we think) that overlooks the city of Suwon.

Lately, the weather has been warming up, and we're moving into the wet summer season.  Summer is hot, wet, and extremely humid, so this is the best time of the year, weather-wise.  We're enjoying the cherry blossoms and new leaves coming out.  Yay for springtime!