Hamjisan

The last two mornings, we rose early to hike Hamjisan. We are waiting for the sun to come out this morning before we go for a third visit.

On our first expedition, we randomly chose paths and found our way to a small peak with an accompanying small gazebo. This path did an exceptional job of telling us how out of hiking-shape we are. It offered a nice view of Chilgok despite the haze slithering between all the hills and buildings. Chilgok consists mainly of the tall, skinny apartment buildings occupying most of the groundspace in the photographs you see. That is how everyone lives. No one has their own mansion with front and back yard. What do you call that? Overpopulation or space efficiency?


Yesterday's hike was completely different. The sun was shining nice and bright, and we took a different path that climbed to the same elevation but over a much longer distance. Therefore, this hike was not as intense as the previous one. It took us past a fully equipped outdoor weight room to another peak but on the backside of the mountain, offering a nice view of the South Korean mountain-scape sans skyscrapers. There were even some locals doing aerobic stretches on the peak who would occasionally belt a long shout, sending it echoing through the mountains.

On our walk home, we pass a small Buddhist temple. Yesterday, a lady was leaving the temple as we were walking past. She took several steps outside when she turned around, faced us directly, brought her hands together as if to pray, and bowed politely. I took this as an awfully nice gesture and smiled and sort of half-bowed back to her. Then common sense kicked in and I wondered why she would bow to two foreigners minding their own business, walking down the street. I turned to Cordia to question this and a tall concrete structure caught my eyes. Yes, it was Buddha himself, wishing a peaceful journey to those departing the temple. Feeling somewhat wrongfully for intercepting his bow, we just turned and continued walking.

-Us