<In the City> Cherry Blossoms.

Recently, it was that time of the year. A very short-lived period at that, but the appreciation and endearment for them soar accordingly. 

Nature can be so beautiful yet so fleeting. Beauties are probably more beautiful because they cannot be captured forever. Yet, one thing is certain: life may not be eternal, but life cycles repeat eternally.

<photo by me>

<In the City> Contemplation.

With so many choices, roads, and options in life, there are times when you become confused or lost by the vastness of it all. In this society, the ability to afford the space and time alone to meander in your thoughts is a luxury not easily bought. Constantly tethered to something or someone through something, the simple remedy of self-contentment through self-containment is sometimes forgotten.

Today, take time to do something you love for no other reason than for the sake of doing it.

<photo by Rob Lee>

<In the City> Namsan.

Namsan Tower is an undeniable icon of Seoul and seemingly omnipresent. This city-central tower embodies that nostalgic flare of Korean dramas and lures in tourists, families, and lovers alike. 

When you're commuting back home from work, take a moment to look up from the road or your cellphone; you might discover Namsan staring back at you. Its presence provides a kind of reassurance that as much as this city has changed, changes, and will change, some things will remain as is. 

Below are random snapshots taken at random moments at random times of the year. 

 

Can you spot the tower?

<photos by me>

<In the City> Happy Lunar New Year.

As the 'real' start of the year 2014, I am truly grateful for this 4-day Lunar New Year holiday after practically living at work for the past couple of weeks. 

I adore being rolled up burrito-style in my ultra-comfy Costco blanky, cooking ridiculous amounts of food for no reason, and doing a lot of reading in fetal position, so this weekend will definitely be dedicated to all these things.

I wish everyone ungodly amounts of good fortune and prosperity.

 :)

<photo by me>

<In the City> Bukhan Mountain: 북한산.

I have always heard that this mountain was one of the toughest to climb, and such hearsay was no tall tale. 

Located right on the outskirts of northern Seoul area, Bukhan Mountain Park is colossal and prides on multiple trails and peaks in all sorts of intensity. 

It would be a whole lot of trivialization if I confessed to only a couple of 'my-life-flashing-before-my-eyes' moments. I definitely did not know this 'hike' would involve ropes. I was deathly petrified during the entire 3-4 hour climb and clinging onto those exceedingly steep rocks was my sole, discomfiting refuge.

What is your fear? 

Mine, if you have not guessed, is heights. Apparently this is an issue I developed as an adult, because according to my mother, she testified that I was acrophobia-less as a child.

Everyone has a fear, or fears, that he or she would like to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to. But just as you cannot shove your rotten, molding pile of dirty laundry under your bed and pretend to be ignorant of its existence, you cannot push aside your fear forever. 

Fear is like a baggage chained to your heart. It can make you sink lower and lower under the surface, until you may find it hard to breathe. Only you can find the key to unlock the chain and swim back up. 

The steps may not be easy, but once you do, your heart will start to rejoice in hope and peace.

<photo by me>

<In the City> Autumn Swoons.

Easily my favorite time of the entire year, autumn is warm-colored foliage, chick-flick romance, an endless array of scarves, and tantalizingly crisp air. 

While this wonderful season is near drawing its curtains closed, I have managed to run around (and nearby) the city and catch snippets of autumn before its grand finale. 

 

Winter should really behave itself and stop making its moves.

<photos by me>

<In the City> Happy Weekend.

Friday is happiness that explodes like firecrackers. How do you celebrate? Mine came in the form of a pretty soy milk latte.

TGIF !

<photo by me>