<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>

<Out of the City> Oedo Botania: 외도 보타니아

Located about 10-20 minutes away from Geoje-do by a ferry boat, Oedo is an island brimming with well-trimmed and lush colors of nature.  While the word 'blue' is associated with the word 'water' by default, traveling often makes me realize that such generalization just won't do. Even with a slightly different angle of sunlight, the water dons a whole different outfit. The vivid colors of the world always tug at my heart. Traveling becomes essentially irresistible, and I forever long to be a carefree globe-wanderer.

As the entire island is essentially one, giant garden embraced by the vibrant hues of water, be sure to bring your best smiles and a well-charged camera.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> 27.

While breathing for 27 years on this Earth, momentous changes occurred to my perspective of everything. When I pause mid-step, take a deep breath, put both feet solidly on the ground, and take a look over my shoulders, I can see that I have jumped oceans and Mount Everests.

Good or bad, sweet or bitter, proud or embarrassing, what minuscule footmarks I have made in this world are mine alone and here to stay. So many words floats around, but you are your sole life-long guide to the future of the better and the brighter.

What has been on your mind recently?

<photos by Rob Lee>

<Out of the City> 2015.

Unknowingly, 2014 has slipped through our fingers, and I have caught myself entering the door of 2015 impromptu. The faint scent of 2014 still lingers as I don't feel ready to embrace the new year, but it is here anyway. The memories still twirl around in my mind as nostalgia fills the air like a cup of freshly brewed coffee inside a cozy cafe.

Nevertheless, 2015 is here, so welcome, we will become fast friends yet.

This photo was taken at my recent trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
<photo by me>

<In the City> Spring Spell.

With the onset of spring in Seoul, the city is slowly draping and donning various colors and hues. In the meanwhile, I have officially lived another year in this world and blew out 26 candles. Nothing tangible has changed, and my days have been divided between a blur of work and a wish for spring mode.

Beauty can be found in everything, but nothing like the spring spell mesmerizes one's soul. The enchantment exuded by the theatrical arrangement of vibrant nature is, needless to say, captivating.

What has caught your fancy lately?

<photo by me>

<In the City> Homebody.

On perfectly London-esque overcast days, I feel this surging desire to just stay put in my bed all day, except to get some chamomile tea and dark chocolate and use the lady's room. Such longing is intensified when you must continue to go to work despite a severely congested sinus and insufferable sneezes.

Today is such a day. I wish to be just in bed all day. Alas, fast-forward 30 minutes from now, I will be madly sprinting out of my apartment, forgetful of either my cellphone or my wallet, furious at the elevator for not coming faster, exasperated at the continuous cold, cold weather. 

<photo 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> The Spankin' New Year.

A huge part of the Korean, as well as many other Asian countries', culture is food. People always believed that in order to live a bountiful life of prosperity, happiness, good fortune, and well-being, one must eat well. Thus, a grandmother's steadfast encouragements for seconds and thirds should not be denied. 

After a month of hiatus and as my first post in the year 2014, I wanted to share my first gimjang (kimchi-making) experience from this past November. It would be no understatement to say that in many ways, kimchi exudes the essence of Korea and its people. 

Kimchi is an aquired taste, yet once acquired, this baby will haunt you if you move to an area with limited Korean market access. There are infinite types of kimchi, variant on regions all throughout Korea. Traditionally, gimjang occurred in early winter time so the fermentation and the long-term storage of kimchi could happen in earthenware jars buried underground. In pre-refrigerator era, the frosty winter months mothered those kimchi jars in a healthy, crisp state until full consumption. 

Gimjang is an uniquely grueling manual labor. From the multiple hand-washing of cabbages (or whichever main vegetable you will use as your main ingredient) to the tedious seasoning preparation to the final 'marination' process, gimjang kimchi is smothered with time, love, and immense back-pain.

My mother's family lives in a picturesque house right on the outskirts of northern Seoul. The visit reminded me once again how delightful the countryside was.

While this gimjang tradition continues today, it definitely has dwindled. This is quite unfortunate as the taste of freshly homemade kimchi is indelible.

<photos by me>

<In the City> The Holidays.

Looking back on 12 months of one's life at the end of each year always induces mixed emotions. As I mature, I noticed that my memories started to be rounder, softer, and milder. This may be due to my progressively evaporating memory or simply due to my ability to forgive, forget, and let go of my sins much easier.

Either way, to toast the year 2013, I would like to post a couple of pictures and tell you a short story about life:

Living life seems like a never-ending, upward journey.

Happy holidays, everyone.

<photos by me>

<In the City> Introspection.

It is that time of the year when I halt mid-step, frozen, because I could feel the stirrings of disharmony.  

The feeling is not quite an eruption or a chaos or a turmoil. 

It is like roaming aimlessly until you come to realize that you are unsure of your whereabouts yet lack the proper methods to find your way home. 

You plant your feet on the ground, hoping that clicking your heels three times will bring answers to all your questions, take you back home, and tuck you under your covers, safe and sound.

The inevitable question of the holiday season: What have I done this year?

I immerse in this discomfiting question in a pleasurable way. What I have gained and lost, only I know in its entirety, and who is to say 'becoming better' has to be quantifiable?

Definitely not I.

Roam. Wonder. Dream. Repeat.

<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>

<In the City> Bukchon Hanok Village.

This past Sunday flaunted Korea's perfectly balmy autumn weather. My friend and I decided to make the most of it and commenced to be tourists for a day by visiting the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Take time to immerse yourself in the fine details of these traditional houses called 'hanok'.

 

Traditional Korean architecture embraces elegance and delicacy. Walking amidst these houses, you momentarily catch your breath and find yourself catapulted back in time. 

Bukchon Hanok Village and its charms are more notable without the throngs of tourists and locals on the weekends. 

<photos by me>