Monday, July 21, 2008

Korean Sauna

No, I haven't been to a sauna recently...I just live in one. Tonight it's really mild though - only 79% humidity at 10:00.

I love summertime but I hate being hot. I love the snow but I hate being cold. I love rainy days but not more than a few in a row. I doubt there's a place that has perfect weather...but if there is...I want to find it.

I'm looking for a place with temps between 50 and 80 degrees fahrenheit, lots of sun, a bit of snow, a bit of rain, some greenery, and no smog. Is there a place like that??? If so, please let me know. I'll have my bags packed in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

So, as you've probably deduced...it's been to hot to blog. Does that sound sane? Every time I sit down in front of the computer my mind goes blank and I start to hallucinate. Sure, I've experienced humidity before. In Minneapolis there were some nasty days...but there was air conditioning everywhere you went. Central America, Jamaica, and the Philippines were really humid but I could get away with wearing a sarong and bathing suit for days at a time. Plus, the ocean is a nice benefit in those places.

Yes, this is turning into a bitch session so I'll guess I'll just quit right here. I'll throw in some pictures of what I've been up to lately.

Gwangalli beach in Busan

Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju

Hiking on Namsam


Yes! Yes! Yes! We found mexican food in Busan.


Most Korean people don't wear swimsuits when they swim in the ocean. In fact, a Korean friend of mine has a pair of swimming pants that he uses when he swims.


Can you figure out what this is about? It was much funnier in person - especially with all the squeaking and falling Nathan was doing.


After his strip show...Nathan introduced us to fireworks on the beach.


And then he impressed the hell out of the Koreans with his smooth Wyoming-style rodeo skills.

There was a light misting of rain on the hike up to the grotto. It kept us cool and lent an air of mystical beauty to the whole day.


This little frog has a red belly - and no we didn't lick him.


Yep...picturesque.


These buddah statues are from the 7th century. Pretty damn old, if you ask me.


I'll bet this monk lady would agree with me...maybe not in the same language though.

More carvings along a trail around Namsan.

Jason and I and some Korean guy's butt.

These are two of the ladies I teach book club-style english lessons to a few times a week. It's been a wonderful way to understand more about Korean culture. Plus they're great hikers - I struggled to keep up and they're both 47 years old!