pullo-dong tombs

This Thanksgiving weekend we hosted a teacher from our sister school in Shenzhen.  It was so much fun to have a friend visiting!  We went on a short tour of the city, and then as she went on with Gary to see more of the city, the kids and I went walking around a less populous area.  Thanks for visiting us, Cindy, we can't wait to see you again!  :)

The pullo-dong tombs are a Korean historic site made up of over 200 mound style tombs that date from the 5-6th century.  We walked around the mounds and climbed the hill that they are buried on.   



This is the view of Daegu from the top of the hill.  In the distance you can see the mountains that surround the city.

Resting at the top.

This picture gives you a good perspective on the mounds.  It is amazing to think that they have been here for 1500 years, and here we are walking around like it's nothing!

Another view.

On Sunday we decided to take a bus downtown and just get out somewhere and walk around.  We discovered that the main passtimes in Daegu are shopping, eating, and studying.  If you are not up for one of those three activities, it's best just to stay home!  xoxoxo

Busan

We were heading to Busan to visit the aquarium, but after our 90 minute bus ride took 3 hours and 10 minutes we decided to just spend the day on the beautiful beach.

The kids thought it was so cool that they were splashing in the Sea of Japan.  I guess that IS pretty cool!

We are standing in a park with the Nurimaru APEC House (the UFO shaped building) and a georgeous bridge that is nicknamed Diamond Bridge.    

There is a boardwalk that spans the entire coastal area, and suspensions bridges that span gaps in the rocks.

The city of Busan is behind us.  It is very westernized, and almost every franchise we have in the US is present in Busan.  We saw TGIFridays, Bennigans, Outback, Starbucks, Popeyes, Dunkin Donuts, and Gary and the kids had burgers from BK!

This lighthouse looks over Suyeongman Bay. 



We bought popsicles from a street vendor... we could guess strawberry, but what are the others??? we aren't sure but it looks like cauliflour, dirt, pea, and cardboard... at times like this we wish we could read Korean!



We almost felt like we were back in the 321!

Just love this!

You would  not want to be a crab in this harbor!

Crossing back over the bridge.

There is a whole story that goes along with this statue about mermaids... Lily was enthralled.

Much more fun than the aquarium... just digging in the sand...  ahhhhhh....

BTW... if you see my dad wish him a Happy 73rd Birthday!  LOL!  love you all!  xoxoxoxo

Lily's Birthday and DongWhasa

We celebrated Lily's 8th birthday with a delicious cake from a bakery called Tous Le Jours...

She's reading her homemade card and laughing.  She's the best.

One of her presents was a traditional Korean dress.  She loved it!  :)

These fierce warriors guard the entrance to Dong Whasa Temple.

Dong Whasa temple was built in 493... 999 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue!  They call it Dong Whasa because of a special type of tree that was blossoming as the temple was built. 

This is the Pagyesa Temple, a worship area.

Aren't we so cute?!?

The site is under construction but still amazing.  We give some perspective to how big the Buddha is.



This is the Tongil-yaksa-yeorae-daebul Buddha statue. it is the world's biggest standing Buddha- it's 33 m tall and has a circumference of 16.5 m. He is the Great Pharmaceutical Buddha, and is believed to cure ailments and prolong life.



This stone bridge crosses the most beautiful mountain stream.

Fall is in the air!  The kids feel right at home, but they do miss the Keene Pumpkin Festival!

Gary wanted this picture... the best use of a limited advertising budget!  Hahaha! 

Miss you and love you!  xoxoxo

Gatbawi

Gatbawi is a stone Buddah. It is widely known that this Buddah hears at least one wish of each sincere, praying individual.



We have been hosting a professor from U Maine.  We are waiting to eat dinner in a one table restaurant.

 

The entrance to Gatbawi.  The road is lined with vendors selling healthy hiking snacks to fortify you as you climb the 848 stairs to the top. 



 

I just love these- the painting is so intricate.







The smell of incense is overpowering.  The place was packed with people praying and chanting-  we heard it was busy because students will be taking exams this week and their parents are all here wishing that they do well.





 

Lily and Roan and the throngs of worshippers.



 

We were all making wishes.







The monk stands above the crowd and prays all day long, rotating so that each person can see him, and then facing the Buddah.  He has a wooden bell that he rings as he chants.  It is the most amazing thing.



 

Just like at Precious Blood, you can light a candle for whatever reason you want.



 

Once your candle is lit you place it in a metal chamber that shields it from the wind until it burns out.



 

Our 3 candles.... what did we wish for?  we're not telling!  :)





The view from the top of GwanBong Peak.  Autumn is here, too, and the leaves are changing.  We also get a lot of the sand storm from China, which causes the haze.



 

Another opportunity to wish.  If your coin stays on the rock face your wish will come true.  Sometimes it takes more than one try.



 

Lily's lucky wish.



 

These cases are filled with oil lanterns that burn all day and night.  They are also wishes and prayers to the Buddah.



 

This is a shrine to the Buddah with gold statues and intricate decorations.  People also worship and pray here.







Nothing tops off a hard morning of praying and wishing like Korean Barbecue!  You can see from the pictures above us what we are about to eat.  At least this time we know what we are eating.  When you enter the restaurant you take off your shoes and go sit on a pillow on the floor (Some of you with bad knees would have to wait outside!). 







The kids are with Jack, who works in our office.  He was taking care of us for the day.  He is an amazing guy, and lived in NYC and Wisconsin. 

Once you are seated the hostess brings plates of side dishes: kim chi, beans, tofu, onions, sauces, jalapenos, and whatever meats you order to the table.  She puts the raw meat on the grill in the center of the table with some vegetables and lets it cook.  We also ordered sides of mushroom and pumpkin pancakes and bimibap.  YUM!






You can see our delicious meal!  Wish you were here!