I made my way downtown yesterday. I spent some time near City Hall and then worked my way to Samchong Dong. The riot police were out in full force and I ended up seeing the protesters marching while I was sitting on the bus on the way back to Gangnam. After walking down Samchong Street, I made my way to Jogaesa. I was taking pictures of the lanterns and monks when I recognized a face. I read
Drifting Focus and am always jealous of Kelsey's photos. I had seen her post saying that she was going to be in Seoul, but doubted that I would run into her. We stood around and spoke about photography and expat life. Check out her blog to see her photos and more about life on Jindo. She even let me try out her new toy. The Sigma 2.8 is a monster and I would probably have to hit the weight room to carry it around all day.
I had to take off soon after meeting Kelsey. I got turned around leaving Jogaesae and ended up trekking all the way back down the Chungechun. I had promised one of our teachers that I would take he and his girlfriend(who just flew in to Korea for vacation) out for dinner. I made it back to Dongtan about 9 met JJ and then we finally met Adam and Carley about 10. It is always fun to take someone out for their first Korean dinner.
It was a great day. The weather cooperated and didn't rain. It looks like today is going to be an inside day. I am supposed to meet up with a couple of people here in Dongtan for dongdongju and kimchi jeon.
Chungechun
Hanging Prayers?
Buddha
Lanterns
Kelsey
8 comments:
My shoulder is most definitely not pleased with the 3.5lbs I have added to my camera bag. However, my right arm is going to get a wicked beefy bicep.
Great pics. The colors and the spectacle of Buddha's Birthday always yield something good for photographers.
Kelsey: Yes, I think you are right. You will have to let me know how much you like having the 2.8 fixed aperture. I really want to upgrade. I just have to convince my money. manager. HaHaHa
Kushibo: Thanks. Yes, it really was great. I can't believe that I have never been here in my almost 4 years in Korea.
Really? Never been?
Was that because you didn't know what a visually interesting spectacle it was or you just never found the time to go?
I haven't been in Korea during Buddha's Birthday since 2006, when I was incredibly busy with packing up and leaving, plus tying up loose ends, so the last time I was there was 2005.
Since I can walk to downtown's Chogyesa Temple from my home (albeit a long walk), I typically go there. But there are other nice temples with a small-town festival feel, including Pongwonsa (Bongwonsa/봉원사) behind Yonsei, up the mountain from Ewha' back gate, Pongŭnsa (Bongeunsa/봉은사) not far from COEX in the Chamshil area. One year my then future ex fiancée and I went to Kuryongsa (Guryongsa/구룡사) in southern Seoul, which was okay, too.
Lack of time mostly, but I have been spending more time on Flickr and have found a lot places that I want to go see. Also, I have never lived in Seoul. I have always lived closer to Suwon and always seem to be really busy during this time.
I will have to add the other temples to my list. I am trying to get out and see as much as possible now that we know that we are leaving in November.
Ahhh, Buddha's Birthday.... My mom and stepdad got off the plane hours before the parade and I dragged them there. Fantastic... all these Buddha's Birthday pictures are making me miss Korea!
I'm really, really loving the lens. The 2.8 is SO worth the weight.
Also, I love your shot of the lanterns above the river!
Amazing pics....
thanks for sharing...
___________________
Melvin
Best price for the best Entertainment
Post a Comment