A day in Seoul and other thoughts

Recap of my trip to Seoul yesterday:
12pm-Gangnam
I am sitting infront of exit 11 in Gangnam, waiting to meet two friends from Roanoke college, I can't help pondering about this odd convergence of worlds. Three years ago I stood here as a study abroad student, my sophomore year of college, never dreaming or guessing that I would return to this very place as a teacher with Fulbright. Odd...nor would I have ever dreamed of meeting up with Roanoke college friends in Seoul, thousands of miles away from Roanoke college...odd...it is as if the me of the past: Sophomore me; the me of the present: recent Roanoke graduate; and the me of the near future: teacher; are colliding, becoming one, in another step toward adulthood.

7pm-Bus to Goesan
The bus is pulling away from the bus terminal, heading back towards Goesan. I ride through the streets of Seoul and think to myself, it has been a good day. I didn't know how much I needed it, but the day spent eating, talking and walking through Seoul with my two friends was a very good day. I remembered that the person I was as a college student is still the person I am today, even if circumstances and countries and cultures around me change, I am still me. I am so thankful for my friends who took an entire day out of their schedules to come visit with me!

Today:
After taking a 40 min walk through the small streets of Goesan, sweating buckets in the sweltering heat, I am sitting in my favorite cafe, blogging and catching up on my devotional. Less than one week left in this small town, and I make my big move to Cheongju where I will be teaching for the rest of the year. I am ready, nervous, but ready!

View of Goesan on my walk

Yeouido Ecological Park

Two weeks ago, while feeling the usual bout of restlessness that overcomes me ever so often, I decided to do some more exploring of Seoul.

Armed with my camera, and sketchbook I took the subway and got off at a station close to the Han River, thinking I would walk along its shore. However, the best days are the ones not planned. On my way to the river I stumbled across this little piece of nature in midst a city of development, and decided to spend the afternoon there instead.

What I love about this city is that you can find little havens like this, in the middle of a busy city!

Skyline of Seoul in the distance, creation of God in the forefront!^^

I thought this bridge looked so cool! I might paint this one day.

There were tons of weeping willows. My favorite tree!

Afternoon sun

I am so thankful I stumbled across this little part of nature. It was refreshing to spend the afternoon here sketching, reading the Word, and listening to music. Although I love the city life, for there is always much to do and much to see, I still love nature best. It is wonderful when you can find a way to have the best of both worlds, as I was that day.