Korea Chronicles | Busan III
Finally, I have come to the last installment of Korea Chronicles (at least for the summer of 2014, I am definitely going back some time in the future, in a different season). My 10th day wrapped up in Busan, on a busy Monday with very little time to feel familiar with the streets or the train stations; no time to get lost, no chance to wander aimlessly in the hopes of coming across a lovely discovery. I was leaving for Manila the same day, so time was precious. Sadly, my friend, L, had to work and I was bound to go around the city alone before my 9pm flight. In truth, I had no idea where to go. I was surprised though because my ever reliable friend had plan B for me.
After breakfast, we set out to meet her sister at her office as L would turn over the touring part to her. I was not being handed over to a total stranger because Ms. O is actually my friend. In fact, I used to be her son's English teacher. When they were here in the Philippines, they tagged me along on a couple of tours - thus, exploring a place with them is not at all foreign to me.
This is the only day where I get to have my picture taken countless of times because Ms. O presented herself as my photographer. This post is photo-heavy. You've been warned.
This is the only day where I get to have my picture taken countless of times because Ms. O presented herself as my photographer. This post is photo-heavy. You've been warned.
So, I went to visit Ms. O at her office; all the while introducing me to her co-workers as her son's teacher. Her son, M, was with us, too. He was on vacation and was at the time studying in France. A side note: While waiting for Ms. O, her son and I met at a coffee shop. He insisted on buying me a cup of coffee, and we just sat there, catching up. He had the most hilarious stories about his stay in France; being one of the very few Koreans studying there, he had to wrestle with learning the local language. We had such a good laugh when I also told him about my blunders in Seoul, simply for not being able to communicate well in Korean. I love it when my companion laughs at the most silly jokes or stories because I feel like I have such good sense of humor.
Anyway, back to the main story, I found it weird to be walking around while other employees were busy working but they were all really nice and accommodating. Ms. O would say, "This is Teacher Joyce. She graduated from UP." And they would say something like, "wow", "good", and they'd give me a thumb's up. I wonder, though, if they really are familiar with UP. haha
Anyway, back to the main story, I found it weird to be walking around while other employees were busy working but they were all really nice and accommodating. Ms. O would say, "This is Teacher Joyce. She graduated from UP." And they would say something like, "wow", "good", and they'd give me a thumb's up. I wonder, though, if they really are familiar with UP. haha
I was supposed to go to Beomeosa Temple that day but Ms. O offered to drive me around Busan. I thought, it was the safest thing to do since I'm pressed for time and I might miss my flight. It was a good thing that Ms. O could leave work earlier, so we were able to start exploring before lunch. Our first stop was Busan National University of Education. Ms. O made sure we'd take LOTS of photos. She would say, "Teacher, stand right there. Oh, so beautiful!" She was definitely referring to the background. haha We would drive and drive, and if she'd see a great spot, she'd stop and she'd turn me, "Teacher, let's take a picture." Click. Click. It was almost never ending.
Then she asked me what I wanted to eat for lunch. I requested for samgyetang. I've never tried it and I've heard that it's the perfect summer meal. After a sumptuous lunch, we continued driving around Busan and made a short stop at Gwangalli Beach where we caught a good view of Gwangan Bridge (first photo above). It is also so pretty at night!
Ah... I had so much fun with Ms. O and M. The latter was surprised when I told him I was leaving that evening. My stay in Busan was really short, and although I did get to see the touristy spots, it was really more like reconnecting with old friends. I couldn't comprehend the luck I had, that every little thing in my trip went so smoothly.
More than a year after this trip, I am already missing Korea so much. For me, it's a country that's a cross between the familiar and the unfamiliar. It felt like I have always been there; while at the same time, there are so much more to find and explore. I can go on and on and sing praises about Korea, but this chronicle ends here. Just as that day in Busan ended when I took the train to the airport and bade goodbye to Ms. O and M.
It is a cliche, but I left a piece of my heart in the Land of the Morning Calm - in the fine sand of Haeundae beach, in the rose garden of Everland, in the quiet temples of Bongeunsa, in the cathedral of Myeongdong, in the streets of Insadong.
More than a year after this trip, I am already missing Korea so much. For me, it's a country that's a cross between the familiar and the unfamiliar. It felt like I have always been there; while at the same time, there are so much more to find and explore. I can go on and on and sing praises about Korea, but this chronicle ends here. Just as that day in Busan ended when I took the train to the airport and bade goodbye to Ms. O and M.
It is a cliche, but I left a piece of my heart in the Land of the Morning Calm - in the fine sand of Haeundae beach, in the rose garden of Everland, in the quiet temples of Bongeunsa, in the cathedral of Myeongdong, in the streets of Insadong.
♥
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