A Taste of Happiness

You never know what you will find looking out a window. As I was at work, I saw something I never noticed before. A floor above me, on a rooftop, there it was...a sign of life....I strained to see what I could, and realized...I just had to find a way to get to the top floor.

So last weekend I went to seek out this place, and found the sign that showed me the way. What had tortured me was the wafting smell of this Bar-B-Que....perfect for the days of summer. I rarely eat meat of any kind, but this...was absolutely enticing.

The chicken...had the best blend of spice (ok, my friends who know me...this means hot), came served sizzling...the most perfect chicken I have had. Not breaded or deep fried...roasted in a huge (by Korean standards) oven. I sat outside...an early patron...service for one...pleasantly allowed to photograph my discovery to my heart's content. The owner was delighted at how I just simply seemed to be like a child who has been given the keys to their own candy store...and I roamed and appreciated everything they had done with this venue.

They managed to create an oasis on the rooftop...that held for me just an overwhelming state of calm. Here in Chilgok...I just simply enjoyed every moment and every detail...no matter how small.

I saw these masks...thinking how odd that they would be placed here. As I went out the door I had to turn back...and capture them...a throw back to when I performed as a youth. But, we all do play our roles in life...the ever changing stage. Yes, you can have a taste of happiness.

See the children...the art of playing

Last weekend I went for one of my walks in the neighborhood and it seemed like everyone as aching to be outside. I stopped and looked at this makeshift trampoline area...not visually appealing but the desire to jump and be propelled like these children was contagious. Children, just able to be children in the city.

I contemplated the comparisons of how a lot of urban areas in the US are full of fear. Someone might take your child...someone might do harm to them...they may get hurt...the thoughts only of what can go wrong and never of what can be right. As a child I was able to explore my neighborhood and have adventures of making my way back home. Somehow, seeing children walking off by themselves with their friends makes me smile.

This explorer caught by my camera running through this sculptured fountain area.

To seeing a group of children come together to harness the power of the sun's rays through a magnifying glass.

They all could have been indoors, playing games on their computers...but they chose the better way. Play. Play everyday.

This New Adventure

It is on to Taegu...the fourth largest city in South Korea. It is know as the City of Hope.

This indeed is a new adventure.

I have decided to create a blog, totally dedicated to my journey to South Korea. I will be there for one year teaching English in one of the major cities in South Korea. No, I am not a stranger to blogging, but what I felt was necessary for me was to take down all of the old pages and in a way, it feels fresh and new. There are a lot of reasons I am going to South Korea, to teach and to learn, to discover, to explore and to do things I have never done before, and this will be my first time seeing the Pacific.

I will be sharing with you the ordinary, the extraordinary, and where eastern and western thought meets. Within the next few weeks I am departing the USA, where the world seems to be shaking with fear, to another world that is filled with a different set of values. Perhaps this indeed is a time to look at our Eastern neighbors, using the skills of means to create ways.

I am the recorder in this adventure, join me. 2009 is the year of hope in the City of Hope.