A day of firsts

Today was a day of firsts and special moments. We started with a trip on the bullet train to Gyeongiu. The first experience for many of us. The seats were large and heaps of leg room. Bliss. We travelled approx 350km in 2 hours. Very impressive. We then travelled by bus through the countryside to the 540 year old wooden village of Yangdong. We were given the rare honour of entering the home of one of the residents. It was a petite and beautiful home with a thatched roof. The generosity of Korean people has been humbling. 

 

Lunch was another gourmet delight. Fresh herbs and leaves,15 side dishes, rice, tofu soup, seaweed soup, beef and vegetables cooked in broth at the table. We wrapped our beef and side dishes up in the leaves and ate the little mouthfuls of delightfulness.

Next stop. The cave Buddha. One of the most serene buddhas I have ever seen. This magnificent statue was in the Gyeongju national park and an added bonus was seeing my first live squirrel in the bush. Small cute and quick.

Following a short bus ride we arrived at the Bulguksa Buddhist temple to be surrounded by the sound of birds. After looking in the trees trying to find the birds I realised they were actually china whistles being blown by young children. They were so neat I think all kiwis bought one. This complex was a grand space of many buildings and awe inspiring statues.

A surprise addition to our itinerary was a visit to the burial tombs. Another first. Entering the tomb and seeing the final resting place of a king was very moving. The replicas of the jewellery and artifacts found in the kings tomb were intricate with detailed filigree work while, others like the horse stirrups were heavy and large.

To top off an amazing day was without a doubt the best meal of the trip full. To add to the firsts, first time sitting on the floor in a resturant to eat, first time eating jellyfish and first eating abolone. The abolone was small, delicate and tender. Even nicer than paua. It is impossible to find the words to describe the resturant, multiple courses and side dishes. Actually, I think it was my best meal ever.  

Sandy