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Container house and Tulip

Bun Sok, Joy and me visited a container house near Jaesan Village. The owner was an English teacher graduated from Canada. I had met him when I was in Joy Farm for the first time but I couldn't remember his face at all. Aigoo..my memory is getting weaker and weaker. I wish I could upgrade just like a computer. ^_^

Initially, the teacher worked in Seoul but because he wanted to take care his old mother, he moved to the village. Bun Sok told me that for Korean who wanted to move to village, they will receive a sort of compensation. Some what like farming subsidy.

The teacher was so creative, he built his house from a container. I was so surprised because the house was so pretty!! The mother who was around 80 years old didn't look old at all. I was so envious of the house, the garden and the owner. I wish I could lead a sustainable life just like them.

The container house

The mother burning some woods to warm the house.

The entrance

The kitchen

The mother gave me yanggeng - red bean jelly. Those
who are TOP's fans (Big Bang); he really loves yanggeng.
You could check on TOP facts here.
It is really sweet.I couldn't understand how he could
eat the yanggeng with spicy pepper paste (gochujang)
in Manwon Haengbok. Ackkk!!


Dried sunflower

Flowers on spring

The mother grew tulips around the house.

I wish that it hasn't bloomed.

Fully bloomed

Later, we visited Bun Sok's student and ate jjajangmyun
and jjampong there.

Me with Bun Sok's student.

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Essential Items for Backpackers

The Essential Items All Backpackers Must Take on Their Travels  

So you've booked your trip to go travelling. You've paid for your ticket, you've researched where you're going and now you're just dreaming of getting on that plane. Before you go you need to pack your essentials.

You need to pack wisely so you're not carrying too much unnecessary what. So just what will you need to help make your perfect trip?

1. Scissors. You must have scissors on your travels. Things need to be cut. Toenails get long. Clothes fray. Scissors are in the bag.

2. Sun Cream. You may be going to Antarctica or Bermuda. Either way you need sun cream. The sun never stops shining. Somewhere some place you will need it.

3. Passport. In this modern age a passport is a must. Has to be in.

4. Socks. You must have socks. Feet get cold. Socks get damp. Blisters can occur. Clean new socks are a must.

5. Underpants. Same thing. You must have under pants. Keeps things healthy. Good to put on when meeting new people for example.

6. A book. Any book will do. But you need a book. Long journeys can be boring. Break them up by reading trashy Jackie Collins/intense Frederick Forsyth/rubbish love stories/romance novels/thrillers/any old rubbish.

7. Sunglasses. When the sun comes out you need sunglasses. It's just a fact. They keep your eyes working, you need them in all environments and they make you look good. So there.

8. Antiseptic cream. If you're really traveling you'll need it. Getting tropical infections/lurgy in a remote jungle is no laughing matter. Take some. It will help save your leg from amputation.

9. Toothpaste and toothbrush. Teeth are the route to health. Ya got to keep them clean. Make sure to take both on your travels. You should make new friends quickly that way.

10. Money. Yes you'll have some in your pocket but keep some/a little in your bag too. You're then covered if you a) get mugged, b) drunkenly dive in the water fully clothed, c) have to run naked from the scene when a spouse comes home to find you in their bed!

11. T-shirts. If you're traveling you'll need t-shirts. Light, quick and easy. Suitable for all sorts of events. Take 3 with you and Wash in rotation. Job done.

12. Shorts. Take your pick from board shorts, swim shorts, bun huggers, athletic shorts, spandex shorts, walking shorts. Basically whatever you feel comfortable in. You'll need them.

13. A hat. A hat protects you from the sun. The sun is hot. It can burn skin. It stops you dehydrating. If in doubt wear a hat.

14. A compass. When lost in foreign lands a compass can help. I know it's old fashioned. But if you don't have GPS or a phone it's a life saver.

15. A language phrase book. You will be able to communicate with the locals. It will stop you saying the wrong thing and getting into a fight. Also handy when trying to eat something that won't make you ill.

Alex Haigh is a surf clothing designer and reporter. He covers the latest fashion trends from Animal backpacks to board shorts and more. Keep up to date with his latest reviews at the Havaiana flip flops video blog.


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Chongyang-sa Temple

I visited the Joy Farm again for the third time. We sow the pepper plant at a new plot. This time they aimed at double the amount of last year which was 2,000 plants. I am glad that I could help them even though my back was killing me.


I stayed there only 5 days this time because I had to return to Santisuk to celebrate Ratana's 100 day party.
They had another friend helping them when I was there but I totally forgot his name. Korean name is pretty hard to remember..haha or maybe I'm getting older?

Joy sent me and the ahjusshi to visit a nearby temple called Chongyang-sa Temple. It was about 1 hour drive from Bonghwa. The view was amazing and weather was cool. Nothing over the top, just nice. However, as expected this temple was situated on top of a hill; a pretty steep road ahead of us. Aigoo..I hate hiking but the ahjusshi really love hiking so I had to suffer for a while. He laughed at me all the way up to the temple.

 Chongyang-sa information.

Aigoo..my back!!
Water from the earth, good for health
and full with minerals.

It was drizzling when we arrived, so the sky was still
cloudy.

Could you see that steep staircase? Good for that ahjusshi
but not for me T_T

This ahjushhi has been to many Asian countries 
when he was younger. I love hearing his stories 
eventhough he couldn't speak any English. Arghh..
I really want to be fluent in Korean faster!!

The temple view from above.

Hmm..I don't know whether a bell is a must or not at 
a temple in Korea. Why there were a lot of bells all around Korea? 
A Korean friend told me that during thekingdom period, 
the bell was used for the commoners. The King wanted the 
commoners to request help directly from King by hitting the bell. 

 

I  was here around 15th May and the Buddha's 
Birthday celebration was coming on May 21st; 
hence the lantern. The date changes every year
based on lunar calendar.

A small Buddha statue

Pine

Flowers around the temple



We thought of visiting a korean painter here but the
house was locked and we just wandered around
the house.

The gate keeper. Spooky..

A locked rest room



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I'm very sad over Park Yong Ha

Today is a very sad day.
One of my favourite Korean actors passed away.
R.I.P Park Yong Ha



I cried over his death just as how his best friend's So Ji Sob cried.
I just couldn't understand and so confused how a person could take one's own life.
I'm so angry and so sad inside.
....

I am crying with So Ji Sob

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