Now I'm in a Whole New World . . .

This weekend I didn't do a lot, kind of just relaxed, talked with a lot of family and friends and enjoyed being a bit lazy.

Monday was different though!  I had the day off, so I decided to go climb a mountain!  I trecked across the city of Seoul, riding the metro for nearly 2 hours to reach my destination: Mt. Dobongsan. 

I had decided to try and take a less used path, but upon entering a busy, hiking store filled area right before an entrance, realized this quest had failed.  Luckily, it did not matter much as there were tons of trails to choose from at the main entrance as well.  I had just been hoping to avoid the crowds.

A super sweet ranger at the entrance helped me out by picking a trail and telling me how to get there (he spoke excellent English and was quite the joker!), after which I was on my way!

The climb in the first quarter was not too steep, but enjoyable, cool, some crowds so I knew I was on the right path, but not crowded per say.  There were a lot of steps, and so I didn't mind taking breaks for lunch or to enjoy the view in order to rest my poor legs.  About half way up, the true climb began!  Rock formations became the path instead of dirt and gravel- which was rather tricky, difficult and scarey at times honestly.  I don't think I have the right kind of shoes, and since I was alone, it made me nervous during the steeper parts as well.  But once I would reach a point where the trees parted, I couldn't help but feel in awe!  The view was simply amazing! 

But I felt I had to be really careful, as standing on a rounded rock to take pictures caused me to feel some vertigo at one or two points!

The final portion of the climb was the most difficult.  All I had to climb on were slanted rock faces with some gaps to use to step up on.  There were ropes tied to poles inserted into the ground to help me up, so I was extremelly grateful for those, as at this point my legs were hurting, weak and my energy dwindeling.  Once past the rock area, I only had another 5 minutes to the overlook of the valley.  And what a site! 
Beautiful green trees as far as I could see, two amazing Buddhist monasteries across the valley on the other side of the hill, some tree tops just starting to show touches of orange and red.  I was blissfully happy, and content to just sit there for a few minutes. 

I felt so blessed, as there was a man who spoke some English, greeted me kindly upon arrival, and graciously took some photos of me.  Since I really wanted a photo of me in front of this valley, I couldn't have been more grateful!  He even yelled me for standing to straight, and told me to not look so serious.  So, I put my hand on hip, lol,  He said that was a little better.                                            

While taking some photos of the scenery, another Korean man walked up to me and offered me a slice of apple!  It was purely random, but felt great knowing that people can be so kind to pure strangers. 

I enjoyed the moment for a little longer before beginning the dangerous hike down.  Here's where it got tricky and a little scarey honestly.  I was tired, I'd just spent the last 2 hours hiking up the side of a mountain, and my legs especially were exhausted. 
I slowly climbed back down the sleek face of the rocks, struggling to not lose balance on the loose gravel, and clinging to trees, rocks and handrails during the most difficult parts. 

 

At one or two points I slide on the loose gravel and had to catch myself with my kneese or hands, looking rather silly I'd imagine.  Folks were nice and I'm assuming asking if I was okay in Korean- to which I'd respond with a small smile feeling embarrassed.  After a long hike down this mountain, I finally reached the end!  There was a Buddhist monastery there too, with a gift shop on the outside (kind of tourist, I know).  I stopped in none-the-less, and bought a few things: a ceramic elephant for my grandma (she loves elephants), incense for my friend Jacqui, some Buddhist prayer beads (I want to have something to remember the religion by one day), and a cloth about the size of an individual table setting with a flower and Korean writing on it.  I hung this on my wall for decoration, as my walls seriously needed something! 

Surprisingly, my legs aren't hating me today.  I was up on that mountain for about 3 hours, but generally, I just feel a tightness in my legs and not much else.  This is a good sign I guess, lol, I was just expecting something much worse!

Alright, that's enough rambling about my day.

Love,

Rita

P.S.- This hikes soundtrack was Disney Greatest Hits, Volume 1.  xD