Pictures

I updated the post below with pictures from class. In this post I will also be posting several pictures.These all come from the Festival in Haenam. There, as I believe I previously mentioned, I mostly wandered around with Nadin, Mariana and Hue (Hill?) observing things with no real understanding of the context or significance of what I was seeing. Still I had fun. There were some events that I didn't or couldn't take pictures of. Perhaps if I find these pictures I will upload them here. Though I think it would be better if those pictures were never shown...

An unimpressive look at one side of the festival grounds. Each tent contained a local displaying hand made goods or a "service" (like playing a game or making an urn) that customers could pay money to try.

As the trip winded down Mariana and Nadin decided to try some exercising.  Of course I didn't do anything that would make me look as ridiculous. Honestly. And there's no photo to prove it either. Really.

Some kids playing a game. I'm not sure of the name or the rules. Just behind where this photo was taken a riding bull "game" was set up which I also didn't participate in. Honestly.

A scenic shot that I thought was nice.

A child making an urn in one of the previously photographed tents.

Kites. I think the one with the tentacles is supposed to be an octopus or squid. I'm not sure what the meaning is.

An old man encased in gold. I'll get back to you on what the engraving he's sitting on says.

A turtle impaled by a column engraved with wisdom.

Some people wearing hats and others wearing headbands. Again, I'm not sure of the significance. I really should have asked about that.

More people with headbands.

More people with hats.

A horse's Ass! Lovely.

The people with hats and without hats reconcile on the stair case. They pose for a picture yet not one smiles

An artist working on his craft. I didn't get his name, but his work was beautiful.

A statue of a dog. He's not looking forward so it's different from that one in Japan. But again, I'm unfamiliar with the significance.

Another scenic shot. I wanted to get a closer shot of the statue of the man holding the sword but he was farther away then I was able to travel.

This curious sight is actually pretty common in Korea. And by common I mean in historical landmarks and events. The rhythm of the drums is pretty catchy and the multicolored wigs are eye-catching.

Wheng Wei and his girlfriend Zhang Xing. Things are... well, I'll say no more. The beauty of photos is that they can capture a moment in a time that is now lost.

Some of the many models lining the bridge that connected the two sites of the festival.

Dutiful soldiers keeping an eye out for an attack by sea.

I... can't take a good photo for the life of me.

I mean seriously, why is my head cocked to the side. Awful. Anyways, these were some of the friendliest Korean people I've met since I arrived. I didn't get their name or their occupation but I thank them nonetheless.

My Mongolian Friend whose name I don't remember. Sorry about that. We played basketball several times and he was disappointed with my lack of skills.

Nadin wearing a Korean apron.

Nadin joined by Mariana also donning an Apron.

Hi Yui In (Jin Ye Un), Qing Yi Liu (Yu Chong Hi) and (Yang Ryo Gun). The name in parantheses is each of the girl's Korean name while the other name is their given Chinese name (or my best interpretation of it). They were my class mates. Very amusing girls.

It wouldn't be a festival without a parade, right?

Right?

RIGHT!? Apparently, the purpose of this parade was to reenact the funeral of someone. I'm not sure who the deceased was supposed to be.

Lin Min (Anna). Really nice girl. You may remember her from my original post.

Hue (Hill?). A Vietnamese student from Chonam University who joined our traveling party. His introduction was strange as he immediately approached me and asked if I would join him in the bathroom. I refused. But he continued to follow me throughout the trip. He seemed harmless enough if a little nondescript (which coming from me is saying a lot.) Still, I liked him and Nadin and Mariana seemed to like him, so I appreciated his company.

Dinara and Sanagul. Two Girls from Kazakhstan. And "Jane", a girl from Russia. At first I wanted just a picture of the girls but "Jane" insisted, that if I was going to take a picture with my camera I should be in the picture as well. I assume she figured I had indecent plans for the picture but I'm just not a photogenic person (as this picture clearly indicates). Still if that's the price to pay to offer them peace of mind, I guess I'll pay it. It should also be noted that "Jane" is not her real name but although I do know her real name I won't share it as I assume there was a reason she didn't tell me her real name when we met.

Cheng Chang Xu, aka Xiao Pang aka Lucas doing his best Zoolander impression.

A diaorama? This was in a museum. There was no guide so the details of each artifact/scene had to be figured out by each patron. Or fabricated, for those with active imaginations.

A mannequin of the Korean man responsible for the modern Korean language. Probably.

I believe I took this picture in the hopes that by the time I return to America I would be able to read and understand it. Little did I know that it would be too blurry to be legible. Shame...

A little house. Immaculately build to shelter ants.

Another diorama?

A blurry diorama?

An architecture blue-print. I thought this was interesting given my roommate and classmates major in Architecture. I figured I could share it with them and get their take on classic vs. modern architecture.

My Japanese friend's Izumi and Sae. I'm a little ashamed to say I can't say much about them. They were introduced to me by Nadin and we talked once and that's about it. I really should get to know them better they were really nice. Not to mention since I'll be going to Japan soon it would nice to get some cautionary tips before I go.

My roommate Jin Tie. He's doing well these days. A little obsessive when it comes to video games, but still fun to live with.

Liang xu Ming (on the right) and my Taiwanese next door neighbor (whose name I forgot how to pronounce). Liang Xu Ming is probably the Chinese student I'm "closest" to. He's just been really friendly to me and I try to return the favor. We study together in class and tend to eat together once class is finished. Watching him eat is... an experience. When I was younger my uncle used to order me food like Pizza and stuff just to watch me eat it. I never understood the appeal until I watch Liang Xu Ming eat. It's... I don't know how to describe it. No wasted movements, just earnest respect for the food coupled with a desire to chow down.

A dog. Some people find them cute. I am not one of those people.

Our meal. Rice. Kimchee. Fish. Plus some assorted side dishes.

Our Motel. It says "Prince Sight-Seeing Motel."

The other side of the motel.

Our breakfast. I was angry when the Chinese students pulled me away before I could finish.

Hong Kong Students: Xiao Lon (Che Jin Yong), Cham Yu Yuk (Jin Yu Ok) and Winglee Lai (Yo Yong Oi). They are rarely apart. They also have permanent smiles on their faces which can be endearing or annoying depending on your point of view.

A perfect picture of the green tea farm ruined by yours truly.

A better shot of the green tea farm and the mountain that serves as its backdrop.