Traveling is an eye opener, a heart changer, and a mind expander. Personal contact and in-person experiences with another place, peoples, and culture brings new thinking and changes perceptions and beliefs.
It is one thing to read about a people or see pictures or even videos or documentaries... these are all good and better than total ignorance. However, once you are feet dry in a place, meet the people, and experience all the sights, sounds, smells, and especially the tastes of another location, another people, culture or nation then you can really begin to get the personal insight and deep, in-depth knowledge of someone else's beliefs and culture.
This has been a wonderful, mind-opening trip for me. It has confirmed many of my beliefs, but my opinions and prejudices have been changed in a profound way.
I carried deep, dark delusions about Japan because of my readings on Korean and Japanese history. The two nations have been entwined for centuries and the most recent century of relations have been dangerous and demeaning for the Korean peoples. But, the war ended in 1945 and much has changed. Our walks down Tokyo streets were truly an overload for the senses. There is so much traffic, but it all moves orderly and without too many disruptions. There are vending machines on nearly every corner offering many items. Not one was vandalized. There are so many other small things that point toward a wonderful people who are respectful, honorable, courteous, educated, and truly decent. Not once did I see personal conflict, nor experience personal affronts, and I did not feel I was judged or discriminated against in any way. Japan is a country I could live in and be very comfortable and even satisfied. If only I knew the language!
So it was a wonderful week in Japan, ensconced in the comfort and convenience of the The New Sanno in the heart of Tokyo. We got to see the full, broad picture of modern Japan... from it's the historical beginning of the modern era with the Meiji Shrine, to the end result in the Ginza, to the pride-inspiring Tokyo Tower, to the frenetic pace of crowded shopping areas and malls, to the innumerable small shops that offer almost anything, and of course the wonderful people at every turn.
My thinking and perceptions and even some long-held beliefs have been significantly changed in a good way. And, that is the real purpose of travel.
We started out each day with a sumptuous buffet. They reopened the nice restaurant after some remodeling and updating. As usual, the Japanese did it to near perfection and the result was a cozy and elegant little restaurant that was a perfect place for a little repose and restoration.
Saturday was a "free day", and we decided to just walk around the local neighborhoods near the New Sanno. It was also a rainy day, with a light drizzle most of the day which was a nice metaphorical way of saying good bye to a land and a people I had come to admire, like and respect in such a short time. The neighborhoods are neat, clean and comfortable. We did not see one area that would produce any kind of regret or revulsion. Just admiration and awe!
Here is my darling in a small shopping area with KFC!!! What is amazing is that there are very few trash cans anywhere, but there is no trash on the paths, almost zip, nada! The Japanese are truly focused on cleanliness and perfection.
Another view of a rainy street with the clean, orderly presentation.
Every neighborhood seems to have some kind of temple/shrine. The deep religiosity and spirituality of the people via Shintoism and Buddhism with the emphasis on personal perfection, community harmony, and national unity is apparent everywhere.
We went to the neighborhood park. In the middle of most neighborhoods, there seems to be a small piece of Mother Nature preserved so the people can escape the rush, hustle, and bustle of everyday life. This little park was free access but it was impressive. There was a nice pond filled with carp and a few koi, walkways that quietly meandered through tall trees and quiet woods. There was even a series of waterfalls and a traditional arched Japanese bridge. A delightful quiet getaway just blocks from the maddening crowds.
This gorgeous snail was making its way over the bridge. The rains didn't seem to slow her down one bit. The nice spiral and colors were special delight.
We stopped at a little noodle shop for a quick bite. It was a delicious, aromatic bowl of miso soup based noodles. Sumptuous and filling and not too expensive.
Sunday morning and it was time to say good-bye. Our guide, Yuricka is a devoted, professional wonder. She happily showed up to make sure we were all ready, escorted us to the busses to Narita airport, and made us feel comfortable and secure about the process. The hotel staff was always helpful and courteous.
This is the N A R I T A sign at the airport. It's a busy place with take-offs and landings every few minutes. Yet, all seemed to run smoothly and efficiently... of course, it's Japan!!!
My Darling relaxing on the two-hour flight from Narita to Incheon airport. The Bose noise canceling headphones are a true wonder and worth every penny. They cut out most of the background noise and cancel miraculously the jet noise, even though we got seated just behind the wing, near the engines. We flew on Korean Air, which combined passengers from Delta flights and Japan Air Lines flights because they all are in one big cooperative group. They gave us a small meal which was most helpful for the upcoming travails. My beautiful Sweetheart notices many things. She noted how each stewardess was near perfection in dress and appearance. Again, this is the norm on Korean Airlines and Japan Airlines. They stewardess selection process is highly selective.
It was a rainy arrival at Incheon Airport. It was again an accurate metaphor for my inner feelings. I was both ecstatic to be back in Korea while being besieged by a flood of memories both very happy and very, very sad. The inner floods of emotions with their competing demands for attention and expression were difficult and the sky did the crying and sighing for me.
Here is a link to the interesting, brief history of this fabulous airport.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheon_International_Airport
On our way to immigration. There was a large crowd and we were just another two travelers in the huge mass of humanity... it's so easy to become lost in the crowd
We met this nice greeter at our luggage pick up. Didn't seem to serve any real, practical purpose other than to greet us and show us the tech aspect of Korea.
We were supposed to meet our greeters at Gate 5, which didn't work out exactly, but it was ok. We got to meet some new tour participants. We were 13 in Tokyo, four left after the Japan portion. We are supposed to get 12 more for the Seoul portion.
The horrendous traffic on the hour and a half drive from the airport to Dragon Hill Lodge.
Here we are the lobby waiting to check in. Dragon Hill Lodge is old now, first opening in 1991. It still looks good and welcoming. It is facing major stresses now, since U. S. Forces Korea and the Eighth Army has moved most of their functions and activities to Camp Humphreys in Pyongtek, about 75 miles south. This was both a strategic move... to move the main Yongsan Army garrison out of the middle of a major city and tactical in that this move gets the forces out of range of most North Korean artillery and field guns. Their missiles are still a threat but it was the thousands of artillery pieces that was the most immediate tactical threat. So, now the Dragon Hill lodge will have to find new venues and avenues to sustain operations. In a small way, this retiree program could help in its financial survival. Life changes and all must adapt, the basic rule of life.
The lobby is well maintained and is sparkling is all the bright marble. Still impressive after all these years!
My Beautiful Girl in front of the nice garden in the back, with a very well maintained Korean style garden and waterfalls.
A nice map of Seoul with key areas highlighted and, if you expand the picture you can see that Dragon Hill lodge is right in the middle of the city!
The entrance is guarded by the two haitai, the traditional guardian dogs of ancient lore. My Darling is well guarded and safe always!
A closer look at the city map!
A daylight exterior shot of DHL.
A brief shot of the World Bank here in Seoul.
The Shinshige department store is the "Macys" of Korea, a super large conglomerate in the world of the Chaebols... the Korean super companies.
A brief look at the high rises... more and more growth and expansion upwards due to the limited land and space. Seoul has over 27 million people living here within 25 kilometers of the city center... over half of South Korea's population of 53 million people live here... truly crowded and condensed society with all of the tantamount problems, issues, and challenges.
My Sweetheart in front of the Main Gate to the King's Palace, now guarded by ceremonial guards dressed in ancient, traditional garb. The changing of the guards was instituted for the '88 Olympics as a tourist attraction and now is so popular that it is done every hour for the millions of tourists.
Many come dressed in the traditional way, called HANBOK, and is to the Koreans what the kimono is to the Japanese and Levis are to cowboys!
The traditional military band accompanying the changing of the guards in the main courtyard just past the main gate. There are three gates, each with a specific purpose.
Back view of the main gate, which were rebuilt after the Korean war, juxtaposed against the Korean equivilent of their State Department building in the background.
The second gate, a bit smaller and more restrictive, showing the distinctive Korean blend of architectural styles. Note the white roofline across the top of the gate and most buildings.
The colors used to paint the buildings and gates come from a specific code and each color has a significance for the people in their almagamation of Confucianism, Buddhism, Shamanism, and, recently, Christianity.
A view of the colorful roofline and eaves of the roofs.
My Love in front of the Main Hall of the King, where the major meetings, affairs of state, and other functions were conducted by the Kings.
The 5 tier pagoda in the adjacent Museum of Koran history.
The King's Throne with all of the symbolism and grandeur of the King of Korea.
The King's main banquet building, surrounded by a moat, accessed by a narrow bridge.
My darling taking a short break during the long walks around the palace grounds
The roof of the King's bedroom... nice, eh?
A group of middle schoolers on a field trip to the palace... they had their scavenger hunt papers too!
My Sweetheart and a pair of young Korean lovebirds!
Two young ladies wearing nice Hanboks...
My darling showing the "love" sign with two lucky girls.
A closeup view of the 5 tier pagoda
We're at one of the exits from the palace grounds,
Then we went to Insadong, a traditional marketplace filled with antique shops and not so antique things for sale. We are totally amazed at the cluttered chaos of the whole district...
We spent a few hours browsing and window shopping. The prices are steep, and so we held off buying things because we will be going to the much cheaper peoples market of Nam Daemun on Tuesday.
This is the N Seoul Tower, which we will get to visit this week, can be seen from nearly anywhere around Seoul
After we came back to DHL, we went for a short visit to Itaewon, the red light and shopping district next to Yongsan Army Base. This serviced the thousands of soldiers through the years who were stationed here at Yongsan main post... it still looks very trashy and a "camp town" atmosphere is still prevalent and unfortunately lowers the perception of Korea for many visitors.
On the main street, lined with shop after shop of different goods and products.
We had a nice dinner at a Bar B Que house off the main drag. Good taste, high cost for anywhere, but it was the experience we were after!
A dinner well managed and eaten!
A sample of some of the dinner offerings in one of the many restaurants
A poignant photo that is a memorial to the thousands of Korean "comfort woman" who were taken by the Japanese during WWII and before to "serve" the Japanese soldiers. This is still a very caustic wound for many Koreans in regards to Japan and their brutal treatment of Korea and Koran people.
Finally, we're headed "home" to DHL, down this walk back into the sparkling memories of my duty time here in Korea, back into the searing memories of what I'd lost and back into the warm love of my God, my Sweetheart, and our future.
So, that brings up to date, so far... a Wonderful, lovely trip to Japan, a mind-stirring trip back to Korea, and now many new memories await us. Tuesday we go to Nam Daemun, the peoples market with thousands of shops and millions of things to buy!
I'll try to stay up to date and keep you up to speed now that we're settled into our temporary home for the next 9 day!
God bless you, keep you in His Love, Mercy, and Grace. May his blessings fill your lives and your spirits,
with much love to you all,
Casey
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