Mulloskeys Adventures Abroad

This is one is a bit overdue as well but we want to get them all off before we come home…

After some sad goodbyes, Erin and I found ourself with some more time on our own to explore areas of the city we hadn’t been to before. It so happened that fall here seems to last longer in that the temperatures are consistent and the changing leaves stay on the trees for much longer. For 5 solid weekends we had gorgeous weather and we made the most of it. Our adventures start back at an old favourite Geyongbukgung Palace. With the trees, sun and wind it was more spectacular than ever. We showed up right as the changing of the guard ceremony was taking place.

Inside we went to a little garden spot which was alive with colour and scenery. Here old ladies were picking up some sort of cherry-like fruit that had fallen from this tree. I decided not to eat one just in case these were for a special poison used to keep rats away and the ladies preferred homemade recipes to store bought poison – hey, you never know.

We frolicked on to this charming gazebo around a little pond. We walked and talked and exchanged romantic subtleties. It was so beautiful – and girls like that kinda stuff.

After the palace we wandered around Samcheong-dong. It is an old area of town that has become a trendy artsy district. I love how creative Koreans are with space. Cool little museum cafes and gallery bistros were nestled in, on, and around one another in every direction. The setting sun, crisp air and falling golden yellow leaves added to the ambiance.

(Photos lost due to computer crash of Dec07)

At he end of the street we are halted by some serious looking police officers A mysteriously hidden yet heavily guarded gate opens to let out a police escorted motorcade. We suspected we might be near government residences. We decided to veer left and walk along the perimeter. Soon we found ourselves at the main gate of the “Blue House” – where the president lives. It was an impressive compound flanked by beautiful mountains.

(Photos lost due to computer crash of Dec07)

The best part of the day was the street leading away from (or into depending on your direction) the main gates. They were covered with the falling yellow leaves from ginko trees (gorgeous fan-shaped leaves). It seems that nature functions here much like the Koreans do – with precision clockwork. The entire tree was shedding its leaves that day. Even the slightest gust would send hundreds of leaves fluttering to the ground. This is where Erin and I’s inner child came out to play. We starting taking piles of leaves in our hands and tossing them in the air letting them rain back down upon us. Then we started taking pictures.

(Photos lost due to computer crash of Dec07)

But that wasn’t the best part. As we laughed and giggled we couldn’t help but notice the groups of locals and and Chinese tourists walking by us and looking disturbed by our behaviour. We ignored it and kept on having our fun. After about 15 minutes we put the camera away and started to walk on. Here is the best part…. As we walked we found about 15 different groups of old ladies who had stated to do exactly what we did. Some would sit on the ground and let 3 other old ladies pick up piles of leaves and throw them in the air. All were taking pictures. More importantly, and amazingly, all were laughing and giggling, just like we were, as if they were 10 years old again and inhibition-free. We were all kids on that walk and it was my favourite moment in a long time.

(Photos lost due to computer crash of Dec07 – Thanks to religious backing up we only lost 1% of stuff including these pics – THANKS ERIN!)