"We're almost there. It's just a little bit farther. I think this is the way." So said Alice E. Approximately 2 and 1/2 hours, 6 sore feet, 1 really sore ankle, 6 aching thighs, and 3 hot bodies later, there we were, on the top of a mountain (Angsan) peak, overlooking the city of Seoul. Beautiful! Worth the hike.The amazing thing - it sits right in the middle of the city - and right out the Engstrom's back door.
Bullet (KTX) train station
John and Alice Engstrom's home at the Seoul Foreign School
Our mountain walk
Alice and Mary along mountain stream
Thank goodness for water along the way!
Seoul skyline from top of Angsan Mountain
Fire signal station set up centuries ago for protection
When you go up you have to go down.
More water! Thank goodness.
Prayer rock pile - Common throughout the mountains
Exhausted, we took an alternate route back down the mountain, landed at a beautiful old Buddhist temple (Bongwasna), meandered, took pictures, hobbled home, went to church, and then into the city once again to eat "Mexican" and celebrate the birthdays of Douglas M. and belatedly, Alice E. After a terrific Mexican meal with no added kimchi, we headed home and dragged ourselves to bed. A great day!
Prayer Drum in temple
Temple ceiling
Home of 5000+ golden Buddhas
For a small fee you can have one made for you.
Hall of the 5000+ Buddhas
Centuries old clay Buddha
Old temple, note rice sacrifices on floor.
Ancient Buddhist symbol
These large unusual figures line the walkway entering the temple grounds. What are they? Your guess is as good as ours. These are a few of our favorites.
On the way to Doug's and Alice's birthday dinner. Crowds waiting to cross the street near Seoul Foreign School.
BEAUTIFUL photos! I love the shots of the city from the top of your hike. And that stream in the city on your next post is stunning. Thank you for sharing your experiences here! I'll have to show Mr. E what you've been up to this week when he and Chris return from Brookings. :D
ReplyDelete