tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31296528211114915902024-03-13T23:38:43.384-05:00The Geography LadyTravels and Whatever else strikes my fancyThe Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-19514501296489318662016-03-17T18:10:00.001-05:002016-03-17T18:10:06.784-05:00Granada and the AlhambraWe slept in this morning! At 10 we met in the hotel lobby, and headed up to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra">Alhambra</a>. The complex is perched on a hill overlooking the town of Granada. It's quite a climb up the hill to the fortress/palace.<br />
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The place is spectacular. I'm sure its even better in the summer when all the roses are blooming and the trees have leaves. But at least it wasn't 107F today. </div>
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We started in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalife">Generalife</a>, the summer palace of the emirs built in the early 1300s. </div>
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Then through gardens full of flowers, with water brought in a 5 mi long aqueduct from the nearby mountains filling fountains, to the palace begun by Charles V, but never finished.</div>
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My favorite part was the last palace, that of the Nasrids. The plaster work is exquisite, and some of the old fresco paint remains. It must have been very colorful originally.</div>
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Isabella and Ferdinand lived here in 1492, when Columbus finally talked them into giving him money for his trip to the Indies. It was abandoned, neglected, and then destroyed by Napoleon in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsular_War">Peninsular Wars</a>. Soon afterward the people began its restoration. Many Romantic poets and writers visited and wrote about its beauty. In 1984 it became a UNESCO World Heritage site.</div>
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The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-74931003952131351152016-03-16T18:18:00.001-05:002016-03-16T18:26:26.985-05:00CordobaAnother beautiful city, with Roman ruins, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque%E2%80%93Cathedral_of_C%C3%B3rdoba">Mezquita</a>, and great food. I spent a long time in the Mosque-Cathedral. <br />
According to Wikipedia<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The [Mezquita-Catedral] was originally built by the Visigoths as the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins. When Muslims conquered Spain in 711, the church was first divided into Muslim and Christian halves. This sharing arrangement of the site lasted until 784, when the Christian half was purchased by the Emir 'Abd al-Rahman I, who then proceeded to demolish the entire structure and build the grand mosque of Cordoba on its ground.</blockquote>
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The mosque was converted to a church after the Reconquista, when a cathedral was built in the interior.<br />
We also toured a synagogue (now a museum). <br />
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There are Roman ruins from a 1st century BC temple.<br />
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And in general a beautiful city with an historic past. It is the highest navigable part of the Guadalquivir River, so the Romans chose it as the site of a fortress. They built a bridge spanning the river.<br />
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The old city walls, and some of its gates, are still standing. We walked miles through narrow streets, shopped, and ate wonderful food. Me and one of the girls managed to get lost (pretty easy in the narrow, unmarked streets) but eventually we made it back to the hotel.</div>
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It is hard for me to imagine living in a place with such a long past. Texas is so recent - Austin is less than 250 years old. Cordoba is more than 2000. </div>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-60085879949987452582016-03-16T17:24:00.001-05:002016-03-16T18:31:31.149-05:00Granada, Day 1We started out this morning visiting the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alc%C3%A1zar_de_los_Reyes_Cristianos">Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos</a>, the site of various fortresses since the time of the Visigoths. Parts of the current structure were first built on the site in 1328 by Alphonso XI. It has been renovated over the ensuing years, and only a wall, the donjon, and a tower are original to that time. Columbus met here with Queen Isabella to ask for money to finance his expedition to the Indies. It was an important site for torture during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Inquisition">Inquisition</a>.<br />
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We then took a 3 hour bus ride through miles of <a href="http://www.andalucia.com/gastronomy/oliveoil.htm">olive groves</a> up to <a href="http://www.islamicspain.tv/Islamic-Spain/index.html">Granada</a>. I slept, so there are no pictures. We checked into the hotel, went out for tapas, then took a walking tour of the <a href="http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada/albaicin.htm">Albaicin</a>. This neighborhood was the Arab quarter, established when Moors were driven out of other cities during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconquista">Reconquista</a>, when Spanish Christians retook the land from the Moors who had ruled it for 700 years, and the Jews who had lived here since long before that. Winding narrow streets, whitewashed houses, balconies, and apparently cheap housing. There are beautiful views of the Alhambra and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_(Spain)">Sierra Nevada mountains</a>, which today are still covered with their winter snow.</div>
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The rest of the group went to a Flamenco performance tonight, but I took a break. We are here 2 nights, so I took advantage to wash some clothes, write, and read my book. Tomorrow morning we are off to the <a href="http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/historicalintroduction.asp">Alhambra</a>, and later we go to an olive plantation, to learn how the oil is made. There will be a tasting, too. Another busy day I am looking forward to.</div>
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More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/94266545@N05/68P0di">here</a>. </div>
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<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-62988361194401351162016-03-14T19:16:00.001-05:002016-03-14T19:20:06.180-05:00Day Trip to Holy ToledoUp early for breakfast, a ride on the subway to the bus station, then a 45 minute bus ride to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo,_Spain">Toledo</a>. I am impressed.<br />
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Cobble stone streets, narrow alleys, city walls, cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, balconies, geraniums, olive trees. And clear, sunny skies. What more could a girl ask for?</div>
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Toledo is known as the "Imperial City" for having been the main venue of the court of Charles I, and as the "City of the Three Cultures", having been influenced by a historical co-existence of Christians, Muslims and Jews. In 1085, the city fell to Alfonso VI of Castile as the first major city in the Christian Reconquista. </blockquote>
We entered the city through the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerta_de_Bisagra_Nueva">Bisagra Gate</a>, the main entrance to the city. In 1986 UNESCO conferred <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/379">World Heritage site </a>status on Toledo because of it's historical significance.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">It began as a Roman municipality, was conquered by Visigoths, and then Muslims. It persisted as a city of three religions for centuries. It was known for translating ancient Arab, Greek, and Latin texts into common language, enabling the survival of knowledge. People from all over Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa traveled to the city to seek knowledge.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">We walked for miles down narrow alleys, through plazas, visiting cathedrals, climbing to the top of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alc%C3%A1zar_of_Toledo">Alcazar</a>. It was damaged during the Spanish Civil War, and was rebuilt. It now houses the Regional library.</span><br />
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<i>views from the Alcazar</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The city is known for marzipan, a delicious confection. We stopped and bought some at a shop. Our marzipan was made by nuns from the <a href="http://www.mazapan.com/node/4">Santo Tome </a></span><br />
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We entered the main <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo_Cathedral">cathedral</a>, which was built in high Gothic style in the 13th century. Spectacular windows, carvings, architecture.</div>
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We also saw the old Mosque, and a synagogue that was converted to a church, and is now a museum.<br />
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Tomorrow we go to Cordoba. Can't hardly wait. Spain has exceeded my expectations so far. I am looking forward to seeing more of it.</div>
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Too many pictures <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/94266545@N05/01w36U">here</a>.</div>
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-383017555363887762016-03-14T18:19:00.001-05:002016-03-14T18:34:42.508-05:00I'm in Spain!It feels so good to finally be traveling outside the US; its been awhile. I flew in to Madrid by way of Atlanta, and arrived Saturday morning. Once in Madrid I planned on taking the Metro to the hotel, which worked fine, but jeez, it was 8 miles through the airport to the Metro station. The stop, Principe Pio, is right across the street from the hotel, so I didn't have to haul luggage through the streets. I did pack light - just a carry on - so I won't be buying much.<br />
I got to the hotel about noon, checked in, and unlike other places I've been they have an elevator. Of course its the size of a tiny closet, but no dragging suitcases up 5 flights of stairs. Yeah! <br />
I went out immediately, to the palace gardens right across the street, then up around the cathedral and palace, and back to the hotel. <br />
The weather was gorgeous, so there were lots of families out walking in the gardens and playing in the park. Most were 1 child families. Also lots of lovers, very public with their affection. Outside the palace were tourists, musicians, artists, schoolgirls, and locals enjoying the sunshine.<br />
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Madrid is a relatively new city, for Europe. Although there have been settlements here for eons, it was not a place of note until the Muslims built a fortress here in the 9th century. <br />
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<i>remains of the Muslim fortress</i></div>
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Conquered by Christians in 1085, King Phillip II moved the court here in 1561, and Madrid became the political center of Spain.</div>
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Phillip V built the Royal Palace, and </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
the most important Bourbon was King Charles III of Spain, who was known as "the best mayor of Madrid". Charles III took upon himself the feat of transforming Madrid into a capital worthy of this category. He ordered the construction of sewers, street lighting, cemeteries outside the city, and many monuments (Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles Fountain), and cultural institutions (El Prado Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Royal Observatory, etc.). </blockquote>
Saturday evening a friend and I went to San Miguel Market for tapas. Yum!<br />
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Sunday morning I went to the Prado. What a privilege to see Spanish artistic heritage on display. Velazquez, Titian, El Greco, and Goya on display for me and all the world to see. No picture taking allowed, but here is a sampling of what I saw:<br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/La_reina_Isabel_de_Borb%C3%B3n_a_caballo.jpg/800px-La_reina_Isabel_de_Borb%C3%B3n_a_caballo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/La_reina_Isabel_de_Borb%C3%B3n_a_caballo.jpg/800px-La_reina_Isabel_de_Borb%C3%B3n_a_caballo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>La reina Isabel de Borbón, a caballo</i></div>
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<i>Las Meninas</i></div>
I walked back to the hotel from the museum, downhill toward the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manzanares_(river)" target="_blank">Manzanares</a> river. In the evening our group met up for the first time. Ends up one of the people used to teach at Hays, and we are all connected through friends of friends. I am looking forward to the journey.<br />
More pictures <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskwxC6PM">here.</a>The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-16618249852241222742014-06-10T15:45:00.001-05:002014-06-10T15:46:26.758-05:00BrokenWell, my dad fell. And like many other people his age (late 80s) he managed to break a bone, specifically his femur. The ball at the top of the femur snapped off, and they had to replace it. That was 10 days ago. He spent 7 days in the hospital, and then was moved to rehab. <br />
Apparently the PTs don't work weekends, so after 2 days at this place he started rehab yesterday. It's a Medicare for-profit facility...short-staffed, but except for cold eggs at breakfast he says the food has been good. The pain medication he was on at the hospital and the first day or 2 here was not agreeing with him - apparently he is like me - synthetic opiates make us crazy. So he's off those, and his brain is now functioning. <br />
I, however, am a wreck. The apartment he and mom have lived in for 25 years is 2 stories, and full of stuff. I don't see how he can manage here. So, I am trying to figure out how to tell him (or lead him to the conclusion) that they need to move. Dad's a stubborn man, and he will not like the idea of moving to an "assisted living" place. Hopefully the idea of someone else doing the house cleaning and cooking will help the idea along - I wish I had someone to do those things for me.<br />
So I have 2 weeks - that is how long the PT said it would probably take to get him going again.<br />
Keep your fingers crossed.....The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-24586710693738229582014-05-24T11:10:00.002-05:002014-05-24T11:10:52.705-05:00ColoniesThis is fascinating, and seems so ordinary at the same rime: we're screwing up our bacterial balance with soap and cosmetics.<br />
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From the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/magazine/my-no-soap-no-shampoo-bacteria-rich-hygiene-experiment.html?_r=0" target="_blank">NYT</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px;">While most microbiome studies have focused on the health implications of what’s found deep in the gut, companies like AOBiome are interested in how we can manipulate the hidden universe of organisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) teeming throughout our glands, hair follicles and epidermis. They see long-term medical possibilities in the idea of adding skin bacteria instead of vanquishing them with antibacterials — the potential to change how we diagnose and treat serious skin ailments. </span></blockquote>
It's a short read. Hopefully the research will lead to treatments for excema, diabetic wounds that won't heal, and a host of other skin problems.The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-43503875017305477672013-07-08T06:33:00.001-05:002013-07-08T06:33:34.371-05:00The 2 Koreas Hold Talks - And I Was There!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, not at the talks, but I was at the border. In fact, I was actually (briefly) in North Korea!</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/world/asia/north-korea-and-south-korea.html?_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/07/world/asia/north-korea-and-south-korea.html?_r=0">North and South Korea Hold Talks on Shuttered Plant - NYTimes.com</a>.</div>
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Kaesong is big money for N. Korea. The companies pay the country, which then pays the workers. I also found out today that the companies provide food, but not rice - the workers have to bring their own. Our guide said this was because the North doesn't want the workers to know how much better quality the South's rice is. The workers also receive 2 "moon pies" every day. Groups of 5 or 6 workers pool the pies - every day one worker gets all the pies, which are then sold on the black market. They bring in the equivalent of a month's wages.</div>
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Back in April, at the height of tensions, the plant was closed. But now the North wants money, and the workers need jobs, so the 2 sides are back at the table.</div>
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The Kaesong complex had been the centerpiece of joint projects launched when the liberal governments in Seoul introduced a period of inter-Korean rapprochement between 1998 and 2008. All those projects were suspended as relations deteriorated in the later years. The current South Korean leaders were more skeptical of North Korea, which continued to develop its nuclear weapons programs despite years of economic aid and diplomatic engagement.</blockquote>
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Their attitude was reflected in their repeated rejection of a North Korean proposal to meet in Kaesong. They insisted that both sides meet halfway, on the border.</blockquote>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-87436592866766154142013-07-05T19:07:00.001-05:002013-07-05T19:07:21.084-05:00Last Day in KoreaYesterday morning me and 2 new friends went shopping, and I got some goodies to put in the prize jar at school. That's the bucket you get to pick from when you do really well on a test. We went back to the hotel about 11:30 and got ready for our last 2 lectures and the closing ceremony and dinner.<br />
After the lectures I and 2 other participants were asked to speak with a reporter about the trip - what we learned, how we plan to use it, our favorite part, etc. The Korea Society is trying to show that this is an important program for the Korea Foundation to fund.<br />
The actual ceremony was like a graduation: several dignitaries spoke, we received "diplomas", and then we gave gifts to several of the hosts. Men had their suits on, women wore nice dresses, all very top notch.<br />
Then we had the closing dinner - the best meal yet. Cold soup, cold seafood salad, grilled shrimp, chicken, beef, and rice cooked in a piece of bamboo. More gift giving, then the microphone got passed around and we thanked our hosts. It's been a wonderful and unforgettable experience.<br />
After the ride back to the hotel several of us went to a night market, but it was a dud, so I went home and crashed.<br />
Today we are going to the DMZ, and our Korean guides can't go. Tomorrow morning, early, I leave.<br />
Thanks Korea, its been fun!<br />
<br />
the internets are slow today, so pics will have to wait.<br />
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-11254315692215300662013-07-05T00:04:00.002-05:002013-07-05T00:34:02.755-05:00Experiencing the Monsoon, and Other Joys<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5896772803788369137%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
The last day of the field trip, and we are caught in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_Monsoon" target="_blank">monsoon </a>downpours. We have been very lucky so far, as this is the rainy season but we have not had any hard rains. Until today. And my umbrella is on the bus, so I wear my hat and duck my head, and hide my camera in my purse.<br />
We are at one of the <a href="http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s17.htm" target="_blank">three jewels</a> of Korean Buddhism, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa" target="_blank">Haeinsa Temple</a>. This complex houses the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/737" target="_blank">Tripitaka Koreana</a>, 80,000 wood blocks with all the Buddhist scriptures written down. it is a UNESCO world heritage site. It rained a lot of the time we were there, but it was beautiful with the clouds and water. Very peaceful even with tourists.<br />
We had a long drive back to Seoul, and most of us slept at least some. We did stop at a rest stop along the way. There are several of these along the highways, with stores, food courts, and restrooms.<br />
In the evening we tried to go to Nandaemun, but it was pouring, so we ducked into a chicken place and ate one of the best meals I've had here. Fried chicken with a curry-sort of coating, and pickled radishes. We took a several-changes subway ride back to the hotel, and I spent the evening washing clothes in the bathroom sink. I am hoping they will dry before I have to pack; with the rain I am not sure...<br />
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-91089204939448294412013-07-04T23:28:00.000-05:002013-07-04T23:28:38.221-05:00We Get Shushed on the Subway (Twice) and Other Things<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5896409339807653873%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
This morning started with a trip to a Confucian Academy. With the rise of the Choson dynasty neo-Confucianism rose to prominence and Buddhism was actively suppressed. Becoming a Confucian scholar was a high ideal, and the way to rise in the society was through passing the exams and becoming a civil servant. Although in China anyone could sit for the exams (but you had to have the money to study) in Korea on the 4 top-ranking social classes were eligible. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Confucianism" target="_blank">Neo-Confucianism</a> emphasized ethical behavior and social order, and women's duties were relegated to the home. The higher ranking social classes were the ones who most emphasized these principles, with commoners still practicing shamanism and Buddhism.<br />
The next stop was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangdong_Folk_Village" target="_blank">Yangdong Village</a>, a 500 year old clan village. The houses and gardens are beautiful, but built on the side of a mountain, so there was lots of hiking. We were privileged to visit the home of the headman and visit with him for awhile.<br />
We left the village and headed for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daegu" target="_blank">Daegu</a>, Korea's 4th largest city. The hotel had an amazing buffet dinner for us, and then we went out for some fun. We took the subway to someplace. Apparently it is considered impolite to talk on the subway, and we were shushed by an older gentleman. Our group split up, and eventually reunited a a karaoke place. Here in Asia that means individual rooms for groups, so we had 2 rooms for our large group. We sang for an hour, and our group headed home on the subway about 11 pm. And we got shushed again! <br />
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-64764362413931831232013-07-02T09:29:00.002-05:002013-07-02T09:29:54.526-05:00The Field Trip<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5895652619039640769%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
So we left Seoul Sunday morning for parts south. Our first stop was the royal tomb of King Sejong. This guy was apparently a genius - he invented an new alphabet, music, and all kinds of things. The day was hot and humid, no breeze, and very sunny. We tried to find shade wherever we went, but still I was drenched all day.We did a lot of driving, and although some was in the mountains, in all the valleys there is subsistence agriculture. Just like I remember from my last visit - every piece of land larger than a postage stamp is cultivated. Peppers, squash, lettuces and greens, onions, garlic, and of course large, flooded fields of rice.<br />
After lunch we drove to the Jikji Print Museum. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jikji" target="_blank">Jikji</a> is the oldest piece of text printed with movable metal type. We saw how the type was created, and then made paper and bound a book.<br />
After dinner several of us went out to explore the nightlife of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheongju" target="_blank">Cheongju</a>. We wandered the streets for awhile, then talked with and followed a Korean couple to a nice little pub. It wasn't as exciting as Seoul, but we had a good time.<br />
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Day 2<br />
The whole day consisted of temples, tombs, and shrines. We started with the birth of the first Silla king - a flying horse laid an egg by a well, and the boy king was born. We visited a tomb complex, and entered through the gate that separates the material from the spiritual world. <br />
After more food, we drove to the <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264260" target="_blank">Seokguram Grotto</a>. We walked along a beautiful, cool, shaded path to the man-made cave, which was built in 700s by the Silla kings. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seokguram" target="_blank">Buddha</a> within the grotto is 3.5 m high, and sits on a pedestal of lotus flower that is 1.3 m tall. The grotto is part of the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/736" target="_blank">Bulguk-sa</a> Temple, which overlooks the East Sea.<br />
Our last stop of the day was another burial mound, guarded by statuary that include to requisite 2 soldiers and 2 civilians. <br />
After dinner we checked into the nicest hotel so far - I have a balcony that looks out on the lake. <br />
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Day 3<br />
We started out this morning with a visit to a steel mill. Korea's president in the 1960s really wanted to develop industry, so <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-korea/gyeongsangbuk-do/pohang" target="_blank">Pohang</a> was picked as a site to build steel mills. Korea doesn't have the iron ore or coal to fuel the mills, so they are imported from Australia, China, and other places. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/POSCO" target="_blank">POSCO</a> plant was built, and opened in the early 70s. Due to the current plague of industrial espionage we couldn't take pictures in the plant, but we got to walk through a rolling mill - the heat from the hot steel was incredible. I think this was the most fascinating thing I've seen here - watching a slab of almost molten steel go from 25 cm thick to 1.25 mm in just a couple minutes. This steel will be used in home appliances, etc.<br />
For lunch we stopped somewhere and had an "International Buffet." Chinese, Japanese sushi, Korean, pizza - plus a bottle of Argentinian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempranillo" target="_blank">tempranillo</a>. <br />
More museuming after lunch -the <a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=268141" target="_blank">Kyungju National Museum</a>, where we saw many pieces from the Silla period of Korea. This city was the capital of the <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=996479" target="_blank">Silla kingdom</a>, which lasted 1000 years.<br />
We then visited 2 Silla sites nearby - the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonmachong" target="_blank">Flying Horse tomb</a>, and the <a href="http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/koreasouth/gyeongju/bunhwangsa.php" target="_blank">Bun Hwang Sa</a> temple. You'll have to look at the links to find out about these sites.<br />
After sitting on the floor for dinner, we had a 2 hour lesson-planning session, so that's all for now.<br />
안녕히 계십시오!<br />
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-35665118691457580652013-07-01T09:15:00.001-05:002013-07-01T09:15:24.826-05:004 Lectures, the Museum, plus Dinner and a Show<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5894907606277327281%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
So we went back to the <a href="http://www.korea.edu/" target="_blank">university</a> today to set through four more lectures. Today we learned about democratization, especially the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Democracy_Movement" target="_blank">June Movement</a>, as well as Korean art, cinema, and a lively lecture by Dr. Mark Peterson of BYU on Korean history. I really learned a lot during the political science lesson, and understand much better how Korean politics are influenced by their past. They are in much the same boat as the US in some ways, suffering from "political nostalgia." The current president is the daughter of a former dictator, kind of like the longing in the US for Reagan, of <a href="http://www.brown.edu/Research/Understanding_the_Iran_Contra_Affair/" target="_blank">Iran-Contra</a> fame.<br />
Lunch was at the university cafeteria, but they had it set out for us so we didn't get to choose. The fish were tasty, the rice fine, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi" target="_blank">kimchi </a>was kimchi. The cafeteria had inspirational quotes on the wall having to do with good health, but mostly about having nice-looking skin. Kinda weird. But I have to say, the older people have aged well.<br />
After the lectures we visited the National Museum. I have been there before, so after a quick tour I wandered around outside. There was a beautiful lake and pagoda, plus a giant patio where people played. The gift shop was had nice treasures, but was pricey.<br />
The evening was taken up with dinner at a vegetarian restaurant, and a show, Several women performed traditional dances in period dress. It was very different from anything I've seen - lots of arm/hand gestures, and long flowing sleeves that got waved around. By the time it was over I was beat, and glad to head back to the hotel to sleep.<br />
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-84990395125763669382013-06-28T17:53:00.001-05:002013-06-28T19:45:45.460-05:00Day 2, We Visit a School<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5894515903414590481%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
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So its our second day here, and after breakfast at the hotel we get on a bus to go to Korea University for our first 3 lectures. The university is in a beautiful park-like setting, and we have to hike awhile to get to our building. We have been warned that Korean lecturers are not like those in the US - they are not animated, they read from scripts, may be hard to understand, etc. But ours are great. The first is a woman who explains Hanguel, the Korean alphabet, to us. I follow for awhile, but she loses me when explaining the consonant sounds. I am trying to get my computer connected to the internet, and although my iPhone logged on just fine, my laptop won't. One of the young girls who is a Korean Society employee and is helping us, notices that I am having trouble and brings over a young Korean University guy who messes with the settings on my computer and fixes everything. So now I can look up some of what the lecturers are talking about.<br />
The second lecture was Korean economics from Park's coup in the 60s up to the present. I had forgotten that the current president is Park's daughter. We learn about the move from agricultural, primary economic activities to Korea's inclusion in the <a href="http://www.switzerland-ge.com/fr/filefield-private/files/44034/field_blog_public_files/11032">20-50 club</a> in 2012: $20,000 per capita GDP and 50 million population. Only 7 countries worldwide have attained this status. The lecturer also talks about the demographic decline, and how some municipalities are paying couples for a third child. The push for the top has left Korea without enough people to do the dirty/dangerous jobs.<br />
The third lecture is on Korean education. The woman introduces the lecture with a 15 minute video, then we ask questions and she talks about the Korean system. There is so much stress on the students, many of whom go to school for 15 hours every day. They have school, plus after-school study schools and private tutoring, because they want to gain entry into one of the 3 top universities. If they don't, it will bring shame upon their family. <br />
We eat lunch at the university, a delicious buffet. I remember my Korean manners, and when the professor we are sitting with pours us all a little wine for the toast, I pour his - it is rude to fill your own glass here. Dr. ___ is very widely traveled, I find out. He is off to Peru next , and then is going to NYC and Washington, DC. He works with LDCs to help them develop the economy of their countries.<br />
Our lectures and lunch have run past the alloted time, so we hurry to the bus and drive to <a href="http://www.gyfl.hs.kr/" target="_blank">Goyang Foreign Language High School</a>, a private, Christian school where everybody studies from 7 am to 11 pm. When we arrive we are lead into the auditorium-type room, where our student guides are waiting. We listen to introductions, watch a short video, then our guides take us on a tour, and then to the room where we will teach a short lesson. <br />
Jina is the only one whose name I know and we are now fb friends. She's a junior, and studies ALL the time. Her friends said she's real smart. She lived in San Francisco for awhile, her dad was working there - he's a doctor, I think she said. Jina said school in SF was easy, she was at a gifted school, but when she came back to Korea she was far behind, and had to study all the time for 2 months to catch up.<br />
That says wonders for our system of education.....<br />
Teaching the class was fun - me and a teacher from Miami split the 30 minutes we had with them, and we all laughed the whole time. She had a Miami Heat hat, and of course I am a Spurs fan, so we started with that. The students were not any different than American kids at heart - the class clown, the smart one who knows all the answers, etc. I had a great time talking with them about Texas, and learning some about Korea. <br />
Korean students stay in one classroom all day, just like in China, and the teachers rotate through the rooms. There were no science labs.... although to be fair, the school focuses on foreign language: Spanish, English, French, Chinese. The students have a countdown going for how long it is to the state exams that determine college admissions: 132 days. All hearts and minds are focused on that. At this school students take 10 classes a day, and then spend 2 1/2 hours in the evening after supper studying in a room with 50+ students and I teacher, no questions allowed, no talking, just studying. <br />
On a side note, the girls all thought the Koreas should be reunited. We didn't have time to get into any depth, but they were passionate in their sincerity.<br />
We drove back to the hotel in evening traffic, and were going to go out, but after taking to subway trains to the "happening" area, we were too tired to do much besides eat and go home. But I know the place to be if you are a 20-something Korean single person, because they were all there.<br />
Enjoy the pics - click the little on to get the big ones. They're all from the iPhone - my bag was too full to carry my camera.<br />
<br />The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-57947308733007185002013-06-27T02:25:00.001-05:002013-06-27T02:25:54.161-05:00Walking in Seoul<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5894054006298278241%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
So we met in the hotel lobby this morning at 10 to begin our walking tour of Seoul. We took the subway to the palace, watched the changing of the guard, walked through the courtyard and to the Folk Museum. I had seen all the places in 2009, so I went to the museum gift shop and bought a couple things, then sat outside and people watched.<br />
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the area around the Blue House is pretty fancy, and we found a little place to eat Tteokdokki, a dish cooked in a little wok at your table. Very tasty.</div>
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This evening we have a formal dinner at 6, and tomorrow lectures in the morning and teaching at a school in the afternoon - busy day. </div>
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Enjoy the pics.<br />
<br /></div>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-40958777839882562512013-06-26T19:08:00.001-05:002013-06-26T19:08:34.595-05:00We Made it to Korea!So I'm here, at a Best Western Hotel in downtown Seoul. It was a very long and tiring journey involving numerous planes and lots of new friends.<br />
I started at 2:30 am Tuesday morning in Charleston, SC., where I had been visiting the grandbabies. I got to the airport at 4, and had to wait half an hour for US Airways to open the ticket counter so I could check my enormous bag. I met a man who was starting his journey home to Zimbabwe, and we talked for awhile about developing countries and the Westernization of the world. It never ceases to amaze me how much western and American culture creeps into isolated, poor places around the world. The cultures are changing so much due to the influence of TV, movies, and music - what will be left of them in another 50 years? Will everybody be the same everywhere?<br />
I eventually checked my bag through to JFK, and after waiting awhile longer we walked downstairs, out onto the tarmac, and climbed aboard a little bitty plane bound for Charlotte. Of course, no window seat for me. I tried to sleep, but it was such a short flight - 35 minutes or so. Landed in the big city, and boy - that's a big airport. I had to walk almost 20 minutes to the gate for my flight to NYC. Made it just as they were boarding, and off we went. I slept the whole flight.<br />
JFK was easy to get around, so after collecting my enormous bag I took the Airtrain to Terminal 1, checked in at the Korean Airlines desk, checked the big bag, and went to the gate. There were lots of the teachers already waiting. People from Maryland, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York. So we introduced ourselves, and talked during the 2 hour wait for our flight to board.<br />
The flight itself was uneventful - but 14 hours in the air was awfully long. I was on an emergency exit row, so I had leg room, but no window again. I managed to sleep quite a bit, but it wasn't very restful. Watched the Keira Knightley version of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, one of my fav movies. I know, it doesn't follow the book, but its so good. Interestingly, the airplane version cut the final scene of the American version - I'm not sure why.<br />
So after deplaneing, going through customs, getting bags, we find our hosts and the bus, and ride the 45 minutes into Seoul from<a href="http://www.globaltravelerusa.com/incheon-city-of-dreams/" target="_blank"> Incheon</a>. The teachers wandered around yesterday evening, and our little group found some soju and pnjun, and returned to the hotel around 10. I didn't sleep well, and found myself up in the middle of the night watching Federer flame out in the second round of Wimbledon.<br />
We are staying at a nice Best Western hotel, with wired Internet in the rooms and wireless in the lobby. It's almost time to go downa dn meet up for the walk around town. <br />
More later,<br />
remThe Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-58452245263894103572013-06-11T13:26:00.005-05:002013-06-11T13:27:46.798-05:00I Spoke too Soon<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-11/north-korea-calls-off-talks-south-korea-says.html" target="_blank">Talks</a> between the two Koreas have been called off, allegedly by the North. Meetings in Pan Mun Jom were held over the weekend in order to set the agenda for what was to be Wednesday's meeting in Seoul. But, according to reports, North Korea wanted to send low-level bureaucrats to meet with South Korea's Minister of Unification. That, of course, is unacceptable - meetings must occur between bureaucrats of the same level. So the talks are off.<br />
<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-11/north-korea-calls-off-talks-south-korea-says.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> reports that all this was a ruse, anyway:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The announcement of North Korea’s initial proposal for
talks with the South was significant, coming a day before the
Obama-Xi summit, Korea University’s Yoo said. <br />
“North Korea was trying to create a facade of eased inter-Korean tensions, hoping to relieve the pressure the U.S. and the
Chinese have been levying on Pyongyang,” Yoo said. “Instead,
Obama and Xi reinforced their aligned commitment to continue
pressuring the North, which led to Pyongyang seeing no need for
inter-Korean dialogue.” </blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/image/ibZId7oO1SWg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.bloomberg.com/image/ibZId7oO1SWg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A South Korean soldier works at a check point on the road linked to
North Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone in Paju, South Korea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-77958998500104235572013-06-08T12:24:00.000-05:002013-06-08T12:26:03.635-05:00It's Perfectly Safe - See?Just like other Fellows that will be going on the trip, many colleagues' eyes widened when I said <i>Korea</i>. They were aware of the rockets and nuclear bomb tests, and the increasing drumbeats of, if not war, then at least heightened tensions on the peninsula. But yesterday good news broke out, instead of war!<br />
The two Koreas have <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/2-koreas-to-hold-talks-sunday-in-panmunjom/1677779.html" target="_blank">agreed to talks</a> on several issues, including reopening the factories at Kaesong, inside North Korea. All of the (formerly) increasingly angry and defiant bluster from Kim Jong-un was just that - talk. Most of it seemed designed for internal consumption - <i>See? I can stand up to evil America!</i> <i>-</i> to consolidate the new leader's shaky grip on power.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaesong_Industrial_Region" target="_blank">Kaesong</a> is a complex of factories where 123 South Korean companies employ 53,000 North Korean workers. Their wages are paid directly to the DPRK government, and are its main source of foreign currency. When the new leader came to power, and North Korea ratcheted up the tension between the 2 countries, the complex was shut down by DPRK in April. Now that the government needs money, and apparently Mr. Kim has consolidated his power, there will be talks to reopen the factories.<br />
Where will these talks be held? Pan Mun Jom, of course!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pyongyang unexpectedly offered Thursday to discuss the possible
re-opening of the Kaesong industrial complex, a jointly run factory
north of the border that was shuttered in April amid heightened
tensions. It also proposed discussing the resumption of cross-border
tours to the North's Mount Kumgang resort. South Korea halted visits
there after the 2008 shooting death of a South Korean tourist by the
North's troops. (<a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/2-koreas-to-hold-talks-sunday-in-panmunjom/1677779.html" target="_blank">VOA</a>)</blockquote>
So don't worry, South Korea is a safe place to be. And it just got better.The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-34267388222099011972013-06-07T14:56:00.002-05:002013-06-09T20:56:03.990-05:00Oh The Places You'll Go!<span style="font-size: small;">On my last (and only) trip to South Korea I did not have the
opportunity to visit any of the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. We stayed in Seoul except for a one day trip
to the DMZ and Pan Mun Jom. This time I
am looking forward to seeing much more of the country. The following are a few of the sights I hope
to see.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/737/">Janggyeong
Panjeon</a> in the Temple of Haeinsa</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_0737_0001-500-375-20090909171144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_0737_0001-500-375-20090909171144.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">The temple complex here, on Mount Gaya, is home to the
Tripitaka Koreana. The Tripitaka are 80,
000 woodblocks carved in the early 13<sup>th</sup> century. They contain the most complete collection of
Buddhist texts, laws, and treaties that exist.
</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Haeinsa <i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Tripitaka</span></i> woodblocks were carved in
an appeal to the authority of the Buddha in the defense of Korea against the
Mongol invasions. They are recognized by Buddhist scholars around the world for
their outstanding accuracy and superior quality.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">UNESCO</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The buildings which house these engravings were built in the
15<sup>th</sup> century. The construction
is such that a constant temperature and humidity is maintained, and the
carvings are safe from rodent and insect damage. For over 500 years the monks of the Jogye
Order have cared for and protected these national treasures. The site was designated as a UNESCO World
Heritage site in 1995.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We’ll also be going
to <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1324">Yangdong village</a>, another
UNESCO site. This Joseon dynasty village
was founded in the 14<sup>th</sup>-15<sup>th</sup> century. The Neo-Confucianism of the Joseon dynasty is
reflected in the siting, layout, and architecture of the buildings. </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The village is a clan village, which </span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">developed and
flourished in the Joseon dynasty which consolidated its absolute rule over
Korea, encouraged the adoption of Confucian ideals in Korean society, (which
had been introduced to Korean Peninsula in the first century), absorbed Chinese
culture, and, through prosperity founded on trade, fostered classical Korean
culture, science, literature, and technology.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"> UNESCO</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://img.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/img/art/1203/120308_p11_NorthGyeongsang4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://img.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/img/art/1203/120308_p11_NorthGyeongsang4.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.san-shin.net/Pungsu-jiri.html">Pungsu</a>,
or geomancy, is evident in the layout of the village. The Wind-Water-Earth Principles theory was
first developed in Korea in the late 900s by Doseon-guksa, a Buddhist master in
the Seon, or Zen, tradition. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text"><i>Pungsu-jiri-seol</i>
can be defined as the Korean style of divination performed according to
topography, or as a Korean theoretical system that evaluates various features
of land, mountain, and water, and then connects them to human fortune /
misfortune, peace / calamity, and advancement / decline.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.san-shin.net/Pungsu-jiri.html">http://www.san-shin.net/Pungsu-jiri.html</a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">This ancient
system is connected to the old mountain gods of Korea. Emphasis is placed on the spiritual and
material energies of mountains and their effects on the destiny of families,
communities, and nations.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text">Four
Goryeo-Dynasty Confucian scholars of the 12th Century (an era when concern over
and speculation about the national identity was very popular), led by Kim In-jon
and Bak Seung-jung, wrote a book entitled "<i>Haedong-Pirok</i>"
[Secret History of Korea] that repeated and extended Doseon's theories, and
that remains the oldest <i>Pungsu-jiri</i> text we now have. In the middle of the Joseon Dynasty, scholar
Yi Jung-hwan (1690-1752) surveyed the entire peninsula in both geographic and
geomantic terms, and then wrote <i>Taengni-chi</i>, a book giving advice on the
best places to live -- both social morality and the <i>Pungsu-jiri</i> ideas
were clearly central to his Neo-Confucianist judgments<i>.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.san-shin.net/Pungsu-jiri.html">http://www.san-shin.net/Pungsu-jiri.html</a></i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Gi (Chinese <i>Chi</i>), or life force, is said to emanate from the mountain range
which forms the backbone of the Korean peninsula. It is very important, therefore, to help this
force flow properly through citizens and the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Another important place we will visit is
Pan Mun Jom. I was there on my first visit
in 2009, and I am looking forward to returning.
This is the site of the armistice signing that ended the fighting in the
Korean conflict. A peace treaty has
never been signed. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf4Y-TKtV_0/UbI4lfr-e-I/AAAAAAAAO8k/x54j5aW7JqM/s1600/IMG_3862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vf4Y-TKtV_0/UbI4lfr-e-I/AAAAAAAAO8k/x54j5aW7JqM/s320/IMG_3862.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The small building on the left was where the armistice was signed. The large building in the background is in North Korea.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krJpDoreA5A/UbI5B60nONI/AAAAAAAAO8s/LLL-ZEyV8fY/s1600/IMG_3872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krJpDoreA5A/UbI5B60nONI/AAAAAAAAO8s/LLL-ZEyV8fY/s320/IMG_3872.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The scary-looking soldier came out and stood on the covered porch as we climbed the observation tower.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">I known there are many more places I will see during my fellowship. I intend to take numerous pictures, and write about as many as I can. It's a beautiful country, and I want to share it with you.</span></span></div>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-16411288367089035462013-06-05T22:26:00.002-05:002013-06-06T06:43:48.308-05:00Silla and the Silk Road<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Silla and the Silk Road: readings from the Korea Society
website.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Modern Korea is a mix of many influences. Many of the ideas that contributed to modern
Korea arrived via the trade route known as the “Silk Road.” Silk, writing characters, architecture,
Buddhism, and Confucian ideology all arrived on the peninsula which anchored
the eastern end of a trade route that covered the entirety of Asia, and parts
of Africa and Europe. Korea eagerly
adopted the new ideas, creating a vibrant and rich culture of their own. In turn, Korea passed these innovations along
to the island nation of Japan.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dtxtq4w60xqpw.cloudfront.net/sites/all/files/resize/images/brochure_map-650x308.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://dtxtq4w60xqpw.cloudfront.net/sites/all/files/resize/images/brochure_map-650x308.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In 668 CE the Silla Kingdom, one of 3 on the peninsula,
united Korea and ushered in what has come to be called the Golden Age of
Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kingdom maintained ties with
both China and Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By doing so the
kingdom accrued many benefits from the Silk Road trade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These advances can be divided into two
categories – religious and social ideas, and trade goods and technology.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By far the most important influence from Asia was
Buddhism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brought to Korea in 372 CE by
the Chinese, this religion is still a major force in Korean society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In early times Koreans, like many other
groups, practiced shamanism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Local
practices blended easily with the new religion, and many temples and shrines
were built on hilltops, home of the shamanistic Mountain gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buddhism remained the dominant influence
until the rise of the Joseon dynasty in the 1300s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was repressed until the late 16th century,
when Buddhist monks helped repel a Japanese invasion.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://eenusa.smugmug.com/South-America/Peru/CuscoStroll-Around-TownPart-I/i-tzJtgJg/2/L/peru-0040g-04-04-catedral002-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://eenusa.smugmug.com/South-America/Peru/CuscoStroll-Around-TownPart-I/i-tzJtgJg/2/L/peru-0040g-04-04-catedral002-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Blending of local customs and a new religion – the Last
Supper with a Peruvian specialty –viscacha, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cuzco Cathedral, Peru</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When Buddhism arrived in Korea, the society practiced a
social order known as Bone-rank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
ranking was predetermined by birth, and had rigid rules regarding social
interactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With its belief that all
people had an equal chance to reach Nirvana, Buddhism changed all of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women’s rights expanded, and several
important rulers during this time were women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rigid social system was also challenged by Buddhist teachings.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Confucian teachings were also known in Korea, and competed
with Buddhism for the loyalty of scholars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, it remained in the shadow of Buddhism for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buddhist monasteries gained land and riches,
and enjoyed many privileges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the 10<sup>th</sup>
century there were civil service exams for government positions, but monks
competed with Confucian scholars during the examinations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">By the end of the Goryeo dynasty in 1392 the lower classes
were pushing for land reform, and the Buddhist monasteries lost power to the
Neo-Confucianists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This group blended
Confucian teachings with Taoism and Buddhism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They emphasized ethics and the moral authority of the government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new rulers implemented land reform and
redistribution of wealth, and criticized the excesses of the Buddhist clergy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also restricted the rights of
women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buddhists lost power, and
remained inconsequential for many years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Trade goods and technology also traveled the Silk Road to
Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, one of the first things
they acquired was silk, and silkworms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Silk was used as a sacrifice for the gods, as gifts for royalty, and as
payment for services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High-ranking Korean
ladies introduced silkworm production to Japan in the 300s CE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Iron-working techniques, court titles, and field
measurement systems all entered Korea and then traveled to Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chinese writing characters were adopted
by the Koreans (Hanja), and used until the Joseon dynasty when they were
replaced by Hangul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other technologies
that were introduced into Korea included canal- and pond-digging techniques,
law codes, and types of stoneware.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Hanja.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Hanja.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Korean word <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanja" title="en:Hanja">Hanja</a> (Chinese script) in Hanja (red) and Hangeul (blue).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cultural diffusion
and trade both helped and hurt Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>New technologies and trade allowed easier lives, especially for the
upper classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the increasing
concentration of wealth among the rulers left the peasants hungry and
upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Confucian ideals that
eventually overtook Buddhism lowered the status of women, and they were at the
mercy of their parents and husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
Korea did prosper, and the inflow of new ideas gave life to amazing art and
architecture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-871319727180563072013-06-03T23:11:00.000-05:002013-06-03T23:11:10.888-05:00Korea Fellowship<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_yang_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="155" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Ink Bamboo, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)<br />
Yi Jeong (Korean, 1541–1622)<br />
Hanging scroll; ink on silk; 115.6 x 53.3 cm<br />Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation</span></span></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I’ve been awarded a Fellowship by the Korea Society, and as part
of the preparation for the trip I have to do some reading and writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also watched some videos, mainly on Korean
art and Confucianism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as reflection
on the learning, I thought it might help me to blog about it, in order to
clarify and summarize my thoughts on what I’ve learned.</div>
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The first piece I watched was a video on Choson (Joseon) art from the
Korea Society website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Kumja Paik
Kim, Curator Emerita of Korean Art at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco,
spoke about Confucian influence on Choson dynasty art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I knew next to nothing about
Confucianism, I learned a great deal: </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">There are 3 bonds </li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Ruler/subject</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Father/son<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Husband/wife</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">And 5 relationships ( Oryun)</li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Morally right – ruler/subject</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Affection – father/son</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Distinction – husband/wife</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Order – elder/younger</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">Trust – friend/friend</li>
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<br /></div>
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These are important foundations of Confucian
philosophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Choson painters
reflected these ideals in their paintings, using 4 plants and their symbolism:</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Plum blossoms – because they
grow on seemingly dead branches while its still cold, they symbolize
perseverance, courage, trust, and hope</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Orchids – grow in rocky
places in the mountains, and represent modesty, refinement, and courage in
the face of difficulties</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Chrysanthemum blossoms –
symbolize a life of retirement from political intrigue, simple living</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Bamboo – because it is
green throughout the winter, is stands for strength and courage – it bends
but does not break, it is constant and tolerant</li>
</ul>
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Munja-do <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is the
painting of 8 characters on 8 panel screens to represent <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Filial piety</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Brotherly love</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Loyalty</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Trust</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Propriety</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Righteousness/justice</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Modesty/integrity</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Sensitivity/or feeling shame</li>
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Other facts about the art: there is no use of "Western" perspective to show depth of field in paintings until the 1700s; the king was never depicted, but rather represented by his throne and screen. The screen is behind his throne and has the sun, moon, and 5 mountain peaks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sBZEP9cOmaI/Ua1j4Nn4O8I/AAAAAAAAO8I/0eP1ojO4xmk/s1600/IMG_3936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sBZEP9cOmaI/Ua1j4Nn4O8I/AAAAAAAAO8I/0eP1ojO4xmk/s320/IMG_3936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The throne is in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongbokgung" target="_blank"><b>Gyeongbokgung Palace </b></a>in Seoul, South Korea. I took this picture in 2009, and I am really excited to be returning this summer.</div>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-39278737051319652592013-03-12T18:08:00.000-05:002013-03-12T18:08:37.626-05:00To Cuzco<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 3, to Cuzco</div>
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I have not had much sleep – my roommate M___ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is sick with some stomach bug, and has been up
and down all night. I grab a bite to eat at the hotel breakfast buffet – fresh fruit,
rolls, juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coffee is terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have ham and cheese, some sort of
cereals, but I pass on those.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our group
meets downstairs, and we drive to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through domestic security, then downstairs to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the waiting spot for the planes where
you get in a little bus and they drive you to the plane, and you walk up the
stairs to board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have an hour-plus
wait, so we watch people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But first we
look for my sick roommate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one has
seen her since we went through security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We check all the bathrooms, wander around a little upstairs, then more
downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find her in the front row
of the waiting place, doubled over in the seat and resting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is not visible from anywhere in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all happy to see her – she has not
been lost, she knew where she was.</div>
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There are Earthquake security zone signs on the giant
supports in the airport waiting room – will one hit while we are here?</div>
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They announce our flight, we line up, walk outside, and the
smell hits us – the worst sort of death smell you can image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously there are many dead and rotting
animals close by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all start to gag it
is so overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel really sorry
for M__.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Short drive to the plane, more
horrendous odor, then we are boarded, and don’t wait long to take off (thank
goodness).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flight is not bad, except
for the landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cuzco is in a small
valley, so we have to drop down in a tight turn to land on the one runway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep telling myself the pilot is
experienced, he has done this before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
make it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out into the sunshine, thin air, hawkers, vendors, ads for
Coca Cola and Internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bus arrives
and we drive into town to our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
check in, meet with the group, then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arturo our guide leads us to Jack’s, where we have to wait outside – it is
packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food was worth the wait –
sandwiches, burgers, fries, beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterwards we wander around town for 4 hours, shopping, taking pictures,
trying to cope with the altitude. Back to the hotel for dinner and an early
evening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5853545089639030641%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCIzzpoKzvNzWNA%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed>The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-67573927770477004162013-03-12T17:55:00.002-05:002013-03-12T17:55:57.838-05:00Day 2, LimaDay 2, in Lima<br />
We are here on an “extra” day, and there is a sight-seeing tour in the afternoon. In the morning a group meeting, then a little walking around the area on our own. I go with some folks to the nearby mall. It’s very upscale, with views of the Pacific Ocean, although this morning it’s hard to see as it is very foggy. The cold Humboldt Current sweeps up the west coast of South America, and when the warm air hits it – fog. We wander through a small park, and buy water at a small store. Then back to the hotel.
We go out again, back to the mall, for lunch. There is a typical food court there, but open air, overlooking the ocean. The fog has burned off, and what a view. I eat a sandwich with Asado de Res. It’s good.<br />
Back to the hotel – its time for the city tour. There are not many really old buildings in Lima, because of the earthquakes, especially the one in 1746, which leveled everything that was here. It was a long time before it was rebuilt. Originally the Inca and rich Spaniards live further upriver from the coast, and farmed this land. Because the city is a desert, they used the water from the 3 rivers to irrigate their fields. Over time the city moved towards the coast.<br />
The architecture of many buildings is Moorish/European, and its especially noticeable in the monastery. Of course I couldn’t take pictures there….
We did a lot of walking around town, and then headed back to the hotel, cleaned up, and walked to dinner. I had scallops, salad and a potato dish. The scallops were delicious, the salad great, and the potato pasta ok. Being on the coast Lima is famous for ceviche and other seafood. I didn’t eat any ceviche, but it looked yummy.
Walk back to the hotel and crash. We fly out early in the am.
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-74453566241495684902013-03-12T17:53:00.000-05:002013-03-12T17:53:29.737-05:00Professional DevelopmentDay 1, we fly to Lima<br />
I am riding to Houston with 3 women whom I don’t know very well. Over the course of the 3 hour car ride that changes, as we talk about whatever comes to mind – teaching, husbands/men, traveling – but not necessarily in that order.
More of the group meets us at the airport, we eat some lunch, wait some more, and finally board the plane.<br />
We are scheduled to depart at 3:55. We take off at 5:10. Apparently there is trouble with passengers. Two men sit in business class but they have economy tickets. They refuse to move, so they and then their luggage are removed from the plane. Then there is a woman and her 12ish year old son who want to sit in the emergency exit row because there is more leg room. He is too young to sit there, their tickets sit them elsewhere, and finally after they are threatened with removal they go back to their original seats. And we take off.<br />
After 6+ uneventful hours of flying, in which I can’t see anything out the window because I am in the middle (albeit on the aisle), we land in Lima, Peru. The bus meets us, it’s hot and humid – like Houston – outside, and we drive 40 minutes to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miraflores_District,_Lima">Miraflores</a>, one of the rich areas. Our hotel is not a rich one, but it has a bathroom with a toilet (you still have to put the paper in the trashcan) and Internet. We sleep.
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F101283229600287503721%2Falbumid%2F5853179252968589313%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCJHJ_7Orrte-ygE%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>
The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3129652821111491590.post-67936347255624510242012-08-27T21:54:00.000-05:002012-08-27T22:02:12.522-05:00Costs of Globalization<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?video_pcode=oza2w6q8gX9WSkRx13bskffWIuyf&deepLinkEmbedCode=NjeDNwNTp1lYAj-BI74qI6jiDDijj_1U&embedCode=NjeDNwNTp1lYAj-BI74qI6jiDDijj_1U"width="360" height="301"></script>The Geography Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13274589819257633587noreply@blogger.com0