July 5, 2002

Angelique Jacobosn

R-A-I-N; that’s what we were walking in! Normally that would be a negative thing, but trekking up the winding path and granite steps to the Seokguram Grotto, the rain, mist, and wind created a mystical and spiritual effect. Before the grotto hung a line of white paper lanterns that loomed ghost-like out of the mist, and the hill below was punctuated with colorful bushes.

I’m kind of writing out of order, sorry! But that site created quite an impression. Of all the Buddha’s this one seemed closest and most accessible, despite the glass. It wasn’t so huge, and we could see details of the carving. Many of us stretched around to watch as several Buddhists prayed. At one point a woman took in a bowl of rice to offer along with the fruits already at the altar. It was a cool slice of culture we (or at least I) hadn’t witnessed so far.

Did you hear about the diamond that used to be in the Buddha’s forehead? The stone was stolen during China’s occupation, so now a cubic zirconia is in its place. Too bad! Wouldn’t it be so cool if the original was still in there? I have been struck by the age and history behind everything we’ve seen. I imagine the monks and worshipers climbing the granite steps to make their offerings to the Buddha – it gives me chills.

In any event I wrote down the prayer times: 3:30 – 4:30 AM, 10 – 11 AM, and 7 – 8 PM…just in case you were wondering.

At the Bulguksa Temple it poured! The buildings looked much like we have seen throughout Korea. The neatest thing about it was the road pile made by people wishing for personal favors. Word is if you put a rock on top of the existing stones and make a wish. Of course you have to balance the rock carefully; if it falls off your wish won’t come true. So far I’ve wished for shoes, a husband, good luck and health, and alleviation of back pain (came true – either because of the wish or Maryann’s good rub down – who knows), but I missed this chance I was hiding out in a dry place.

Anyway the Palhuk Sa Stupu, which was situated before one of the temple buildings, may have looked familiar; Mike overheard someone saying it appears on the 10 won coin.

We ended the tour with a trip to Gyeongju National Museum where we saw artifacts taken from the palace lake. Unfortunately our spiritual day was ended with a seven and a half hour bus trip!! Nya! Much thanks to our bus driver who got us home safely in all that rain, construction and several traffic accidents.

To end – a couple of things I heard from James (friend from Chicago teaching here this summer)

- many women are having surgery (plastic) on noses chins and…hymen replacement! (Yikes!)

- His summer school will run from 9-2; his friends school runs from 9-6 with a two hour break in the middle.

Angelique

P.S. Thanks to Gary for the bagels, Kris for the strawberry wafers, and all the jokes, especially the comedy of Carole “Shecky” Williams and others who kept us entertained.