almost one week down...

Curly puffed rice snack on the street in Insa-Dong

It's the end of day six (DAY SIX) in Korea and it's almost too overwhelming to blog because i feel like i'd be forgetting to write about something important in the short time my body will allow me to keep my eyes open at this hour: a critical historical fact that i learned while being whisked through the museum at the DMZ, some detail about the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, all the vocabulary words I've been learning, writing in my notebook and then promptly forgetting, or some funny moment shared over a meal or in the van with our "best" driver who has been graciously navigating the traffic-filled streets of Seoul to get us to various destinations, sometimes when it would have been faster for us to walk. anyway, i think i'll just post some pictures for now and let them speak for themselves. 

Entrance to the Bongeunsa with lanterns for Buddha's
upcoming birthday (May 28)

The GSE team members nervously waiting to give speeches (in Korean!) at the Rotary District
Conference and the incredible performers who accompanied dinner

Looking at the fence marking the beginning of the DMZ and beyond into North Korea,
a sculpture representing efforts toward reunification

food canning, Joseon Dynasty-style

Sajeongjeon, or "hall where the king should think deeply before deciding
what is right or wrong."

A popular dessert - shaved ice, read bean sauce
and ice cream (pat bing su)

Some of the tasty (mashisuyo!) food we have been eating,
temple food" in this case... all vegetarian, all beautiful.