Ok so its Sunday and I did what I normally do on the weekends, I went too my favorite soup house. But boy did I have a few great moments both walking there and walking back! First I ran into this guy on Camp who had these two BEAUTIFUL Albino Dogs. One a husky with piercing blue eyes, the other a German Shepard. The guy let me take a picture with the dogs and we talked for a bit. A nice moment. And then I'm walking down the street and I hear what sounds like a small drum being beat. I look at the side street and there is the Buddhist Monk in the typical grey uniform standing in front of a resturant beating the drum and chanting. I walked over and gave him ten thousand won ($10.00). He then BOWS too me and blesses me in Korean! I was so struck with the warmth in his eyes and honesty. I bowed back and he BOWS LOWER! Bowing once again I thank him in Korean and resume my walk. I get to the Soup place, have a nice small meal and talk too a Mother and her son who speak fluent English. They had some sandwiches and instisted I please eat one. That is the way the Korean people are. Refusing would have been rude, so I ate a half of one and it was delightful. An egg and veggies toast sandwich. My soup and fried rolls arrive and I offer them some. They accepted and laughed because of the fact that the soups in Korea tend to be VERY SPICY and they said most Americans do not like it so hot and they were amazed I did. After finishing our meal, we stood up and we all bowed and said goodbye in Korean. So a good pleasant meal was had! One my way home I decide to go into this leather shop. I ended up with this beautiful brown stressed leather jacket with a red stripe and white trim around the top. I GOT IT FOR EIGHTY DOLLARS! In the states that jacket would have cost me easily two hundred dollars. Another great moment! And finally, I happened upon the Monk again still chanting and beating his drum in front of commercial places in a half bow. So I walk up too him and in Korea say "Mister". He looks up at me and smiles. I show him my camera and although he does not seem to know English, he lets me take his picture while he is chanting and beating the drum. I again give him some money and again he bows almost past his knees and blesses me. I was near tears at the warmth he showed me and his kindness that was radiating from him. I head back for the Camp and here I am doing laundry. But I have this inner calmness and peace right now that is amazing! WHAT A GREAT DAY, WHAT POWERFUL MOMENTS I HAD!

Just wanted to share my adventure with everyone and wish everyone gets moments like this. Because for me, all the bad things that have happend recently are gone and the moment with that Monk was worth them!

Good for you chick...That sounds awesome!!! Thanks for sharing...And I am so glad that your enjoying yourself over there...Hugs

Thanks Syd! I am glad too!

Wildchild,thanks for the beautiful story,you sure had a nice day..wish I was there, I so miss and in need of that sincere warmth in people's eyes I'm happy for him and for you.. how long will you stay in Korea btw?and hoping to see those pix ..

thats awesome wildchild, sounds like your a regular around there, lol..... glad you are having a good time, and i am so dying to see those pictures too! i bet they are Wonderful!!!

Korea sounds like a really cool place,glad you had a great day.

I did get some film developed and have a great picture of me standing infront of a huge buddhist statue. I just need too scan it LOL!