Getting ready

For those readers who have no idea what we were referring to in the last two posts, we participated in our first Korean "ultramarathon festival" last weekend. Our friend BJ caught us unaware as we prepared for the long trek ahead. 

Size matters?

Marathon running is considered one of Korea's national sports. For most of the year, there are at least two or three marathons held each weekend around the country. The large races, like the Seoul International in March and Chuncheon in October, draw upwards of 25000 runners.
Ultramarathons are a much cozier affair. The Incheon Ultramarathon Festival had one sign-up table, a few hundred intrepid souls, and a handful of enthusiastic volunteers.

Ultrahappy

We're back from Ganghwado, weary but pleased. As soon as we've rested our tired legs, we'll post more photos and share more details about the weekend. For now, here's a pic of the island and the West Sea.

어버이 날

May 8th is Parents' Day here in Korea. So to all of ours, thanks for everything and we miss you very much.

They Paved Paradise

A few weeks ago, we saw workers taking out many of the trees as we walked down Gangnam Daero. I assumed they were going to put them in a tree museum and charge us a dollar and a half just to see 'em. See those large black poles running down the side of the street? That's what they replaced the trees with, and they have CCTV security cameras in the top. People are fined if they impede the flow of traffic by parking in the third lane. More interestingly, the sidewalk sides of the posts have computers in them for the use of passersby. One of the features is Photomail, which takes your picture, allows you to decorate it, add a message, and email it to someone. It's almost worth the price of admission to the tree museum.

Here's a Photomail example.
On a sadder note, Mike and Angie, who we met in our first month in Korea, have returned to Canada. Temporarily, we hope, as Mike will complete his Education degree at Queen's University in June 2010. Hopefully, the promise of Coffee Bean chai lattes, our treat, will lure them back.

Choices

As we spend a fair amount of time running and walking the paths of the Han River, it's reassuring to know there is a range of options should an emergent situation arise. Within a few hundred metres of each other, amenities range from scented paper, piped-in Crystal Gayle muzak, soap and hot water, and ceiling fans to mosquitoes, poison oak, and a possible charge of public indecency. Here they are, from first to worst...

For Sidd, on his 2553rd

O baby buddha

resting on the small white rock -

you're not so young now.