Local Sculpture

Ilsan Lake, in the north of Seoul, offers a nice respite from the city streets. I'm not sure if these statues are supplicating, or just deeply appreciative of their surroundings.

What, no rabbit?

One of us at OOFALWO is no fan of David Blaine's schtick, with his slow-talking and his space-invading. The other of us at OOFALWO forgives all this because the creepiness is superseded by the sheer brilliance of the legerdemain. But both of us are stumped by Blaine's latest stunt, hanging upside down for sixty hours. Risking one's eyesight, an aneurysm, and damage to internal organs is far less intriguing than pulling a signed card out of a spectator's shoe.

What, no chainsaw?

I have been running on and off, but mostly on, for the better part of a decade and a half. I long ago gave up any pretensions to being fleet of foot (this, in fact, occurred sometime in the late spring of 1984, when at the Ruth M. Buck Track and Field Day I was unceremoniously lapped by James Ling in a two lap race - that kid had serious wheels). In organized races and just out running for fun, I have been passed by everybody - pre-teens, octogenarians, the sightless, the barefooted, the no-footed, people pushing strollers (once with twins), people pulling carts, people holding flags, people in ridiculous costumes, people in speedos, soldiers in full kit and heavy boots, race walkers, and once by a guy running backwards. But today was a new one, out for a gentle Sunday long run on the Han River path, and blazed by a juggling jogger, a joggler. The very word makes me cringe, but this guy was seriously impressive - three balls constantly in motion and moving at least at seven minute miles. Whatever floats your boat, I say.

Happy 추석!

About the closest Seoul ever gets to being quiet is Chuseok, the annual harvest festival and sort of Korean Thanksgiving, when millions of people leave the city to go back to their ancestral hometowns. Activities over the long weekend include tending the area around the family tomb, preparing and devouring a feast, and playing some traditional folk games.
For us, it is a few extra days to run, relax, and catch up with friends.

For Deanna

Happy birthday, my love.