Wednesday 27 August 2008

Buddhists know how to protest





(this is a post that I actually put together a week ago, showing just how late I have been).

I'm back in Seoul, just arrived three days ago. For now I am staying with a friend in Mok-Deung, which is about twenty minutes from the center of Seoul. I've spent my time here so far settling in at my university and looking for a homestay, preparing for a year in a foreign country takes a lot more paperwork than you might think.

I managed to attend a big protest at the Seoul City Hall Plaza yesterday, having missed out on the American beef protests I felt like I owed it to myself to see some kind of demonstration. Korean Buddhists are upset after a number of incidents involving the current administration that indicate a bias against their religion. I've read about the perceived bias and I think it sounds pretty concocted, but it made for a bang-up protest.

I emerged from the subway entrance by the protest and was suddenly in a sea of monks and elderly Koreans.

The New York Times also covered the protest, they have a great picture of the actual monks who were praying at the center of the crowd. here

Sunday 3 August 2008

trip back to America

I just arrived back in the U.S. last night, after a comfortable plane ride and one last day of rain in Seoul. I should be returning on the 26th of August, but until then I will be savoring all of the American food and sunshine that has eluded me in South Korea.

A friend has already requested that I bring back extra sharp cheddar, coffee, peanut butter, and a carton of Lucky Strikes, I'll probably add cereal and bricks of dark chocolate to that list. I feel like I'm smuggling contraband into prison.

I can't wait to go back though, I had a great time this summer and can't wait to start a more naturalized Korean lifestyle.