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Why I've been blog MIA:

The one main reason is that I have been having TONS of difficulties with my ankle the last few months. If some of you remember I was t-boned by a truck about a year and a half ago while riding my bike in Midtown-Sacramento, California. Well, after finally getting in touch with an ankle specialist here, he explained the severity of the nerve damage to my ankle and subsequent chronic pain. Since our first meeting, I have been going to the hospital six days a week for electro-therapy, microwave treatment, laser therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture. Not to mention dealing with some emotional trauma realizing that there is a chance I may never be able to do all of the activities I once loved-hiking, rock climbing, running or even standing for long periods of time, etc. Thankfully, I have been showered by uplifting support from my family, friends and the healthcare professionals here in Korea. I am committed to staying positive and strong about my situation and to focus on all of the blessings I have in life. So, in an effort to do so I am getting back to my video blogging and will start by posting some videos I haven't yet and continue to make and post new ones. Please keep the comments coming and I hope you enjoy them!
Jamie Lomazzi

Is what I know actually true?

This is a sort of ‘big-think’ post: big as in an overview of the way I think and what I think about, not as in international politics, although I will be discussing international politics.  There will be a scattering of links but this post is about my opinions.

I am writing it to learn what I think about certain things and to see if they seem rational.  For this reason, although I will engage in some revising before I post, I do not promise a rational train of thought. This could well be a Grand Canyon style set of curves and twists, although likely as shallow as the Grand Canyon is deep.

I am in an email debate with a coworker about evolution and creationism.  I am convinced his views and claims have no merit.  There are a few points where I can see why is confused while still denying there is room for confusing.

I recently read a post on Facebook from a ‘friend of a friend’ (this is the literal term used) about how the North Koreans were provoked by the US and that the US and South Korea engineered the sinking of the Cheonan.

Last March, North Korea was falsely blamed for sinking a South Korean ship, a topic an earlier article addressed, accessed through the following link:

[link removed - find it in the original article]

Seoul said there’s “no other plausible explanation….The evidence points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that (a) torpedo was fired by a North Korean submarine,” even though none was detected in the area.

At the time, evidence suggested a false flag, manufactured to blame the North. The incident occurred near Baengnyeong Island opposite North Korea. US Navy Seals and four US ships were conducting joint exercises in the area. The torpedo used was German, not North Korean as claimed. Germany sells none to Pyongyang. Yet it was blamed for what it didn’t do, what apparently was Pentagon-manufactured mischief.

I am convinced these claims have no merit.

Articles like this have me confused:

I have found at least something to like about each Republican or Democrat I have met. I have close friends in both camps, in which I have observed the following: no matter the issue under discussion, both sides are equally convinced that the evidence overwhelmingly supports their position.

During the run-up to the 2004 presidential election, while undergoing an fMRI bran scan, 30 men–half self-described as “strong” Republicans and half as “strong” Democrats–were tasked with assessing statements by both George W. Bush and John Kerry in which the candidates clearly contradicted themselves. Not surprisingly, in their assessments Republican subjects were as critical of Kerry as Democratic subjects were of Bush, yet both let their own candidate off the hook.

The neuroimaging results, however, revealed that the part of the brain most associated with reasoning–the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex–was quiescent. Most active were the orbital frontal cortex, which is involved in the processing of emotions; the anterior cingulate, which is associated with conflict resolution; the posterior cingulate, which is concerned with making judgments about moral accountability; and–once subjects had arrived at a conclusion that made them emotionally comfortable–the ventral striatum, which is related to reward and pleasure.

I am convinced that the US government has lied many times and consistently on several specific subjects.  I believe that they attacked Iraq simply because they could.  There was no evidence of recent use or creation of WMDs.  Just about everything we were told was a lie.  I am more accepting of claims made about Afghanistan but still distrust most everything I hear about US foreign policy.

And yet I accept almost everything I read about North Korea and see the Americans, and the South Koreans, as the good guys who don’t have any special reason to do wrong.  The North Korean government is evil and I can’t recall hearing of them doing anything that I approve of.

If I read or heard that sentence describing anything else, I would consider the writer or speaker to be simple or naive.

I do want to think of myself as rational and not overly set in my ways.  I like to think of myself as open to new ideas and have made an effort online to admit, on occasion, when I was wrong.

There was a blog in the old days called incestuous amplification.  The name referred to the way people with set viewpoints only read media that agreed with them so their own views were strengthened artificially.

The internet and other media all seem consistent in their vilifying of North Korea.  Defectors all tell stories varying only in how horrifying the conditions there are.  Still, people escaping a country can hardly be expected to describe it glowingly.

These same defectors are treated poorly here in South Korea.  They are watched with suspicion and can only find menial jobs.

North Korean pronouncements seem almost comical in their unrestrained attacks on South Korea and the US- so comical that I can easily imagine they have been doctored by translators.  And yet, I do see vicious verbal attacks followed by demands that the South give them more aid and reopen factories based on North Korean soil.  They seem crazy, but their demands are often met.

Is there anyway my reader(s) could imagine the North Koreans are not the total bad guys I believe them to be?


We went to the police station for a field trip. No one spoke...







We went to the police station for a field trip. No one spoke English. I didn’t quite understand where to go or what to do for about 98% of the day. Not sure what the kids took from this experience, but I did end up eating some delicious kimbop. As the kids would say: It was a so-so day.

Destination: Yongmunsa (Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do)



Not to be confused with the surrounding Yongmunsan Resort (용문산관광지), Yongmunsa offers a thousand-year-old tree just outside of a temple founded as the Silla dynasty was ending. It seems a bit disingenuous to put an amusement park right next to a Buddhist temple, but there it is.

Founded by Monk Taegyong or the last Silla dynasty King Kyongsun in 913 (no one seems to actually know), the temple received the wooden blocks for printing Buddhist sutras by Monk Chicheon in 1378. The temple was reconstructed and repaired multiple times in the early Joseon Dynasty, but was burned by the Japanese in 1907 because the temple served as a central place for the Korean resistance.

Once getting off the bus, walk past the myriad Korean restaurants and souvenir shops. Pay the 2,000 won admission fee, and head into the resort. Note that the temple is only part of the attraction here - in fact, you might have a hard time finding the way up unless you're looking closely at the signs.



Part of the Yongmunsan Resort is the Sustainable Agricultural Museum of Yangpyeong - um, interesting, but not the reason I came here.



One of the dragons guarding the front gate - appropriate considering 'Yong' (龍) means dragon. Even after getting here, you're still a few hundred meters from the temple - start hiking.



The suspension bridge is fun to hop on, as more than a few kids found out. Crossing it takes you another way to the temple - a somewhat more rugged dirt path on the side of the mountain. If you'd prefer to stay on the wide-and-paved path, keep on hiking uphill, and consider a souvenir or two while you're there:



A woodburner working by hand was just inside a small shed - lots of wonderful examples of his work as well.



Finally getting closer to the temple - presenting an 1,100 year old 은행나무 (eun-haeng-na-mu), or Ginkgo tree. Supposedly planted by Silla Prince Maeui, he spent his years as a monk after the Silla Dynasty was dissolved in 935 AD. Today, the tree is considered Natural Monument #30, and remains an enduring symbol of the area. At 41 meters tall and 14 meters around, you're likely to see the tree before the temple. A fence and alarm protect the tree - and for good reason. Legend holds that when a branch falls off or the tree dies, some calamity will happen to the country.



Presenting the main temple hall, or the 대운전 (dae-ung-jeon) - despite the noisy crowd, the reverent inside managed to ignore the noise.



The 불사리탑 (bul-sa-ri-tap), or the pagoda of Buddha's ashes.



Presenting Gwaneumbosal Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of Mercy. It's considered a Tangible Cultural Treasure, and was originally made in the early Joseon Dynasty.



The outside of the 지장전 (ji-jang-jeon) - I love the colors here.



Several smaller statues featured balancing acts involving coins.



A wonderful dedication to the mountain spirit, or san-shin. There's no other information available at the temple, which is unfortunate.



The wooden fish drum, or 목탁 (mok-tak).

After hearing the alarm near the tree go off for the umpteenth time, I headed down to discover a set of 부도전 (bu-do-jeon):



The taller one is a stele, while the other ones are stupas.

Another sign promised to show another stele and stupa only a couple hundred meters away, so off I went. What the sign failed to mention was that those 200 meters were essentially straight up a line of staircases.



While the stele (not pictured) is little more than a tombstone-like stone full of Chinese, this stupa was dedicated to National Preceptor Jeongji. After this monk passed away in 1385, a large number of sarira (pearl-like objects believed to contain spiritual knowledge) were found after the cremation. This prompted King Taejo to give him a fancy, though posthumous, title.



After heading down, I couldn't help but stop by the amusement park. You've already paid the admission fee into the resort, but the rides cost a bit extra as usual. Most of the rides were empty or essentially empty - November isn't exactly a hopping time for the area.

I'm happy to have gone, but it's not a particularly tranquil temple. Neither quiet nor peaceful, it's still beautiful, but takes more than a bit of inner peace and concentration to block everything else out.

Ratings (out of 5 taeguks): How do I rate destinations?
Ease to arrive:


Foreigner-friendly:


Convenience facilities:


Worth the visit:

Directions to Yongmunsa: Take the Jungang line on the Seoul subway system to its eastern terminus, Yongmun station. You can get to this line from Yongsan station (line 1), Ichon station (line 4), Oksu station (line 3), or Wangsimni station (line 2 or 5). This can take some time to reach, so buy a drink and/or snack at the convenience store before getting on. Once at Yongmun station, take exit 2 to street level, then take a U-turn and turn right to walk away from the train station. Walk about 150 meters to the four-way intersection, then turn left and look for the Yongmun Bus Terminal. Transfer to the next bus headed for Yongmunsan - it's about 20 minutes away, and leaves about every half-hour. Even though you're way out of Seoul, your T-money card still works - always nice.

Creative Commons License © Chris Backe - 2010

This post was originally published on my blog,Chris in South Korea. If you are reading this on another website and there is no linkback or credit given, you are reading an UNAUTHORIZED FEED.


 

A Day Away: Yeoju [Part 2]

It was now that are day really took a turn for the better. From Sejong's tomb, we found an awesome cab driver, that spoke almost no English, but knew the area like the back of his hand. The combination of our broken Korea, travel maps, and his knowledge proved unbeatable, as he wove in and out of traffic taking us to our second destination: the birthplace of Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min). On this site are some impressive monuments, and given the recent tension on the peninsula, reminders of the conflict that has ravaged this country.

It was nearly 2pm and we needed sustenance. A handful of restaurants were open, offering non-English menus. I was able to decipher a few things and ordered Jo and I lunch. She had the tasty "Wedding Festival Soup" and I opted for the spicy "Kimchi noodles." Neither was something to write home about, but filled our bellies.

Jo and I explored the on-site museum and historical houses, but really didn't have much time there. The sun would be setting soon and there was still one more destination to reach before dark.

Silleuksa Temple is the only Korean Buddhist temple that sits on a river. While the main prayer rooms are located five or ten minutes from the water, three beautiful pavilions have been constructed right on the bank and offer a great sunset view. Thankfully, Jo and I arrived an hour before sunset and had time to explore this historical site. I was completely taken aback by the stone bell, six story brick pagoda,  and number of lanterns visible throughout the grounds.

When the sun finally set, we headed back to Yeoju city and grabbed a quick bite before catching the last bus home. It was a great day away.


Again with the farming pictures

The end of November is a pretty desolate one at a farm.

Is cabbage a flower? By the end of the weekend, I had begun to love these guys.

By the time I had finished loading these bags of cabbage my fondness was as an all-time low.  I need to brag now; every single bag on that trailer I lifted and placed.  Every one.

Perhaps we pencil pushers live sad lives if this is all I have to brag about.

My son ‘helped’ drive the tractor.

Dang vandals cutting the heads off the radish!

Actually, my in-laws did that just prior to picking.  Apparently they want the radish to dry out a little.


Busan’s 10 Best: Beyond the Festivals and Beaches

The Gwangali fireworks festival as seen from the peak of Mt. Jangsan, undoubtedly Korea's best fireworks show. ~ Photo by P. DeMarco

View slide show here.

[Note: This article was originally published in the November 2009 issue of 10 Magazine. It was updated on 11.28.10]

More than just Asia’s biggest film festival or Haeundae Beach, Busan is a vibrant city with a unique energy and the kind of eclectic mix that only port cities have. Busan is Korea’s second largest city, with almost 4 million inhabitants, and could easily be described as a city of contrasts. At times it feels like it’s on the fast track to becoming a modern and thriving city like its big sister Seoul (Busan is making a bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics), other times it looks and feels as if modernity and globalization have passed it by – but then that’s the secret of its charm.

From gritty to glitzy, this city by the sea has it all. Start your day with a morning stroll around Korea’s largest fish market and see ajumas hawking the days catch, as cigarette-smoking ajoshis fish off the pier between rows of docked boats and fish hung up to dry in the sea air. Then, bargain your way through Gukjae market alongside Japanese and Russian tourists or learn how to play baduk, a Korean board game, with local elders in Youngdusan park. Afterwards, head over to Haeundae beach for a laid back game of beach volleyball or float along Busan’s coastline on a cruise. Next, splurge on a lavish seafood dinner buffet at one of Busan’s 5 star hotels and top it off with a glass of wine while looking out at the rainbow-like light show of the Gwangan Bridge at night. And if that’s not enough, party the night away like a K-Pop star in one of the cities many live music bars or thumping clubs. What more could you ask for?

Getting There

Busan is not a compact city so it helps to plan your arrival as not to waste time and money trekking to various parts of the city. Busan’s main train station (and final stop on the KTX) is located right next to the port and Nampodong. If you are staying in Gwanganli or Haeundae beaches, exit the train station go right and walk two blocks to the 1003 express bus stop (W1,500). If you are arriving by one of the slower Semaeul trains then you can take the train right to Haeundae station. However, if you plan to stay in the central Seomyeon area, then the quickest option is to take the metro at the train station. The central bus terminal for all points north of the city is located on the outskirts of Busan at Nopodong station – the very last stop on the metro’s orange line. If you are arriving in Busan from the east then you will get off at the Seobu terminal in Sasang, right next to the metro stop after the same name. Finally, from Gimhae Airport you can take any number of airport buses that will drop you off in most parts of the city. If you take an airport taxi, do not be tricked into taking one of the black VIP taxis that cost almost 50% more than the normal taxis but provide the same service.

Where To Stay

Seacloud Hotel: If you’re looking to pamper yourself, you can’t go wrong with the Seacloud, located right in the heart of Haeundae Beach. The hotel is only a few years old, rooms are large and luxurious, with giant flat screen TVs, and computers in every room. Call and ask for the latest package deals. 051-933-1000, seacouldhotel.com

Zen Backpackers: Only a 5 min. walk from the Lotte Hotel and department store as well as the centrally-located Seomyeon subway station. This hostel is at the doorstep of one of Busan’s biggest shopping, eating, and entertainment districts. Amenities include free internet and Wifi, air conditioning, a 42″ plasma TV, kitchen, washing machine, and more. Owner June Park speaks English fluently and can give you tips about Busan. A bed in a shared dorm room is 20,000. 010-8722-1530, www.zenbackpackers.com

Love Motels Don’t be fooled by the seedy name, love motels are often nicer than “normal” hotels or guest houses and often include free cable, flat screen TV’s, and hot tubs built for two. Ask to see the room before you agree to stay. Some of the special rooms will blow you away for a few more man won (W10,000). Prices run W40,000 – W60,000.

Where to Eat

Pork Stew Alley: Busan’s signature dish, Daeji Guk Bap or pork stew, is made up of rice and chunks of pork. The locals live by it and no visit to Busan would be complete without scarfing down a bowl. The alley is behind the Lotte Department Store. Just look for a street lined with women stirring huge steaming vats of the white soup. Metro: Seomyeon station.

Jagalchi Seafood Market: The largest seafood market in the country is a site not to be missed while in Busan. On the ground floor, youユll find dozens of stalls with tanks full of all the sea has to offer. On the second floor is an array of restaurants to choose from. Outside, the tent bars are filled with friendly locals firing up charcoal BBQs for you to grill up your fresh catch, day or night. Just point, grill, and eat. Oh, and then pay. ijagalchi.co.kr, 051-249-9363

Where to Go Out

Ol’55: Bring your instrument and join one of the weekly open mic nights or play darts, shoot pool, and listen to live music. Located in the middle of the lively college neighborhood of Kyungsung and Pukyong University, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of places to party the night away. See pusanweb.com for latest events.

Vinyl Underground: also located in Kyungsung (just a few doors down from O’l 55) is a local expat institution. DJ’s here spin an eclectic mix of techno, trance, house, hip-hop, funk, drum-n-bass, this basement club fills up with both foreigners and Koreans. Check pusanweb.com for latest events.

Murp II, dubbed Busan’s most stylish club, is located in the Novotel Ambassador on Haeundae beach. The music varies from house (Hedkandi Party) and hip-hop to B-list Korean pop star concerts. An alternative is Club Maktum just down the street with a similar crowd and atmosphere. murphys.co.kr

Busan Web Sites

Pusan Web, a site run by foreigners for foreigners living in Busan, is the unofficial website of the city. Check out the “Upcoming Events” section to find the latest Open Mic, Ladies, or Political Discussion Night, poetry reading, beach volleyball meet-up, and much more.

Busan Haps is “the magazine for what’s happening in Busan.” Check out their website for the latest of what’s going on around the city.

City of Busan official website.

10 Magazine’s Busan 10 Best

1. Best Wine Bar & Lounge You can’t beat the views of Gwangan Bridge at night from the Sky Lounge on the 19th floor of Hotel Aqua Palace . In the summer, the 21st floor observation deck doubles as a cafe and bar: a must for any visitor!

2. Best Zen Pilgrimage Although most usually visit Beomeosa Temple when they visit Busan, try the seaside temple of Yonggungsa on a rocky outcrop with waves crashing against it below, for something different (bus 181 from Haeundae station).

3. Best “Hangin’ With the Locals” Experience Cheer with the locals at a Lotte Giants baseball game, by far the city’s most beloved sports team. The local soccer and basketball teams have quite a following as well. Their site is giantsclub.com, but you can’t even see it without downloading a bunch of Active X garbage, so we don’t recommend visiting on your own computer. Try it at a PC Bang. Busan Haps usually posts a game schedule on their website.

4. Best Bargain Shopping: Gukjae Market. Get all your Busan souvenirs in the city’s largest outdoor market. Bargaining is encouraged at this maze-like market in Nampo-dong.

5. Best Beach: Songjeong. Busan’s most beautiful beach with a long strip of sand minus the crowds of Haeundae. Best place for surfers to ply their trade as well. Be sure to have a beer and burger at Blowfish while your there. Take bus 181 from Haeundae station to Seongjeong Beach.

6. Best Spa: Heoshimcheong. This self-proclaimed “largest hot spring in Asia” is a must for any spa lover. With a massive domed skylight covering a number of hot, cold, and “well-being” pools, there’s no better place to get clean and get naked with the locals. Entrance is W7,900.

7. Best Beer: Heoshimcheon Brauhaus. What could be better than downing a few pints of Busan’s best brew after a day at the spa or a hike down the mountain? Although this place is extremely popular with the local older generation, the house band can really get this place rocking. They play Korean favorites as well as international hits by the Beatles and such. The best time to go is on a Saturday or Sunday evening after all the makoli-soaked ajumas and ajoshis really let loose.

8. Best Cafe Terrace There’s nothing better than sipping your latte or espresso on the 3rd floor outdoor terrace of Cafe Pascucci on Gwanganli Beach. Go at night for a great view of the Gwangan Bridge.

9. Best Buffet: Although it’s pricey, the lunch buffet at the Camelia Restauarant in the Westin Chosun Hotel on Haeundae beach is unforgettable. The view alone of the beach and ocean while you eat is worth it. Check their website for monthly specials.

10. Bar With Best View: Rock’N’Roll House is a pub and grill in Haeundae on the 14th floor of the Sea Star building overlooking Haeundae beach. It has a pool table, darts, and a fantastic view of Haeundae beach. 051.742.5553;

 

 

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