Aliens and Angels & Seosan – The Smiling Buddha

Aliens and Angels on Brother One Feather’s Van, Santa Barbara, California.

*****

On Saturday my Korean class went on a field trip.  I couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous day for an autumn day trip.  We left Suwon heading west towards the Yellow Sea. After crossing Korea’s largest bridge we stopped at the biggest rest-stop I’ve ever been too.  The walk towards the women’s bathroom took us by street performers, boutiques, restaurants and ‘photo opportunity’ lookout points. The bathroom was unbelievable.  There were over 100 stalls on the women’s side alone.

The beautiful bathroom was complete with fancy Korean details such as plantlife and rockscapes. I did have to wait and open quite a few bathroom doors before I found one that wasn’t a squatter.  I promise I will not use a squatter for as long as I’m here.  I think they are so gross and can’t for the life of me figure out how to use one.  I mean, if I’m wearing a skirt with no panties, it seems like a no brainer, but I was wearing pants…  the stalls aren’t big enough to undress and where would I put my pants while I was trying to balance.  Squatters seem so primitive and outdoorsy, two characteristics that could never describe me!

Our next stop was high in the moutains where autumn colors dazzled crimson, pumpkin and gold.  We climibed steps that led to the Samjonbul image carved on rock surface in Seosan… The Smiling Buddha.  This 1400 year old statue was incredible. 3 Buddha’s: past, present and future.  Staring into the smiling eyes of Buddha was quite peaceful, the surrounding commotion and the foreign words of the tour guide became oblivious as I shared a moment with The Smiling Buddha. I couldn’t believe how well preserved this statue was, it didn’t even seem weathered.  It was definitely a highlight of my trip.

I’ll continue my journey tomorrow, until then, if you’re interested in seeing the other photos, click here.