A Visit From Home

This past week was Chuseok, the fall harvest festival that is often likened to American Thanksgiving. Its a time marked by food, family, and 3 days off work. I was lucky enough to have some of my own family to celebrate with, as my Dad came and spent a week with me in Korea! It was a great (and busy) visit. Some of the highlights included hiking Bukhansan, biking along the Han River, a spirited Korean baseball game, a visit to his former home and school on Yongsan Military Base, and lots of good food. Here is the trip in visuals:

Touring Gyeongbokgung Palace on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

At the top of Baegundae Peak on Bukhansan. We were definitely sore the next day, but the hike was worth the stunning views, exhilarating climb, and yummy samgyeopsal at the end.

A glimpse at Korean hiking. Just throw up some steel cables and you're set!

Biking along the Han River after an outdoor yoga session.

Dad adjusting to Korean public transportation by becoming some one's pillow on the subway.

At the Doosan Bears game. Korean baseball is a whole different ball game, with cheerleaders, personalized songs, and beer guys with keg backpacks.

Each player has their own song that comes on when they are up to bat and their name is incorporated into the lyrics of the song. Also- hands are of no use; you must have thunder sticks.

Korean baseball under the full Chuseok moon.

Dinner with some coworkers in Sinsa!

Dad with my volunteer group that feeds the homeless, Help Your Soul, in from of the newly reconstructed Namdaemun Gate.

It was so nice to be able to share my life in Korea (even the boring day-to-day things) with someone from home. So come visit me! I'd love to show you around Seoul!