My Tattoo!

My tattoo is an original drawing, inspired by photos that I had from Korea and some Chinese style painting me and the artist liked. It is a stone temple marker surrounded by nature, with a mountain in the misty background. I did not want a tattoo of a temple, I wanted to leave a little mystery. Obviously, this whole idea was inspired by Buddhism (something near and dear to me). The temple marker is telling me that I am on the right path, but I am not there yet. Somewhere out there, something sacred waits. Perhaps nature is the temple and the path is mine to follow. Maybe one day I will know what is at the top of the mountain.

3 Days with Dad

December 27****
Dad moved in to my apartment for the last few days of the trip. I had asked him what he wanted to do, and there were only two things on his list: The Catacombes(1), and the Arc de Triomphe(2). After a long breakfast full of coffee and bad stories I took him to the area by Montmartre where the Catacombes are, but the line was so long that we ended up decided to take a nice walk. On out promenade through Paris we wandered through some shops, cute streets, and ended up at the Montparnasse Cemetery(3). This is a popular/famous cemetery which I had planned to take him to later. We walked around and admired the ornate, beautiful, and powerful images and statues which surrounded us. We also, in a very Parisian manner, ended up having a wonderful conversation with a complete stranger. After that we decided to go back to my apartment to hide from the cold, and had a horror movie marathon. Staying up late and sleeping in, talking about all the old things brought back a certain sweet nostalgia...
December 28****
This was a big day! I had it all perfectly planned the night before as well. It started with the Arc de Triomphe, where me and my dad got to talking about history. This is one of my favorite Parisian monuments for how beautiful it is and the long history it represents. Standing underneath the arch, you realize just how big it is. I tried to take a lot of photos of my dad standing underneath the arch. I won the battle but lost the war, with a whole camera roll to prove it. Next, I took him to the Saint Paul(4) church. This is also a very beautiful church with a history, and is right by the Marais(5) (my favorite area of Paris). We had falafel on the street and walked around the cute shops, saw street art, and admired the historic buildings. After this excursion we went to Bastille(6), to see the monument and to walk around. There are some very unique cafes, and even a vinyl shop that we went to. After a quick coffee, we went to Republique(7) to get tattoos. My dad's appointment was that day- mine was the next. We met the artist and I sat on the table opposite my dad while he got his 4 hour long tattoo of Celtic zoomorphic hounds. Once it was finished we were all very happy, and I discussed with SoFi what I wanted for my tattoo. That night we ate and drank a bit, and went to bed a little earlier.
December 29****Last Day~
I had my tattoo in the morning. Since it was original artwork, it took a little longer at first for her to draw. I just put on my headphones and zoned out the whole time (also 4 hours...). I had encouraged my dad to go and see the monument at Republique, but he came back and sat with me for the last two hours. I took him for a walk by the Seine, and we had dinner at a café before I took him to a Gregorian Chants concert at Notre Dame. It was a wonderful concert, and he enjoyed being back in the cathedral. It was so cold outside that we took a taxi back to my apartment. He packed and I gave him directions to get to the airport the next morning*. After everything was ready and I had cleaned my tattoo we posted pictures and then went to the Latin Quarter for a night out. The night began with him telling me that the next time I saw him would be in Oregon instead of Paris, and ended with me shouting goodbye to him from my balcony at 4 in the morning. In between then we wandered along brightly lit cobbled streets, had gyros with french fries (I told him it was good) and enjoyed the last night of the trip.
Thanks dad, I'll see you in the states!

1) http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20121025-exploring-the-history-of-catacombs
2) http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/arcdetriomphe.htm
3) http://www.travelfranceonline.com/montparnasse-cemetery-facts-and-graves/
4) http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/saintpaulsaintlouis.htm
5) http://www.aparisguide.com/lemarais/
6) http://next.paris.fr/english/heritage-and-sights/squares/place-de-la-bastille/rub_8276_stand_34629_port_19146
7) http://www.travelfranceonline.com/place-de-la-republique-and-statue-paris/

Notes: The tattoo parlor was Tribal Act Tattoo and Piercing in the 11th arrondissement of Paris.

*Dad: Did you read the note on the back of your directions?

Christmas Break 23-26

Due to a miscommunication, my parents were late and I was later. I went up to their hotel room. The door opened. It was weird to see my two lives collide, my family from America was in my city of Paris. We hugged, said the usual greetings, and then recalled a tale about the airport that left me cringing inside. Being my mom's first time ever doing a trip like this, and knowing the jetlag and other things that come with it, I took my parents back to my place for some wine and macarons. As I pointed out various things along the walk home, I felt slightly like a tour guide. They watched as I greeted some good acquaintances on my street, and I realized how much of a home Paris had become.
We had breakfast together in the morning, before we set off. I had made a program to show them Paris. There were some more famous places, and some lesser known places. I took them to the Paris arcades(1) to see 'old' Paris, Chatelet to walk around, the Galleries Lafayette(2) for their Christmas displays, and Opera to take pictures of the Palais Garnier(3). This was interspersed with shopping, as insisted by my mom, and the usual coffee breaks. My dad instantly fell in love with coffee with milk, and I was constantly showing them cases of the little pastries which had become my life. We ended up walking through the latin quarter, after having a wonderful dinner with live jazz. They were not used to walking as much, and I was constantly reminding myself to slow down. Christmas eve ended in a high with carols and mass at the famous Notre Dame(4) cathedral.
Christmas day is a special day, and Paris makes it even more of an event. I took them to the colorful Champs-Elyses(5) Christmas market to buy street food and look at the artisan work. We got a 'Paris' Christmas ornament, and a lot of hot cider. After walking to Concorde(6), we went back to my apartment for a real home made Christmas dinner (the first one in 2 years for me). This year, I was hosting. Every inch of my flat had been scrubbed to perfection, and my kitchen was ready to cook! I tried a modern take on a classic French meal with cheese and lots of wine, duck and rabbit for mains with potatoes and pasta, and a bûche de Noël (7) for dessert. We opened presents under my adorably small Christmas tree, and then watched classic movies late into the night. It was a merry night, full of old and new things together.
The next morning, it was back to business as usual. Paris had returned from the holiday spirit and was in full swing for Monday. I took them to the Louvre(8) museum, to an exhibit about movement and dance in art. We also went through part of the mideval and greek sections. Just being in such a large palace took you back to a time when the things on display weren't just artifacts. Also, it being first thing in the morning, there were significantly less visitors. I do not recommend going in the middle of the day if you visit this museum! Next, we walked to the Seine river(9) for lunch on the river. The company that did the venue was bateaux parisiens, and they offer dinner and lunch cruises. It was very relaxing, and a different way to see Paris. The food, too, was delicious. Next, I took my parents to see the Eiffel tower(10), something I see much too often for it to be special. I walked along the Champ de Mars, and tried to take them to see the adorable area by my university, but we had to go back to their hotel. That night was mom's last night, and we visited some cafes before going back and talking until quite late. It was easy to forget we were in Paris while we talked.
While I did show them some of the more popular sights, I also tried to include a great amount of cultural education. For example, I believe that going to a real café in Paris is just a necessary as going to the Eiffel Tower. There were some other, more local knowledge that I felt obligated to pass on. It is essential knowledge that one does not put butter on a baguette because it is already buttery, and that the type of wine should perfectly correspond with the course you are eating.
Love all and happy holidays!

1 http://www.parisdigest.com/shopping/paris_shopping_arcades.htm
2 http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/galeries-lafayette-celebrates-an-extra-polar-christmas/
3 http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71227/Opera-National-de-Paris-Palais-Garnier
4 http://www.notredamecathedralparis.com/
5 http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-show-exhibition/142388/marche-de-noel-des-champs-elysees
6 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde
7 http://www.livinglanguage.com/blog/2011/12/19/a-traditional-french-christmas-dinner/
8 http://goparis.about.com/od/parismuseums/a/louvre-museum-history.htm
9 http://www.aparisguide.com/seine/
10 http://www.history.com/topics/eiffel-tower

Switzerland

I flew in to Zurich in the morning.
As soon as I saw Alex, I was back in Korea. After all this time, nothing had changed. We spoke excitedly while we planned out the day. First on the list was to see the city. She told me more about some of its history as we walked past a glistening river. Spires peaked up from a sea of red-brown tiled roofs, drawing in curious wonderers. The white buildings, too, were painted festively to give color to the otherwise bleak November streets. We walked past some statues and a gold-gilded fountain, ending up at the steps of a church. The icy wind whipped around the corner as we went inside-from the top we can see all of Zurich. She pointed out where her village was in the hills. I laughed and thought about our climb to North Seoul Tower.
At the chocolate factory, we were more childish than the actual children. First you pick a chocolate, then you add your toppings and set it. You can decorate it in a variety of ways as well. I spoke a confused mix of English and French, and Alex translated everything for me since I didn't know German. After we made out chocolate bars, we had a tour of the factory and ate chocolate all along the way. On our way back we went to Arau, a smaller town in between cities. It was quite lovely and traditional, with large pine Christmas trees at every turn.
Back at Alex's home, we rested a bit while we talked. I knew everything in her bedroom that was from Korea, and we reminisced a bit. Meanwhile, downstairs her mother was cooking an early Thanksgiving dinner. Being American herself, she understood the importance of having a feast at least once a year (and I had missed mine last year too). After a while it smelled of thanksgiving: apples and cinnamon, stuffing and butter, potatoes and meat! My mouth was watering as the familiar scents wafting through the house. We all packed in and ate, talking about a great many things. It was almost like being back in the States for the holidays.

The next morning we discussed the plan. We would go to Luzern and another city, then to the airport. We walked around, exploring the cities. Luzern was in a different Cantone, and while we had lunch on a boat we looked over the glassy lake to some famous mountains. We sat in a café later, and it was easy to forget we were in Switzerland. Her mom drove us to the airport, and we stayed to eat dinner before my 8pm flight. I hugger her one last time and went through the gate, thinking it was sadder than the first time we said goodbye because I knew what I was missing.

Special thanks to Alex for letting me stay :)

Fall break- pt 2

I was nervous at the airport. It had been several months since I had seen Ben, the first time since Korea. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror, wondering what if he doesn't recognize me? All of my fears dissolved when I saw him grinning at the gate, and pull me into a hug.
Belgium was charming, full of cobbled paths and lively streets. Lanterns hung above high arching doors. Ben took me around before we caught a train to Dinant to visit his family. Between the rain in Scotland and the 6 am flight, having hot food and a nice bed was more than enough to make me happy.
It was nice to catch up, and to see an old friend. In the small town of Dinant we mainly ate and rested. I spoke to his family in broken French, and enjoyed the change of scenery. Paris was as far from sweet winds and rolling green hills as you could get.
Back in Brussels, I had some alone time in the student housing. Each student had their own room, with one common room/kitchen per floor. Blinking orange street lights lined the wall, and a stray metal sign leaned by the fridge. We established a routine: shopping in the morning, Ben cooking a practically gourmet lunch and then running off to class, and me packing up the rest for later and going to town. In the evenings I enjoyed a quality experience with the other students. There was a Japanese girl whose friend was also visiting from Paris. It turns out we go to the same school! I also met people from Marrakesh, Africa, and some other places.
There was an endless stream of talking, food, and movies each night.
After Ben showed me how to take the trams and busses, I could travel freely. I visited parks, monuments, museums, and lots of waffle shops.
The last night was bittersweet, I would miss Ben (and didn't want to go back to school). His mother came in to town for lunch, and then we went to the Atomium(1) at night. We said goodbye at the train station in the morning, me leaving with a bit of Belgium in my heart and a new conviction to see old friends again.

1- http://www.atomium.be/Practical.aspx
Other sights:
http://cheeseweb.eu/2013/09/visiting-porte-de-hal-museum-brussels-belgium/
https://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm/5757
http://www.worldtravelimages.net/Brussels_Albertine.html
https://visit.brussels/en/place/Parc-du-Cinquantenaire
http://www.manneken-pis.be/en/

When You Aren't There

It is a big fear that when you leave to travel, you will automatically be missing out on your loved ones' lives. That is not the case- with a little extra effort keeping up to date and in contact is not too big of a hurdle. The real challenge, and something less considered, is what to do when tragedy strikes. In lieu of a death, friends and family may congregate to console others and seek solace themselves.
This month of December was unfortunate enough to bring two deaths. I learned who was here to care for me, no matter where they are. New friends in Paris, family in the states, and old relations from Korea all were there. I found that it helps just to be alone, that the best way to remember somebody is simply by remembering, and that unexpected things can happen. After learning about the death of an old friend, I reconnected with somebody that I had fallen out of contact with over the years. Small niceties mean the world.
A word. A message. It does not take a lot to help somebody who is down. Life is simpler than it seems.

In memory of Daniel and Corky.

All Hallows Eve

Incidentally, that last night was also All Hallows’ Eve, and there was a special festival. Just light any other story, it was a dark and stormy night. We stood underneath the vaulted arches of the church and waited for it begin. A kindly woman explained to us, while we waited, how not to get 'painted red'. First out came the animals, scampering all about and clanging. They danced about until the nature folk- druids and the like- came forth to wander. Half were summer, adorned with fresh leaves and glittering green. The other half was winter, frosted with glinting ice. A woman leapt from the vine-wrapped stage, clinging to a black box. The top exploded, spewing purple light in the fading night. Red people came next, ripping up the streets with screams. Clothing hung off of their red bodies, wet with rain and glinting as they danced and jumped in celebration. We felt it coming before we heard it-the steady beats of drums and the crackle of fire. The soaked soles of my feet felt the rumbling ground as soldiers and torch-bearers solemnly marched forward to fill the gap.
In alternating lines of red and blue clad soldiers, an area opened up. Death marched up, glowing darkly and looming over the surrounding crowds. The king of summer rallied his men as the king of winter began to circle. Drums beat and people screamed. Sparks from the torches drifted lazily into the sky, mixing with the steam from hot bodies in the downpour. One by one, the men of summer were taken. Swords clashed as soldiers ran foreword, and the scurrying of animals dragging away bodies echoed in the square. Somewhere, an oven was fired, and suddenly the space was empty.
Summer and Winter stood side by side, winter sucking the life from Summer as he knocked him down the steps and grabbed his face with thick hands. Winter stood victorious, and his men paraded. Black-clad warriors with broad swords and axes marched around, flaming balls and chains were thrown, and a procession of drums approached. Eventually, the forces of nature came back. The King of Winter ran though the King of Summer. Quickly, in surprise, he knelt down by his dead brother. The anguish on his face was clear as Death approached with his servants. A woman in white appeared and fought them off, kneeling down by the body of Summer. She handed Winter his glowing heart in her hands, and then the celebration began. This time, not of victory but of marriage. The scavengers brought forth the food provided by Summer as an offering for Winter and his new bride.

The folklore behind this:
http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandsstories/brideandangus/storyangus/index.asp
Another version:
https://salemsmoon.wordpress.com/gods/the-horned-god-oak-king-holly-king-and-green-man/