On the way from Daejeon to Daegu, I ate the 3 boiled eggs White had given me (apparently a common train snack), while admiring the narrow valleys with many little orchards and greenhouses which reminded me of the Okanagan in BC.
Penny was a student at Selkirk for the whole time that I was Cultural Assistant there and it was great to see him again when he met me at the station. Together we wandered around the station and went for a lunch of kimbap (Korean sushi with egg, ham and pickled radish), toppolki (thick rice pasta in a spicy red pepper sauce) and a side of battered veggies and seafood. They call this a students lunch because it`s so cheap (just $6 or $7 for 2 people!). Then we went for a walk in a historical park before taking a bus to where he lives.
In the afternoon, we went with his mom and her friend to the Donghwasa temple on Mount Palgongsan. The majestic temple buildings near the entrance and the trees, creeks and paths that surround them are beautiful. Then we walked to a large temple hall supported on huge stone pillars, above which a 33m statue of Buddha towered over us. It is in fact the tallest standing statue of Buddha in the world. Simply stunning. It was definitely one of the most beautiful things that I have seen in my life.
Back in Daegu, his mom took us all out for BBQ duck!! It was scrumptious! We ate it with mushrooms, garlic, lettuce, sauce, kim chi and various side dishes. She also treated us to some sweet raspberry wine. Then we walked off the delicious dinner at a nearby park and watched a beautiful fountain display on the lake there. The lights and water were coordinated with music like a fireworks display.
The next morning, Penny`s mom prepared a huge breakfast for us before we left to the station for me to catch the train to Ulsan. His mom is such a sweetheart and so talkative. Penny did a great job of translating everything for us!
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