Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, Korea Rep.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sometimes the cure to a bout of homesickness, melancholy or a bad day in general is to escape to the woods. Happily, this remedy is within walking distance, or rather, climbing distance. When I need to get away and for a couple of hours, I climb the mountain behind my home and lose myself in the bird calls and smells of pine and damp earth. Korean hiking trails favour a direct ascent up the mountain rather than the gentler switchbacks found back home. Hiking directly up the side of the mountain forces you to concentrate on your breathing and where to put your foot next, rather than worrying about the day`s little annoyances. Along the trail, there is a pavillion that overlooks part of the city. Viewing the world from this spot makes sorting out life`s problems a bit easier.
