Faith, Religion and Me

When I was young, I looked forward to "Simbang Gabi", wherein you have to attend mass as early as 4am in the morning for 9 days.  Not that I knew what it was for, but I enjoyed exploring a different side of our neighborhood before dawn.  Dark and very quiet.  However after the mass, it was quite lively and bright with all the night markets serving native delicacies.

So years went by and the fascination wore off...
and grew up half hating attending the Catholic mass.
it was lifeless
it was meaningless
I didn't understand the purpose of standing, kneeling, chanting a thousand prayers, beating yourself to death, and crowded processions.
Some of the people dutifully practicing the so called rituals don't even have the holiest of attitudes.

However, there is still a part of me that wants to fully explore the realness of a God.

So have I really found God yet?
Honestly, I want to confidently say so.
But lately I am a little bothered.

There's still a part of me that questions the origin of the bible.
Is it really real?
Is it really from God?
How did these authors come up with such stories?
Why do people consider it as a book from God?
Why are there other religions?

Just try doing a google search "Is the Bible Real" and you'll be shaken about the results.

Although its word is quite insightful and has a life changing effect.  I still can't help but think if it's just a variation of "think positive" methods but relying on an imaginary third person.

My First Winter in Korea

It's summer once again!  The only time I enjoy the hot weather is when I'm on the beach!
Everywhere else is just dreadful (haha).
It's during these warm times you begin to miss cooler weather and vice versa.

Last December 2008, Me and my family have been blessed to visit Korea during the start of its winter season.

Breathtaking winter scene
It was actually my first time to experience winter!
The best experience was being able to try skiing at Jisan Ski Resort and see mountains of snow for the first time!!!
I've only seen snow in pictures and in film.  There were no words except for "woooooow!!" when I saw it in real life. hahaha

Entrance

Ski grounds

Skiing looked easy, but I slipped when I tried my first baby slope.  It didn't hurt at all however it was really hard to stand back up while you had the skis on.  The chills I felt when I first arrived at the resort were gone after the ski exercise and ended up very hungry hahaha.

Modern city while maintaining Korean heritage
It puzzles and amazes me how Koreans, Japanese, Chinese and a few other Asian countries somewhat share the same designs in architecture, clothing, and handwriting.
During our stay we were able to visit these culture-rich places:

Suwon Fortress walls

Suwon Fortress

Changgyeonggung

Highlights of the Trip
Korean culture shared by our wonderful tour guide Alice

• Most Koreans are very loyal to local products
• On the road, most of them are on the rush "pali pali" (hurry hurry) when they accidentally bump into you, don't take it seriously and most of them wouldn't apologize either.
• Dining culture:
• In restaurants, regular tables with normal chairs are mostly reserved for the elderly.  The rest sit on the floor.
• The reason their rice bowls are made of metal is to prevent it from moving so much while eating.  You must never lift up the metal rice bowl as it drains your luck away from you.  It is considered disrespectful to some.
• Kimchi holiday - There's actually a public holiday for a week dedicated to preparing kimchi they plan to consume for the entire year as it takes long to prepare.

• Every wife should know how to prepare all the appetizers you notice served to you at Korean restaurants.
• Nutrition - ginseng is a popular health commodity.  Almost everyone has probably taken it during their growing up years.

Other places visited:

Spa Greenland - This is probably the biggest spa I've ever visited in my entire life and a must visit too!  It's a total relaxation place with hydrotherapy pools, sauna rooms with different types of stones used for the walls, and other amenities.

Lotte World and Everland Themepark

Lotte World is more of an indoor themepark with a mall.  I enjoyed the laserlight show which shows before the park closes as well as some of the intense rides.  Also tried the sudden drop ride where you'll be raised up high then drop without warning.

Bad shot, but oh well it's the only one i have

In Everland, I was tricked into riding their horrifying 90 degree drop roller coaster by my brother!!!  I felt my heart pop out and screamed like no tomorrow during that ride!  Would I try it again?  I'm not sure... haha.

Everland at night... yes another bad shot *sigh*

Kimchi Culinary School!

We also had a culinary lesson on how to prepare kimchi!

This tour was arranged by:

Grand Pacific Travel and Tours Corp


Where do you want to go during the warm summer days?