When I used to daydream about all the beautiful places to travel and amazing places to see, my mind had not yet experienced an Asian culture.  It was like a color I had never seen and couldn’t even imagine.  In some ways, I feel like I finally have eyes to see.

I have only been here a handful of weeks with even fewer experiences in the heart of the communities surrounding me.  But all of a sudden, there are new colors, new smells, super gross things and utterly amazing things.  But it is all disguised as run down, dilapitated city streets that hardly seem worth venturing down.  If someone held up a photo of this city next to a photo of nearly anywhere else in the world…I would probably not choose Seoul.

Until now.  My neck hurts from the whip lash.  I feel like a child in an amusement park…running from ride to game to sweet treat to my family to tell them all about it.  I am overwhelmed with the disguised beauty here.  The food, the people, the stores, the broken glass, the chipped paint…the stinky smells.  I am in love with Seoul.  It’s beauty is surprising and all consuming.  And I have a feeling that there will be a lot of “seen in Seoul” posts on this little blog.  I can’t imagine these photos even do it justice…you should probably just come over and wander the streets with me.

We could hear them shouting but it wasn’t angry.  We saw them gathered, intent on the center.  They were playing a game and didn’t care that we infiltrated the group or were snapping a few photos.  In fact, they were oblivious to us.  It felt like a secret whispered in the ear.  Like a treasure hidden in the wide open.  We watched them play for only a few minutes but I could have lingered for longer.  These people, so far from what I am used to but so close to who I want to learn.

Every single day is a new adventure my friends.  I really believe that no matter where you are, there is beauty in the people…in the places…in the treasure left lying about and the secrets tucked way back in.  Get out and explore, even areas that seem like they might not offer much.  It’s so beautiful out there!