Seoul whirlwind
The warmth of the stream, the people I met, the beautiful art. It was as I imagine being in a cyclone, like Dorothy, seeing snippets of familiarity, experiencing moments of clarity and calm, then being taken up again in another gust.
I visited two universities (한신 하고 고려) Hanshin and Korea University, and had delightful meetings with academics. It was Sustainability Week today! I also met a professor friend and friend-of-friend, who were incredibly kind in showing me local places to eat.
Mugwort cake was a treat!
Seeing poetry in the subway elevated the experience.
I heard that there is an anti-Chinese sentiment and violence, which saddens my heart, as we saw the boundary avenue to Chinatown.
The night views were great, both from the guesthouse roof and from the walk up the hill in Itaewon past many embassies. I thought the juxtaposition of the construction and the iconic Seoul tower was appropriate.
Both in and out of museums there were gorgeous pieces in countless styles and forms.
It’s a city of many worlds, and I’m grateful to have created some memories and kinship with Seoul, with more to come some day.