Sherm-o Want-o Go Korea-o..Lame-o

Yes, the title's lame..but hey, I just got started man, am still learning the techniques of entertaining writing :( *sniff sniff*

Anyway, after 3 consecutive years of applying for the International Youth Camp organised by the South Korean UNESCO, I've finally been selected! Woohoo! Sad, I know..the first time I applied, I was apparently too young *pouts* and the second time I applied..well, I just wasn't qualified enough. Hehe..I tell you, these Koreans discriminate against Malaysian education institutions. You see, the second time I applied, I put MARA College Banting as my college/university. And this time when I applied, that was replaced by the University of Cambridge. What difference does it make? Sometimes, Ivy Leagues and Oxbridge are overrated. I personally think it runs down to the individual to determine how successful he or she wants to be in the near future. Then again, *sighs* public opinion and without a doubt, Malaysian mentality does have bearing on this.

Dear me, I'm rambling again. Yes, so mummy is worried of the 3 additional days I'll be spending over at Korea alone. So is daddy, and so is kor-kor (my bro)..Doesn't really pay to be a girl at times. hehe! Anyway, in this post, I shall share with you guys my tentative itinerary for the additional 3 days after the camp.

I'll most probably pay a visit to Gyeongju, which is down south of Seoul. Reachable by bus or train in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Don't even mention the transportation cost though. It's 30 US dollars just for that torturous journey-ONE WAY. That's another reason for me to tolerate the disastrous working environment over at Honda. Nevertheless, I believe the long journey will be worthwhile.

Next, a brief history of Gyeongju. It's known as the open air museum of South Korea, which basically translates to it being an entire historical town. Apparently, every nick and corner of it has its own history and would have its individual monument. Oh well, that remains to be proven-seeing is believing after all :) If you're interested to read on its detailed history, (which I doubt you'd be) feel free to browse through this link: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=255885

My ENTIRE family refuses to allow me to stay over at a motel which costs 50 US Dollars..and would instead prefer forking a large amount of cash just so that I would get a decent hotel to stay in *sighs*. I have no complaints really besides the fact that I'd have LESS money to SHOP! Those who studied economics would label this as a distinct case of opportunity cost. I mean, the motel doesn't look too bad! Here, have a look!

Does look rather comfortable, doesn't it? But, why leave myself open to security risks kan? I still want to realise my dream of being a successful oncologist afterall. So, my plan now is to actually search online for suitable and reasonably priced hotels just to satisfy the behest of my parents.

My first day over at Gyeongju will be dedicated to visiting places located further away from my temporary residence, just so that I'd have enough time to cover these tourist sites. So, it's Seokguram Gutto and Bulguksa Temple first. Also, I'll probably be dropping by at the recommended Underwater Tomb of King Munmu and will subsequently head off to Gameunsa Temple and Golgusa Temple. Gee, why am I portraying myself as a staunch Buddhist all of a sudden? :P The sights at these places are absolutely SCENIC! That's the impression I got from the pictures at least. Then again, contrary to the popular axiom, pictures actually DO lie, and I've been a victim of this several times. Nevertheless, I shall share with you some of these pictures I managed to find:

Seokguram Gutto is the representative stone temple of Korea, believed to be
built along with Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple, on the other hand is famous for its three-level pagoda. I
doubt it'd be as magnificent as the tour de france, 'Borobudur' though
This islet found amidst the beautiful, vast sea is as a matter of fact the
Tomb of King Munmu, the calibred King that united the three Korean kingdoms
to establish the renowned Shilla Kingdom of Korea

I just realised that this post is getting too lengthy. I'd better stop right here and shall continue the second day in the next post before I bore you guys to death (or perhaps I already have) *sighs* Sorry, will try to kick away this proclivity of elaborate postings *sniff sniff*

Till the next post people! Hasta Luego!