At first, I did not understand why they would want to burn nature, and have a forest fire; some countries, ie Portugal where my family is from, prayed for all their forest fires to stop.
I came to find out that this fiery show is, belived by Koreans, to cleanse the fields to improve quality and bring upon a bounitful harvesting year.
It was exciting, yet dissappointing for me. The day and night inlcuded festivities that were accompanied by Koreans in traditional "hanbok" clothing. It was vibrant and exciting. There were fireworks and a countdown. The Fire Festival reminded me a bit of our Fourth of July, but through all of this I couldn't help but to question "why burn so much?" Why destroy so much of the earth and cause more pollution.
Each culture has their own traditions I told myself, and though I was melancholy, I compensated thoughts. Justifying this destruction of earth with the notion that the islanders, and of course their expats, have kept Jeju beautiful; recylcing foods, paper, glass, and cleaning up the beaches.
The justification truely doesn't help seeing that I am currently typing my troubles with it, but all in all, I am in their country. Thus, I watched the fires blaze up and spread throughout; fire in itself is captivating and enigmatic, and I watched in astonishment.
Photos are below, a bit blurry, my camera was being difficult.
3 comments:
Hi Lori!
I just stumbled across your blog, and had a few questions for you about what it's like being a vegetarian in Jeju. (I've just applied through a recruiter for a teaching job on the island!)
Have you been able to maintain a vegetarian diet while in Jeju? What has been the reaction of your director/coworkers when you go out to eat? I'm worried I may end up offending people/starving! It looks like you eat fish, which I'm sure helps a lot! Unforunately, I don't consume any fish, but do eat dairy and eggs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Take care :)
Hi Lori!
I just stumbled across your blog, and had a few questions for you about what it's like being a vegetarian in Jeju. (I've just applied through a recruiter for a teaching job on the island!)
Have you been able to maintain a vegetarian diet while in Jeju? What has been the reaction of your director/coworkers when you go out to eat? I'm worried I may end up offending people/starving! It looks like you eat fish, which I'm sure helps a lot! Unforunately, I don't consume any fish, but do eat dairy and eggs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Take care :)
Well hello!
Yes I have stayed a vegetarian and it has been easy. There is a five day market here where you can get an abundant supply of vegetables, fruits, beans, and so much other stuff.
They have plenty as eggs as well, including, I think, quail eggs. I am not sure. I dont purchase eggs here, but I do eat them once and a while with some of there foods.
Make sure you bring your own seasonings and favorites of any kind. I cook, so I make my "euro" dishes and hoping to get on making spanish rice and beans :)!
It is hard to go out and eat with coworkers, because they love meat and lol they were devasted when they found out I was a vegetarian.
But there is a vegetarian meet up group, and cooking classes that you can be apart of on the island.
I dont know if you have already, but join the yahoo group Rhymes with Jeju and Jeju Life Forums, such a helpful bunch of expats.
Goodluck, and if you need anything just let me know!
Post a Comment