Trip to 안동 (Andong, South Korea) on 19-22 June 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-06-20_kr-andong.htm

I travelled to 안동 (Andong, South Korea) for the first time on 19 June 2009 to meet my local friend 장우 (Jangwoo), and hike nearby. With the rainy season just starting, the weather was capricious but–as usual–I was lucky for the hike. Nevertheless, the sky broke loose on departure day...

The first evening, we ate Korean food prepared by 장우 (Jangwoo)'s mother, strolled at the local dam, and played a few billiards games. On Saturday, we visited 도산서원 (Dosan Seowon), a famous academy displayed on ₩1.000 banknotes, then dodged rain drops to see the 12m-tall 제비원 (Jebiwon) statue of Buddha. While mom was asleep, I experienced my first Korean nightclub then a karaoke with 장우 (Jangwoo) and one of his friends. The nightclub confused me much as the dance floor was smaller than the space for tables and seats, and as the staff moved customers around, guiding girls to the tables of guys, while the huge stage alternatively featured disc jockeys, female musicians, and a male stripper! Bewildering :) Still energetic on Sunday, 장우 (Jangwoo), one of his cousins, his mom, and I hiked four hours among the trees of 주왕산 국립공원 (Juwangsan national park) under an oppressive sun; the highest peak called us but dark was coming too fast for a full climb.

The stay was pleasant and entertaining; despite our diverse activities, I strangely feel that I fully enjoyed and relaxed everywhere. Maybe there is a lesson for my life in the capital? Anyway, I plan another trip in the region to visit folk villages and attend the famous local mask festival held every year in September-October.

Trip to 경주 (Gyeongju, South Korea) on 22-25 May 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-05-23_kr-gyeongju.htm

I travelled to 경주 (Gyeongju, South Korea) for the second time on 22 May 2009 to visit 불국사 (Bulguksa temple), which is a UNESCO world heritage, and hike at 남산 (Namsan) with Olga and Yerbol, two friends studying in the region. Clouds hovered over the region but the weather remained pleasant.

I appreciated the local historical assets and traditional ambiance but was surprised by the distances: one may see much with a bicycle in two days. However, I was slightly disappointed as I expected older, bigger and more numerous touristic sites because several Japanese friends had compared the city to 京都 (Kyoto, Japan); Koreans indicated that the area would be markedly more attractive had Japan not damaged or destroyed so much during wars and occupations... From another perspective, I also enjoyed unique coffee shops, delicious restaurants and, as we kept on bumping into acquaintances of Olga and Yerbol, a countryside atmosphere in which all people seemed to know each other.

The air, ambiance and smaller crowds agreeably contrasted with my everyday life in 서울 (Seoul, South Korea). For newcomers, two or three full days seem appropriate to discover the historical sites and enjoy the city, with one or two additional days for hikes. I will gladly return there to complete my visit and explore 남산 (Namsan) from another side.

Hike at 북한산 (Mount Bukhan, South Korea) on 28 February 2009

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2009-02-28_kr-bukhansan.htm

I hiked 북한산 (Mount Bukhan, South Korea) for the first time on 28 February 2009 with 재호 (Jaeho) to enjoy fresh air and surprising views at the highest local peak. We quickly reached the national park by bus from 길음 (Gireum) subway station, hiked three hours to 백운대 (Baegundae peak), lunched at the top, and left by a shorter path closer to 미아 (Mia) subway station. Patches of ice and snow remained but the warm air and clear blue sky favored tee-shirts; I only regret the haze veiling 서울 (Seoul). We hiked through forested mountains, followed the ancient fortifications of 북한산성 (Mount Bukhan fortress), and observed the capital from several perspectives. The closest paths were crowded both ways, and reaching the peak without the metallic cables would have been challenging; only healthy adults free from acrophobia should follow this path. Sandwiches at the top, under the South Korean flag, were a treat.

Since my move to South Korea, I frequently scrutinized the mountains from 남산 (Namsan), a hill at the heart of the capital, wondering how the view would be from the opposite side. From our path on 북한산 (Mount Bukhan), the haze mainly revealed the north of the city, and I was surprised by its extent and organization, notably its blocks of identical buildings. Now, I look forward to seeing the city center from a hiking path facing south.

Trip to 西表島 (Iriomote island, Japan) on 31 October - 03 November 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-10-31_jp-okinawa.htm

I visited 沖縄 (Okinawa, Japan) for the second time from 31 October to 03 November 2008 to explore jungles, walk among traditional houses, and tour beaches far from the main island. My three sunny days and a rainy day at 26-31°C there with François were a great experience.

Contrasting with 沖縄本島 (main island of Okinawa, see Post 29 March 2008), 西表島 (Iriomote island) is quite wild, with vast protected lands, a unique road at the periphery, and beautiful seas around. We spent Friday on a tour there canoeing a river bordered by mangroves and trekking in the jungle. We encountered numerous fishes, miniature crabs, white ants (aka termites), lively lizards, and a sleeping 波布 (Habu viper) before reaching ピナイサーラの滝 (Pinaisara waterfalls), where the aerial view was captivating. After a short immersion at the bottom, we canoed back then relaxed at the mild 西表島温泉 (Iriomote-jima spa).

We started Saturday contemplating the sea while eating breakfast on the terrace of the friendly and cheap ペンション星の砂 (pension Hoshi-no-suna). Afterwards, we examined the starry sand of 星砂の浜 (Hoshisuna beach), and swam at the warm 月ヶ浜 (Tsukiga beach). Before lunch, we crossed the sea in a cart pulled by a water buffalo to stroll in the botanical garden of 由布島 (Yubu island), where one can enjoy the vegetation as well as butterflies. Finally, we drove to 南風見田の浜 (Haemida beach), where we witnessed impressive natural light shows.

For our last hours at 西表島 (Iriomote island) on Sunday, we cruised 仲間川 (Nakama river) to see mangroves, and incidentally spotted ferocious 南黒鯛 (Minami-kurodai piranhas). We then sailed for 竹富島 (Taketomi island), where we walked among traditional houses, and saw numerous flowers, beautiful waters at コンドイビーチ (Kondoi beach) and a calming sunset at 西桟橋 (Nishisanbashi). Silent, dark and unusually shaped, the village revealed itself mysterious at night.

To wrap up our vacations on Monday, we walked in the streets of 竹富島 (Taketomi island) early morning then sailed for 石垣島 (Ishigaki island), where the rain awaited us, simplifying our visit to a drive around the island. We still had sun at 玉取崎展望台 (Tamatori cape viewing platform) but got much rain afterwards. During a lull, we visited ヤエヤマヤシ (Yaeyama palm tree groves), then drank fresh guava juice while waiting for typhoon-like rain to stop. We finished the day at 川平湾 (Kabira bay) and 川平石崎 (Kabira-ishizaki) before sleeping at the sympathetic やいま日和 (Yaima Byori).

Trip to 富良野 (Furano, Japan) on 03-08 July 2008

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2008-07-03_jp-furano.htm

I visited 北海道 (Hokkaido, Japan) for the third time in July 2008 to see the famous lavender fields of 富良野 (Furano) and to hike the nearby mountains while no snow prevented it. I spent four full days there with François, including two with 亮 (Ryo), then enjoyed alone a more urban ambience in 札幌 (Sapporo).

On the contrary to 本州 (main island of Japan), 北海道 (Hokkaido) lacks train lines and frequent buses so François and I rented a car from Friday. We first visited the large 旭山動物園 (Asahiyama zoo), which offered panoramic views thanks to its slope and open sky. The animals lived in narrow spaces but looked healthy. I observed much wolves, pandas, baby monkeys, and a black panther, and I hope to see such animals in the wild someday. For a change, we continued with museums dedicated to clothing and snow: 国際染織美術館 (International Dyeing and Weaving Art Museum), 優佳良織工芸館 (Yukara Ori Folk Craft Museum) and 雪の美術館 (Snow Crystals Museum). The first was the most impressive, with well-preserved garments from several countries exhibiting diverse lifestyles and concepts. 亮 (Ryo) joined us in the evening for a great dinner at ハローウィン (Halloween).

On Saturday, we strolled in the splendid lavender fields of ファーム富田 (Farm Tomita) and in the diverse flower fields of 四季彩の丘 (Shikisai-no-oka); superb photos of these landscapes were as usual exhibited at 拓真館 (Takushinkan museum). In another style, 富良野チーズ工房 (Furano cheese factory) offered a unique experience with its robotic milking cow! The best moment of the day though was a delicious chocolate fondue at ジャンゴ (Jungo).

On Sunday, we hiked several hours in 旭岳 (Asahidake), the highest mountain in 北海道 (Hokkaido). The landscapes alternated grass, ponds, flower fields and patches of snow, and are worth a two- or three-days hike... To properly end the day, we visited the small but high-quality 川村カ子トアイヌ記念館 (Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum) dedicated to the indigenous people アイヌ (Ainu), where reading Japanese is quite instructive.

After the departure of 亮 (Ryo) on Monday morning, François and I drove to 十勝岳 (Tokachi-dake), enjoying local beef and grapes juice on the way. The large open space and the green and orange scenery were impressive even with a few clouds. Hiking several days there would be quite an experience. Anyway, 十勝岳温泉 (Tokachidake Onsen) is a must do, and we quietly relaxed there with a view of the valley from the outdoor spa. Finally, François and I enjoyed great coffee in 美瑛 (Biei) at 北工房 (Kita Kouboh).

Hike at 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) on 05-06 August 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-08_jp-fuji.htm

I hiked 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) for the second time on 05-06 August 2007 with fourteen friends to see the sunrise from the top, which was a success thanks to a wonderful weather. Like the previous time (see Post 02 July 2006), we climbed from 五合目 (the fifth station) until we reached a shelter, where we dined. Most of us slept but I remained awake and could thus talk with hikers in the main room, watch thunder in the clouds outside, and later have a look at the stars, red moon, and city lights around the lakes. Leaving at midnight, we reached the top of the mountain just before sunrise, which was beautiful. After a two-hours stop in a frosty wind at the top, we slowly descended then headed for ゆらり温泉 (Yurari spa), which we all enjoyed much.

Trip to 富士五湖 (Fuji five lakes, Japan) on 28-29 March 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-03_jp-fujigoko.htm

I visited 富士五湖 (Fuji five lakes, Japan) for the first time on 28-29 March 2007 to enjoy its great landscapes with 明日香 (Asuka). We first crawled into the icy 鳴沢氷穴 (Narusawa cave) and 富岳風穴 (Fugaku cave) then hiked the warm 青木ヶ原樹海 (Sea of Trees). Surprisingly, we spotted monkeys in mountains near 西湖 (lake Saiko); no photos of them: they stayed away and ran quickly. After a divine dinner at café M, we spent a lovely night at サニーデビレッジ (Sunnide village). In the morning, we walked around 河口湖 (lake Kawaguchi), and after lunch we visited 浅間神社 (Sengen shrine), which used to serve as a starting point for pilgrimages to 富士山 (Mount Fuji). The weather was extraordinary all along and we had great views of the mountain on the way.

Hike in 鎌倉 (Kamakura, Japan) on 18 March 2007

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2007-03_jp-kamakura.htm

I hiked 天園ハイキングコース (Ten-en hiking course) in 鎌倉 (Kamakura, Japan) on 18 March 2007 with 明日香 (Asuka) to breath fresh air and admire statues of 天狗 (tengus). The weather was fine for our five kilometers across the forest, with clear views over 横浜 (Yokomaha) in the north-east and the sea in the south. We walked from 鎌倉 (Kamakura) station to 鶴岡八幡宮 (Tsurugaoka-hachimangu shrine) then checked several temples on the way to 瑞泉寺 (Zuisenji temple). There, we started the hike, which took us to 建長寺 (Kenchoji temple); its buildings and statues were great rewards after the physical effort.

Trip to 제주도 (Jeju island, South Korea) on 08-12 November 2006

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-11_kr-jeju.htm

I visited 제주도 (Jeju island, South Korea) for the first time on 08-12 November 2006 to attend the 2006 International Conference on Hybrid Information Technology (aka ICHIT2006), where I gave a talk. I had a great moment discussing while hiking 한라산 (Hallasan volcano) with Peter, one of the general chairs of the conference, though it was very cold. Besides, I had exceptional views from the plane during my flights between Japan and South Korea.

Hike at 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) on 01-02 July 2006

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2006-07_jp-fuji.htm

I hiked 富士山 (Mount Fuji, Japan) for the first time on 01-02 July 2006 with twelve friends to enjoy a sunrise from the top of this most famous Japanese mountain. We climbed from 五合目 (the fifth station) until we reached a shelter, where we dined and slept a few hours. When we resumed our hike after midnight, we were subjected to rain, wind and falling rocks. One of us actually got hurt by a fist-size rock a few minutes before reaching the summit; fortunately he just ended up with a big bump on the back of his head. Without surprise, we missed the sunrise and just got wrapped in a brighter and brighter diffuse grey light... In this condition, we all appreciated hot drinks provided at the summit but wondered whether we would try again, maybe in 2007. At least, we enjoyed the scenery on our way down, as well as a luxurious nearby 温泉 (hot spring).

[Update 06-Aug-2007] I enjoyed the sunrise from the top of 富士山 (Mount Fuji) during my second hike there, on 05-06 August 2007 (see Post 06 August 2007).

Hike at Mount Saint Helens (USA) on 12 September 2005

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2005-09_us-mount-st-helens.htm

I hiked Mount Saint Helens in Washington State (United States of America) on 12 September 2005 in company of Ruth to see for the first time the site of a devastating volcanic eruption. We drove a few hours from Seattle, visited a museum dedicated to the 1980 eruption then walked for a while in the area. In some places vegetation was non-existent, dead trees killed by toxic fumes stood still, and animals were scarce. Ruth was a great companion for the hike as she is my preferred geologist and a former NASA employee.

Hike at Mount Rainier (USA) on 05 September 2005

Source and photos: http://horizons.free.fr/seikatsu/eng/memories/2005-09_us-mount-rainier.htm

I hiked Mount Rainier in Washington State (United States of America) on 05 September 2005 in company of Jennifer to relax, breathe, and discover wide natural spaces. On our way, we enjoyed a great scenery at Alder Lake then lunched in a train wagon turned into a restaurant. The hike at Mount Rainier in the Paradise area was refreshing, and we appreciated the company of deers apparently used to respect from humans, which is predictable since wandering beyond the tracks is forbidden.