Summer School, Oxford

“If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.” 

~ Joseph Cambpell 

I didn't know where this door will lead me to, but the little voice in my heart led me to Oxford, which I decided to enroll in the Faculty of Astrological Studies Summer School 2014...This is my first western trip. Oxford, here I come!

I farewell my husband and took Qatar flight transit in Doha before arrived at London Heathrow airport around 11pm and slept overnight at Iblis hotel nearby the airport. It was a long traveling journey... I know I need to sleep well and rushed to Oxford for the summer school next day before 2pm for the class. This time, I really lack of research for this UK trip as there are a lots of pre-studies for this course I need to equip myself as a beginner in astrology. 

From Heathrow to Oxford the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes if travel by coaches. I prefer coaches because it can stop at the nearest station where I don't have to drag my heavy luggage and walked for long distance. The bus ticket can be purchased at terminal 5, there are wifi inside the bus, therefore it is very convenience. 

I took the stop at "Queens Lane", walked to the Turl Street and look for entrance of Exeter College. I walked along the street but I failed to notice the Exeter College sign, most of the college gate is closed and I have to ask around for direction. But not much people know about the college either, I think most of them are visitor also.

Exeter College founded in 1314 and it is one of the oldest in the University. This building is historical and I like to imagine this building full with spell and magic all around, just like Harry Porter's film. It is also my pleasure to be able to stay and experience a week studies in this lovely place. 

 

Accommodation in Exeter College, I booked the shared bath room hotel room

Library and beautiful gate behind my classroom, from this garden you actually can take a good look at the Radcliffe Camera view.

This whole trip is like a dream which I felt reluctant to wake up and back to my home country. Oxford really offers me a truly special student experience where it is unique, historical and full with mystical. I can now understand why it is also known as the "city of dreaming spires", a term coined by poet Matthew Arnold.

Not only the environment, the food, the interaction from the participants from all around the world purposely flied over here for the intellectual exchange. It really enrich my experiences and this is one of the trip I like it very much.

What to See in Seoul

Traveling around Seoul City is quite easy. Although it is difficult to communicate with the local, but you can find most of the traveling information for free. All you need is a tourist map or get information from tourist information center and do some homework, I believe you will be enjoying the trip well.   

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Admiral Yi Sunshin and King Sejong Statute and Cheonggyecheon Stream tourist spots are all nearby, you can actually plan a visit of these places at the same day. Whereas, Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village are around the same area. 

The recommended places you should see:

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace 景福宫

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main palace for Joseon Dynasty 朝鲜时代 and it was built in 1395. But it was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and then it was reconstructed in year 1867. The name of Gyeongbokgung was name for the new dynasty (Joseon) to be greatly blessed and prosperous. 

2. Admiral Yi Sunshin and King Sejong Statute (Gwanghwamun Square)

Statute of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunshin was placed in Gwanghwamum Square, the commander who protected Korea during the Imjin War. King Sejong is the fourth king of Joseon which is deeply loved by Korean people. There is an exhibition hall underground with entrance at the back of King Sejong Statute.

3. Cheonggyecheon Stream

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a stream running through central Seoul from west to east. It is a must visit place because it represented a human-centered, ecological-friendly urban area after the restore of the stream.

4. Ssamziegil, Insadong

A place that fostering the artistic and creative expression in Korean people - Ssamziegil Mall. It is situated on Insadong street which is famous for Korean traditional culture and crafts. Ssamziegil was built with the aims to support and encourage young and talented local artists. 

5. Bukchon Hanok Village
After spending your time at Insadong street, you can actually paid a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village (nearby Anguk Station). You can take a walk around the alley of Bukchon Village to experience and discovery the historical culture of Hanok. There are 8 Bukchon views which you can take a nice photo.

6. Seoul Tower and Namsan Park

236.7m high of Seoul Tower offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the Seoul city, located at the top of the Namsan Park. It is the Seoul's landmark which you shouldn't miss it.

Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park

Haeundae name was originated from a Silla 新罗scholar and poet Choi Chi-won 崔致远. It was described that when Choi went to Mt. Gaya to escape from the adverse political circumstances. He was admired by this awe-inspiring natural landscape when he passed by this area. The beautiful sights of the ocean, clouds and mountains inspired him to engraved the three letters “Hae (sea), Un (cloud) and Dae (hill)” on a rock located south of Dongbaek Island.

When you travel to Haeundae beach, walk to your right (near The Westin Chosun Busan), you will be able to reach Dongbaek Park and Nurimaru APEC House. Nice walking trail and breathtaking view. The park is also surrounded by Eurya Japonica tree and it is believe that Eurya Japonica tree has sterilizing process that can purify the air. There are few things to see in Dongbaek park:

1. Mermaid statute
It was installed on 1974, but destroyed by typhoon later. It was then re-installed a 2.5m high bronze mermaid with 4 tons. It is a legend of a homesick Princess Hwang-ok (from mermaid kingdom) who married to King Eunhae of Mugung, but cried for her home country during every full moon night.

2. The Haeundae Carved Stone 
Engraved three letters “Hae (sea), Un (cloud) and Dae (hill)” by Choi Chi-won on a rock located south of Dongbaek Island. Today, the middle character "Un" was eroded by rain, wind and wave.

3. Nurimaru APEC House 

4. Choi Chi-won Monument  
It is situated at the top of the island. A great scholar and poet in late Silla period. He earned his respect as Father of Korean Confucianism during Goryeo Dynasty.

What to see in Busan

Travel in Korea is easy, all destinations is easily connected by bus and Metro Line. All you need to do is prior preparation like where to take the transport, what is the bus number and where to get off. You might have difficulty with the Korea language - hard to communicated with the bus driver. Therefore, you will need to listen carefully when they mentioned the location name for you to hop off the bus. So far, we didn't face any big challenges regarding their public transport.

My advice is, always hold the tourism map with you. Not everyone is good with English here. Besides, buy Cashbee card or T-money card for travel, it is comparison cheaper and convenience to travel in Korea.

I stayed in Haeundae Beach area for the first day and manage to visit the following tourism attraction places as follows:  

1. Haeundae Beach

Haeundae Beach is claimed as No. 1 beach in Busan. Fine sandy beach, windy and at night there are street performance at the beach. Many people gather there for relaxing...read more

2. Nurimaru APEC House and Dongbaek Park

A beautiful photo taking spot of Dongbaek island you should not miss! Nurimaru APEC House (the venue of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting) and beautiful landscape around Gwangan Bridge. It is nearby Haeundae Beach... 

3. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Korea Buddha's birthday fall on 6 May this year, therefore it was crowed with people when I visited Yonggungsa Temple. The temple is special because it sit near the cliff beside the sea. It is famous for the glorious sunrise from the East Sea. At Haeundae Station, Exit 7. Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple (temple stop is announced in English). 

In the third day, we move to Nampo-dong area where the following tourism area is nearby.

1. Yongdusan Park

Mt Yongdusan's name was originated from its appearance where is similar to a dragon head. It is like a dragon has come down from Baekdudaegan and moving towards the sea. It provides a beautiful view of Busan harbour from the 120 meter high observation deck siting in this Yongdusan Park.

2. BIFF Square

3. Jagalchi Market

4. Gukje Market and Bupyeong Ggangtong Night Market

5. Taejongdae Area
Taejongdae originates in Shilla Dynasty, it was recorded as the place where Shilla Taejong (King Muyeol, Chunchu Kim) used to practice archery and ritual for rain. Beautiful sea cliff, thick forest and blue ocean...

Good and Bad Experiences all in Korea!

Good and bad experiences all in Korea... I remember the first time when I traveled to Korea was with my husband for our honeymoon trip. We enjoyed the trip so much and it was four years back. This time, I decided to travel to Korea again,  but it was with my brother. 

You will be surprised, when I drafted this blog is around 4.05am in the morning at 24-hours McDonald. Yes...we have no place to sleep for that night and have to stay all night! We have been chased out from Jimjilbang place in the mid night 3.30am, dragging our luggage in the middle of the road... the weather of that night was freezing cold. I will said this was an valuable experiences for me which I will never forgot.  

Before the trip started, I have spend around two to three months to study and plan for the itinerary and booked all accommodation for the trip. But I do said I make a mistake by booking the wrong hostel in Agoda. The review is bad and I supposed to book another hostel with roughly the same name. After I paid through my credit card only I realized, I made a mistake.

When we arrived in xx Egg House, the were no receptionist in the hostel. We have to wait for the person-in-charge for more than one hour. When he came back, he didn't immediately attend to our check in, rather checking his phone call and ask us to wait. I was very annoyed and told him that we have been waiting here for more than one hour. I showed him our confirmation booking through Agoda and hope we can check in immediately.

He kept asking when I make the booking, I really couldn't remember the exact date. But didn't I displayed the confirmation booking? Then he told me, no reservation was made. I was even surprised cause before I travel, there were an email shoot to me by the hostel saying thanks to me for staying in their hostel. But I do replied him the email that the exact date I will be staying.

He told me it was the previous staff mistake and he was resigned. Now he only has room without the private bathroom that I booked. I requested for the discount cause I remember the price was difference, he told me no discount. And mentioned that it was not his mistake. I tried to argue with him, this is their mistake too although the staff had left. He then told me I tried to make fuss on him and asked me to look for another place to stay.

I was really angry with his attitude and he was rude! He can well verse in English, but the service was WORST! At last, the only thing I can do was to ask for refund. He told me that he didn't get the money, I have to tell Agoda for the refund. My brother immediately called Agoda, they help us to locate for another hotel but failed to do so. The only thing they can do is to refund the money with one day extra compensation to us.

We didn't realize, most of the places in tourism spot was fully booked. The main reason was holiday for Korea, China and Japan during that period. We walked through few hotels until we suggested by local to sleep in Vestel Jimjilbang. But unfortunately it was closed due to all full. We really have no idea where we can go and decided to stay at their lobby and wait until the next day. Not only us, but there a lots of people like us who have no place to go for that night. 

Haha! What an adventure trip from the start. Now the only thing I can do is to laugh and enjoyed it!   

Discover Cu Chi Tunnel

"What is the road name?" belong to the meaning of "Cu Chi" in Vietnamese language as told by the tour guide when we visited Cu Chi tunnel. Cu Chi tunnel is a MUST visit place when you travel to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). This place symbolize the Vietnamese people's determination, wisdom and heroism during Vietnamese War.

Cu Chi tunnel is an "underground system of tunnel deeply located in the ground bed with numerous floors, several deviated alley like a cobweb over 200km long". It is located approximate 70km away from HCMC. The tunnel were used by Communist guerrilla troops or Viet Cop as hideouts during combat, house troops, transport communication and suppliers. 

You can have some idea on how extensive the network running underneath the Cu Chi district northwest of Saigon is from the picture below:

The tunnels were dug by hand and it was amazing! Around 30ft deep and stretch for around 200km... Inside the tunnels were functioning as underground cities including numerous trap doors, living areas, weapons factories, hospital, kitchens and command centers. The living spaces inside the tunnels is no more than a few feet. When we experienced squeezing into the maze of tunnels, my leg felf cramp and tired. Just imagine and picture how Viet Cop once stayed there for few months!

  

There are many traps created by Viet Cop and you will be also surprised to see the tactics used by Viet Cop during the combat. One of it is the shoes wear by the Viet Cop is done by tires, they can wear it another way round to confuse their enemies so that the road they are heading is opposite direction. 

It is interesting to learn the history of the Cu Chi tunnels, it is a good place for us to look back on history - scarified and war. We are now find hard to imagine the destruction and damage over this place caused by bombs and mines. But what I would like to say is "I Enjoy the Peace Now".

  

  

Phang Nya Bay, Phuket

When you travel to Phuket, one scenic view you shouldn’t miss will be Phang Nya Bay tour.

I have planned it as one of my main traveling agenda, when people approached me from the airport, me and my friend just purchased the tour package directly. Comparison, it is more expensive (1800 baht) than others local travel agencies which you can find in the tourist area you are staying, but I think is still worth it cause not much people in the boat and you will have plenty place to enjoy the view.

Khao Phing-Khan is a famous landmark when you choose Phang Nya Bay tour. You might have no idea on this name, but James Bond Island is a much popular name for tourism as this place is features in James Bond’s movie “The man with the golden gun” around 20 years ago.

Khao Phing-Khan is special because it “formed from a crack and slide of rock due to the gravity faults. As the base of rock was scoured out by the torrent the upper rock became heavy and slide down to rest in a leaning position.”

Kayaking is another main activity for the whole tour where it allows you to have a close-up view on the amazing of natural formation - limestone cliffs and caves. Stalactites and stalagmites… but all I can tell it is so precious that we should protect this thousand year’s natural formation. It is really an eye opener for me especially when we have to lean down in our canoe and travel into the inner cave.

Dark, murky and humid… this is what I can tell when we reached the inner cave. It reminds me on a terrifying true story movie “Black Water”. It seems like the huge crocodile was hiding inside the muddy water waiting to attack us!  (Haha, my imagination is great!) Anyway it is really an amazing journey.