It has been some time since I was able to update the blog so there is lots to catch up on.

After our weekend in Gyeong-ju Hayley headed back to Seoul and Zoe and I took the bus to Busan just under an hour away.It is on the south west coast and has beaches claimed to be amongst the best in the world.I planned to take a ferry to one of the islands off the coast on our second day there.Zoe however was not so sure about this.Turns out Zoe's influence on the weatheris much greater than mine because the day dawned to a major weather event!Plan B was to visit at least one of the 'world class ' beaches but the weather was even too bad for that so to Plan C - visiting an indoor market.There were floor and floors of colourful stalls selling traditional clothing, bedding, wedding food, costumes (dance, special occasion, dress up) and much more besides.

Luckily we had visited the major temple there the day we arrived and checked out the downtown area the night before.There was no more exploring Busan - apart from the subway and KTX stations.Because of the heavy rain we decided to catch the fast train back to Seoul which takes 3 hours instead of the bus which takes 5 hours on a good day.The KTX travels at up to 310 km/hr - give me a slow bus anyday.My earshurt during the journey and the seats are far less comfortable than the ordinary Korail train we took from Seoul to Gyeong-ju.

The next day we took advantage of the predicted cloudy day to visit Lotte World.This is a bit like Dreamworld but a lot of it is indoors or underground and the ride less scarey.We had a great day sampling the rides and experiencing major scare factor.Lots of the rides are unknown territory before you get on because you can't see them.All you see is a little house with a line up.One called the Comet turned out to be a delightful ride past planets, constellations, galaxys and black holes in a freely moving carriage.Another ride looked like a boat ride on a water track - turned out to be a rollercoaster in disguise as we zoomed around the track at up to 75 kn/hr.

Thursday dawned like it did in Busan - the weather had caught up with us!Still ventured out in the afternoon to visitone of the temples were they have an introduction to temple life for foreigners once a week.Arrived dripping wet and 20 mnutes late but the guide was very gracious as she introduced the temple buildings and guided me to where the traditional tea ceremony was aboutto get underway.It was lovely to watch and partake of the tea, dried sweet potatoe and dried lotus root.Next was a guided Zenmeditation followed by a class in lotus lantern making.

Friday was to be a day of serious sight seeing but these plans were foiled by major traffic disruption due to a special outdoor ceremony for the late ex president of South Korea.I did however, manage to visit one palace and a traditional village.It consists of houses, some of which are in original location but others that have been moved from other areas to allow development.It is surrounded by highrise but is a lovely space to explore with its peaceful gardens.

Friday night is social night so off to the university district where there are lots of bars and eating places.I visited Oi Bar with them then was dispatched off home - to pack for the next day (well that was the excuse).Oi Bar is fashioned out of free form fibreglass with mezzanine levels, long fringe curtains and lots of little 'hidey holes'.