Dec 26, Gatbawi

Woke up around 12. Finished watching Blazing Saddles, which was an Okay movie. Ate some lunch and then we headed toward Gatbawi. First, we got into a cab and headed downtown where we caught bus 401 to Gatbawi. It took us awhile to find which way we needed to go and which stop had bus 401. We finally found bus 401, but it was heading the opposite direction so the bus driver let us stay on until the next stop and pointed to where we needed to be to head in the right direction. So after a good 20-30 minutes just trying to get on the bus, it finally arrived and our journey there finally began. It took about 50 minutes to get there by bus, but by far the cheapest way to do it. We were at the base of the trail not knowing what we were in for. Started the hike, which by the way is all uphill and thought it would only take a half hour or so. We were completely wrong. It was a tough hike; uphill, cold air, uneven steps, and lots of people. We took many breaks, disrobing a couple times because we were sweating so much. We actually kept a good pace and I was proud of us both. There were two parts to the hike. The first part was a paved/dirt road that was straight uphill. Then you get to this Buddhist temple which is not even halfway and then the stairs start. These stairs suck and were a pain, but it felt good once we reached the top. We stopped a few times taking in the gorgeous views of the scerey around us taking pictures, etc. Finally reached Gatbawi and it was well worth it. A beautfiul Buddha, the only one like it. The views were emmacualte and it was cool seeing people coming up all this way to pray to this particular Buddha. Stayed up there for half hour or so and then headed back down the mountain. Reached the bottom, just in time to catch the bus. Took about an hour to get back downtown and then a cab to our place. Met our friends John and Jenn for BBQ. Great meal after an exhausting hike.
After dinner came back to the apartment took a shower, relaxed, and then out.

Have Fun

More info on Gatbawi click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatbawi