Temple Stay at Korea

Temples are like a part of my life here in KL. Every week I will at least visit a temple nearby for a short pilgrimage. That short moment of peacefulness and ease of mind is that significant.

When I was working in Korea, Geoje to be exact, I find it hard to find temples. There are churches like each and every corner of any town, but temples, not really.
There are small houses which has the Swastika symbol, which I think is a place for small Buddhist community to gather and do their weekly chants.

Later on after 2 months of my stay, I found out that most temples in Korea do offer this program called 'Temple Stay' where you can opt to stay for at least a night, or a few nights. Catering for locals and tourist as well. Just google temple stay at korea and you'll find plenty. You can also visit the link below.

http://eng.templestay.com/index.asp

There are a few in Seoul, and probably only one in Busan town. You can also find other temple stay in smaller cities like Daegu or Gyeongju. The fees for one night is usually 50,000 KRW (approx 50 USD), which is quite decent as you get your sleep, your meals and the programs that they offer and sometimes, some souvenirs too from the temple.

I stayed a night is Beomeosa, North of Busan. It was a pretty good experience and what I like the most was sleeping with everyone in the same hall. Cold outside but warm on the inside. Also, the hermitages around the main temple was so serene and tranquil, just listening to birds chirping is awesome by itself.

The master of the program is bringing us around the temple - and yes its raining that evening

Dining hall - we had to chant and pray before meal

Morning service at 5am

Making the 108 beads - One full bow for each bead

So yeah, for those who are visiting Korea, do look out for these activities. Its worth your time and to understand their culture as well as the slight differences in how they practice Buddhism.

Have fun ^^~

Laos

Travelling with a bunch of new friends always bring this chill in me. New people, new characteristics and what more, I don't know how to speak chinese. Its always a hard thing to explain when people ask why and often, gave that you-weirdo-banana glance.

Anyway, all things aside, and with a an open mind. I decided to follow this group. Almost had to cancel because of my assignment at Korea, but I decided to stay on with my plans.

So this is my first trip where I don't have to plan a single thing. Kinda rare if you'd ask me. Usually I'm the one who does all the planning.

We flew into Laos by Air Asia on 22nd April 2014, 4 days after I came back from Korea. Weather in April is just too hot, considering its almost summer on the upper hemisphere of the globe. Our trip generally covers the half north side of Laos. We landed at Vientiene, and move on to Lluang uang Prabang on the same night by an awesome sleeper bus. Travel time was about 9 hours and we reached Luang Prabang at about 6am.

Two nights at Luang Prabang and we move on by a minivan to Vang Vieng, which is rather in between Luang Prabang and Vientiene. A supposedly 5 hours journey, took us extra 3 hours as the minivan broke down. Vang Vieng is a small town but popular with activities and night life for those who seek freedom from curfews at home. We spend about 2 nights at Vang Vieng and moved on to Vientiene for our last 2 nights. Buddha Park and Sala Keoku was the highlight of the whole trip.

One of my relaxing trip so far, aside from the temperature. Loved their food, though some were quite salty for our taste buds.

Will give a detailed insight for each city later :D