Imagine someone from America, Korea,
Saudia Arabia, Pakistan and two from India talking politics on a cross
country bus ride in Korea. We were headed down south to walk the
famous 구름다리 (Cloud Bridge) at 월출산 (Wolchulsan) in Joella Province and congregated in the back of
the bus as the remaining 30 or so hikers napped. Our conversation switched
between American, Korean and Middle Eastern politics with a hint of
humanitarianism. When will the North Korean regime collapse? Who is fighting in
Syria? Why does America feel the need to intervene in fights outside their
responsibility? These are just a few of the topics that came up.
All being said was done so with the uttermost respect for one
another. We were mere individuals not representations of our countries as a
whole. It almost felt as though South Korea was our safe haven for freedom of
discussion- a neutral meeting ground for the six of us. With the exception of
my friend native to Korea, we were removed from our home countries, perhaps
providing somewhat of a freeing effect. After all, the guy from Saudia Arabia made it very clear
that he would not be sharing his beliefs in such a relaxed manner had he been
in his home country nor would he do it on the internet where there would be a
record.
Moments like this allow one to truly understand their fellow human
beings. A humanistic view of the happenings around the world.
When the bus arrived at our destination, we were no longer
individuals from different backgrounds sharing what we feel, think, and know
about the world, but fellow hikers. And although we would talk more on the
mountain, it was no longer about such serious topics. That moment had passed
and the mountain would now serve it's rejuvenation qualities.
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| Mr. Kim, Soojin, Caleb and Christain on the Cloud Bridge |
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| Part of the Climbing in Korea gang |
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| HyungKyung....cheese! |
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| Phallic Rock |
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