Thumbnails - October 2009

October 2009
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Mexican Ballet Photo: A couple performs a traditional Mexican dance on the stage at Seoul plaza in front of Seoul city hall.  Dance troupes from various countries came to Korea to participate in a cultural dance exchange during the Encounters with World Cultures in Seoul. Knee-Highs Photo: A concert featuring a series of overseas-Korean performers at the head of the Cheonggyecheon (청계천) man-made stream in Seoul.  The performance was held simultaneously as that of yesterday's photos' traditional Mexican folk dance.  Summers are great in Seoul! Seoul Sentinels Photo: Protecting the palace gates (대한문) during the daily changing of the guards ceremony at Deoksugung (덕수궁) palace. Mental Asylum Photo: Cornell University's Uris Library and Mcgraw Tower appear a bit menacing in B&W like a psychiatric hospital.
Ancestor Appreciation Photo: The eldest living male in the family, in this case my eldest uncle, holds the responsibility to prepare offerings for Chuseok (추석) celebration.  Here, he ritualistically pours and twice circles soju, a Korean rice wine, around incense to offer thanks to his father (my grandfather) as well as previous ancestors.  Note the traditional Korean garb worn for the occasion called a hanbok (한복). Summer Wind Photo: Young boys muck around in the fountain (previously featured here and here) near the Yi Sun Shin statue in downtown Seoul. Outdoor Pianistas Photo: Concert pianist, Kim Min Su (김민수) pounds out a classical tune at a stunning art gallery venue in Daejeon (대전). Leggy Part II Photo: Slovakian beauty queen and part time WTA tennis star, Magdalena Rybarikova towels off her moist racket handle between points.
Man of Letters Photo: Today's newly unveiled statue of King Sae Jong Dae (세종대 왕) overlooks Gwanghwamun plaza. Detroit Photo: Smoke and fire billow out of somewhat unsafe props as our Japanese-Korean singer casually walks away. Strategically (mis)Placed Photo: An elaborate wardrobe piece from a well known Korean film on display at Gwanghwamun Plaza. Percussion Perspective Photo: A young girl plays a Thai traditional instrument called a ranat ek (ระนาดเอก).
School Schism Photo: Koryo University squares off against Yonsei University in soccer (football).  In the background, the fanatical Koryo U. student section cheers on its school. Regal Rest Photo: The main hall and courtyard at Jongmyo, the royal ancestral shrine for past ruling monarchs of Korea. Fishnet Photo: A Russian dancer performs as part of a special event called, Encounters with World Cultures in Seoul. Caped Photo: The male counterparts to yesterday's photo of the red wigged fishnet girl, part of the Encounters With World Cultures at Seoul city hall.
Awareness, Education, Empowerment Photo: Youngsters hangin' by the faux river surrounded by pink balloons, umbrellas and ribbons. Noodle Man Photo: A plate of steamy Lanzhou lamian, a type of Chinese Muslim-made hand-pulled noodles. Sitting Room Only Photo: An early round match at the Hansol Korea Open center court featuring Russian, Vera Dushevina (left) receiving serve from Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova. Take Flight Photo: The World Peace Gate built for the 1988 Summer Olympics still stands at Olympic Park in Seoul.
Trails Photo: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea's version of Beijing's Forbidden City, glows under a moonlit sky. Gatekeepers Photo: A guard carrying the royal flag stands aside the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Squeaky Clean Photo: The Seoul subway at Gubanpo station on the number 9 line. Splendid Performance Photo: One of several nightly laser light shows entertains visitors at Cheonggyecheon, Seoul's man-made stream.
Twister Photo: Eye contact with the cutest kid on earth. Wooden Rocket Photo: A tourist longtail boat navigates at high speeds through the tiniest of canals. Shadow's Edge Photo: A flower girl rests while the wedding party poses for their contrived snapshots. Frothy Walk Photo: A pair of surfers head home after an evening of catching waves at touristy Kuta beach in Bali.
Evening Dip Photo: A surfer watches the setting sun slowly slip from view. Doughy Lobe Photo: A Miao ethnic minority woman stares out a doorway. Lowest Point of My Life Photo: Yours truly, effortlessly floating in the Dead Sea, at -400m elevation.  Undoubtedly, the lowest point of my entire life, but loving every minute of it!  
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