When in Rome...

What a day we had!

The social committee at my school (a group of fun-loving, creative party folks) put together a relaxing day trip to places nearby. We first explored a traditional tea ceremony, then wandered through "Herb Island," had the ultimate spa experience, and finished off with a local BBQ place we all love.

The traditional tea ceremony was really educational and made all of us realize that America just has a different kind of history than just about every country in the world! We don't have ceremonial traditions that are unique to our country. Sure, we have certain traditions for weddings, graduations, and holidays, but they are mostly stolen from the respective countries of our ancestors-- we don't have uniquely American traditions that we could hold a class and excitedly share with foreigners to show them the ways of our people. Of course, the melting pot mentality of America which leaves this tradition-void more easily allows for social progress and change (which is a clashing point for families here as the Western mindset takes hold).
We learned to take our shoes off properly at the door, wore the hanbok robes, and had the chance to practice hosting a green tea party! After we clumbsied our way through this ceremonial tea service, we got to munch on tons of little Korean finger foods and delicate snacks!

Then, it was off to herb island where the scent of herbs greeted us as soon as we stepped off the bus. After a quick herb salad (really yummy-- nestertium flowers and all!), we wandered the greenhouses, gardens, and shops. I got enough candles, lotions, and teas to keep me calm for the winter, I think!
Just walking around this place reminded me again how acute and effective the sense of smell can be. It was like smelling soothing music, or inhaling beautiful art, AMAZING.

The relaxing wasn't done yet because we still planned to head to the spa. We ended up going to one just down the street from the local grocery store (a viable option for future visits since it's so close!). This was definitely an experience I hadn't expected! In the interest of mixed company, and the Western insecurity with group nudity, I won't go into great detail; however, I must say that "when in Rome...
the Roman cultureal norms do not offend the the non-Roman's mind as the same practices would in his homeland." Basically, in the gender segregated areas, it's completely a birthday suit affair with washing as a community task and in the mixed areas, the standard issue shirt&shorts gym uniform allows families to hang out together and relax in a community. It's like nothing I've seen or experienced before. The atmosphere was great and in the absence of a bathtub or shower stall in my own bathroom, I'll be visiting the spa again during the long, cold winter months!

After bathing, relaxing, massages for some, and body scrubs, we were all so relaxed we had to work really hard to decide on a dinner plan. We ended up at the BBQ restaurant grilling our own meal and devouring the beef-and-leaf "taco style."

Good times!!