Life lessons from the North Korean border

Blankets of snow covered the ominous demilitarised zone in the Korean Peninsula. I peered through binoculars over to the other side. Reclusive land, barbed wires and frozen rivers filled up the lens. On a summers day the view from the Dora Observatory is the closest you’ll get to seeing the North of Korea – but for me, the bitter cold chilled my face as I listened to communist propaganda music playing over the whistling winds.  

Delicious offerings from the streets of Hoi An

Along the ancient streets of Hoi An, is the vibrant farmers market; a place where women in leaf hats barter with customers and chat to locals. Small mountains of exotic fruits and vegetables brighten up the surroundings and fresh sugar cane is pulped in to juice.  Vietnamese cuisine is some of the best I’ve had – the streets are crawling with authentic food and cooking classes are widely available so you can master the local specialities. 

A city of sunshine on a rainy day

Escaping temperatures of minus nine and the odd flutter of snow, we departed Seoul; (our modern metropolis home) for winter vacation and headed to Hoi An, the Vietnamese city where time has stood still.

Namsan; a breath of fresh air in the heart of metropolis.

Desperately trying to squeeze in seasonal activities before the fast approaching, bitterly cold winter, Molly and I set off into a chilly and mist filled morning – our destination, Namsan; an icon of Seoul and its distant past. It has been voted the most scenic location in the capital city and is even referenced in the national anthem. Needless to say, a big dog in Korean culture.

But sometimes it’s about the journey, not the destination.