How do you like them Alps?

I don't consider myself an athlete (just ask Herbert). However, I have put a few mountain tops under my feet on occasion. On Saturday one of the English teachers at Andy's school took us on a hike to one of the most famous mountains in this area. Mountains are actually all around us and look like - "Andy, how would you describe the mountains here?" - "Oh, just say like massive turtle shells, only pointy." Ah, yes. And I'd say imagine those shells covered with thick moss. They are quite pretty, but are certainly not the jagged snow-capped peaks we are used to. As with most Korean names, I have forgotten the name of this particular mountain, but Andy tells me it's called Mohawk Sun (that's my phonetic conversion).

In gazing upon the mountain from the bottom, it didn't look that high. Piece of cake for us hardcore B.C.-ers who climb REAL mountains. We got out of our car in the parking lot and Mr. Ahn started to gear up. By gear I mean his hiking boots, hiking pants, fanny-pack full of water, visor, white gloves, and the final touch: a towel placed around his neck. We were in shorts and running shoes and had a little water bottle clutched in our hands (the bottle proved to be quite annoying to carry, but I found a solution: between "the girls").

We got started, and about a half-hour into the hike, I started to get a bit winded. I mean, we were climbing straight up on stone stairs that soon became really rough and steep stone stairs. The teacher (Mr. Ahn) is around 50 years old and hikes a mountain before breakfast every Sunday faster than most people. This would have been useful information before I wore my thickest, tightest shorts that were clinging to me for dear life. I had dudes in dress clothes passing me. I had old ladies passing me. I was telling myself the story of the Little Engine that Could as I willed my body up the stones. I wondered if Andy would be embarassed if I crawled.

Finally, we reached the top where we learned that it is customary to have some wine. Wine? Now? Before I start my descent on noodle legs? Not only was it wine, but there were ice chunks in it and it tasted like mould. It was apparently ginseng wine - velly good for you, it delicious. I was starting to get a little woozy, plus it was disgusting, so it was thrown in the bushes. We were encouraged to also have some snacks. Er, no thanks. I don't usually eat chilli peppers, onion chunks, and garlic stems dipped in bean/chilli sauce on the tops of mountains. Do they plan to ride down on clouds of bad breath?

The view was spectacular, though. We could see all of Jeonju in the distance, plus many other mountains. It was a beautiful day with a blue sky and the air was pretty clear. Also, it was really bad timing for me to not bring the camera. I considered bringing it, but decided that it would be annoying to carry all the way up there. In hindsight, I'm still divided as to my actions. On the one hand, I probably would have thrown the thing over a cliff to lighten my load; on the other, the view was pretty awesome and it's too bad I can't share it with you.

We took a different path on the trip down, which was much better. Not only that, it was really quite pretty. We were able to chat a little more and learn more about Korea. Apparently, hiking is more popular with women. Over the past few years women's roles have been changing. No longer do couples have as many children, so women have more free time. They are now able to get together with friends to hang out. Interesting.

So, that was our hike yesterday. This morning my calves reminded me that I'm not an athlete and would I kindly be sure to stretch a little more next time?