Morning walks have been one of my reprieves from our typically long work days editing and arranging events surrounding the Final Straw documentary here in Seoul.
These walks are generally the more peaceful, meditative moments, as I walk alone, moving off the busy streets into an old neighborhood, or a mountainside path overlooking the city. I think they are well worth sharing, and hope that you all can each find the time to ‘take the alley’ in your own way during the busy daily lives we’re all engaged in.
The clamoring, clattering, mind-rattling city streets are invigorating for a spell, but the constant race wears on even the most hearty soul. So I dip down the alley, every now and then…
Only a block or two from the main street, here your footsteps are the loudest sound. They echo off of the closely packed walls of old homes who have seen their share of just about everything, and who stand confident and proud on account of it.
In these alleys, the rumble of cars whizzing by is replaced by the sound of human life, the murmurs of old men, the tea kettle whistling, the wind whipping up under a metal sign which is loosely nailed to the wall; clank, clank, clank.
Simple details come into focus, as the mind ceases to grind like a factory it starts instead to flow freely and easily. Clarity is in this alley.
Although the buildings here stand still — I’d be afraid I was in California if they were moving — they dance with these details, stacked neatly on top of each other as bricks and tiles meet wood, and wires gently sway above the pipes and shingles.
From a technical planning view — or from Google Maps — it might seem the buildings were suffocatingly close, but it’s not so standing amidst them.
This neighborhood is light, airy, and warm — an amazing contrast to the busy open spaces of the city center, lined with towering buildings that block out all but the late evening light.
Here, the sun glows, reflects, and radiates.
Well… back on to the main street, and back to work.
See you next time!
