garden! Guided by a map and the path, we walked up and up through trees, manicured bushes and breathtaking views of the ocean beyond. A view of a straight tree-lined path teased us with a closed scrollwork gate, but soon we reached the formal garden at the highest point of the island. I had been anxiously anticipating this part, because formal gardens are one of my weaknesses. I go weak in the knees for patterned shrubbery. (Shhh—don’t tell Frank!)
At the cliff top, to one end of the formal garden, a sculpture ‘garden’ graced the landscape. Several 6-foot replicas of famous statues like Michelangelo’s David and the Venus de Milo formed a half-circle spaced by columns. Such a breathtaking view with the silvery ocean expanding out to the horizon!
The colorful fantasy garden was Jenny’s favorite.
Kate said ‘I feel like I’m in wonderland!’ as we entered the garden. In early April, the tulips are blooming with all varieties of color, and creative shrubbery shapes of corkscrews and teardrops graced the space. One of them even had a small round ‘window’ through which I could see some lovely lavender flowers beyond.
We learned that the couple who created this paradise were fabulously wealthy and used to have lavish parties here. Their home, now a café, overlooks the formal garden and sculptures, with the ocean in the distance. I could imagine them taking their tea on the deck overlooking their magnificent garden and the sea.
Busan must-see sights
Hershimchong baths, Busan, Korea
Clothing is not optional here; the women and men are separated but everyone wears only the skin they were born in. A bit shocking for Westerners, perhaps, but that is the way it is. And I didn’t know any of them, anyway, which helps. Kate wanted me to experience the baths. (The only picture I have is this one at the entrance.)
Yonggungsa Temple, Busan, Korea
Usually Buddhist temples in Korea are at the top of mountains or hills. This one is different. To get to this gorgeous spot, take a long-ish Metro ride, over an hour from our apartment, and then a taxi ride from there to the top of the hill. Definitely a festival atmosphere with lots of tents boasting varieties of street food and souvenirs.
We entered a lane of cherry blossoms flanked by stone zodiak statues, turned a corner, passed a pagoda and entered a gate flanked by golden dragons. Many steps led down to the actual Buddhist site, with a huge golden Buddha and several decorated buildings. We could see the wild ocean, tall mounds of pale stone and the Buddhist buildings below. Beside the temple, Koreans visited a small cave filled with candles, which seemed sacred to them. Up above, Korean children scooped up water and ladled it over a Buddha statue. When I asked why, they said something I couldn’t understand.
While I watched, a young man on the stone bridge tossed a coin right into the wishing well of sorts. It’s a rare accomplishment and brings good luck. He was thrilled!
Our last stop in Korea took in one of the sights many people see first. . .
