Wise as a miniature Buddah, originally uploaded by ǝıɥɔıɹ ƃuıʌɐɹ.

Location: Dongwhasa Temple complex a 40 minute scooter ride outside of Daegu, Korea.

For those unfamiliar with the significance oh this photo's title, you need to watch the film Anchorman. Seriously.

Snacking, originally uploaded by ǝıɥɔıɹ ƃuıʌɐɹ.

A slightly disheveled chipmunk has a quick snack atop Mt. Seorak in Korea's Taebaek range. So much cuter than those nasty squirrels.

This was my first time to see a chipmunk and first time since childhood to stand above the clouds.

Moon Monk, originally uploaded by ǝıɥɔıɹ ƃuıʌɐɹ.

I've heard of worshipping the Moon but...

Outside of Busan, Korea

Arthropodious, originally uploaded by ǝıɥɔıɹ ƃuıʌɐɹ.

I've been teaching in a Saturday school for the past couple months which has been an great opportunity to try some different teaching methods, the most fun of which being when the students relate scientific theory to their own experiences. I was telling the story behind this photograph and using it to demonstrate the otherwise dry topic of the structures of Arthropods. One student then proceeded to tell the class how he once caught a mosquito "by the ass… oh, abdomen", and the blood it had collected through its proboscis squirted out everywhere while it tried to escape from his clutches. Nice.

Location: A park somewhere in Korea

Make a wish, originally uploaded by ǝıɥɔıɹ ƃuıʌɐɹ.

First time to see real powder snow. I was pretty excited.

First time to try real snow hiking with the spikey aizen boot attachments.

First time to make a winter wish.

Location: Dokyu Mountain, Korea

After much gnashing of teeth I have added a new feature to this photo, props to Lokesh Dhakar & Fariez the Fachia. Give it a click to check it out. A worthwhile feature or a gimmick, thoughts?

Love, Richie.

Late for Class, originally uploaded by Raving Richie.

The elevator that's never quick enough.
The knowledge that indulging your sweet tooth at the corner store has cost you dearly this time.
The fear of knowing one's impending doom lies at the end of this very elevator ride.

It's written all over her face.

Climbing, originally uploaded by Raving Rich.

One of my students from mid 2006 during my time in Daegu, Korea.
Classes in the playground were always a big hit with the youngsters.

This photo feels like a metaphor for education from a young student's perspective.

Motorbike Baby, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Near the Great East Gate in Seoul, Korea.
I love the retro styled bikes that litter the streets near every university in Seoul. The nearest thing in Aus is a big Triumph but thats way to serious for me.

Note that the guy is wearing a helmet while his lady passenger isn't. 

This means they are probably married.

Playroom bot, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

One of my student's toys while on the '08 Korea trip.
"You're a child's play thing!"

Summer Soju, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

One of many while on a King Crab Binge in Busan. I'm proud to say I was the last man standing and have photos of the others passed out in the back of a car to prove it. A friends mother took us to this restaurant, an out of the way place with the sweetest crab I have had before or since.

Minimonk, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Palgong mountain, countryside Daegu

Old water, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Outside Yongin, Korea.
Can you figure out what this is?

Catching Butterflies, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Another exercise in leaping, this time in Ansan's massive park. Several elderly locals had a break from their normally peacefull walk through the park to watch the foolish, and very sweaty, forigner leaping around like a man possessed. Why oh why did I choose to do this one a 35 degree day?

Buddha chillin indoors, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Sokkuram, KyongJu, Korea

One Fell, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Seorak San National Park, Kangwon Do, Korea

Delightful Dokyu San, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Dokyu San, Korea

Coldest hike I have ever done. Was minus 'something crazy' and windy at the top.

Beautiful 벚꽂, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Gyeong Joo, Korea

The beotggot blossoms have to be one of the most beautiful seasonal elements I have ever seen. I'll never forget frolicking through the petals as they floated away in the breeze.

PS Have romanized 벚꽂 correctly? It's a tricky one.

Commune's Cry, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Sam-duk Sobangseo, Daegu, Korea
Jay belts out the tunes at Commune Lonely Hearts Club

삼덕소방서 자전거로 예행하다, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Samdeok Fire Station Precinct, Downtown Daegu, Korea

Retro bicycles, scooters and motorbike abound in Daegu. Ah I miss it.
I had my own retro styled scooter. A child like smile beamed across my face every time fired it up and gave the throttle a twist.
I think I just might add a photo of it tomorrow.

Roark.

Fire festival, originally uploaded by Sporking Roark.

Location: Mootae, Bukgu, Daegu, Korea

The full moon fire festival is held every year on the first full moon of spring. In Mootae it is held in a big aqueduct, which dries up over winter but flows again with the arrival of spring's rain. Why is this significant? Well, as you can see from the photo it is raining and several hundred people are standing in what is a glorified storm water drain. Somehow we didn't get our feet wet, yet sure enough a torrent of water was flowing through here so sooner than the last firework had gone 'pop'.

Roark.