Another quiet day. With most of the camp projects attended to, we found ourselves wilting in the hot sun…our brilliant temporary campaigner Jo decided to organize a couple of jaunts to the beach, which turned out to be no more than 30 minutes away. The water was cold blue and crisp; absolutely invigorating. On one side a lush landscape, on the other the inescapable sight of Ulsan's industrial way. Needless to say we kept our view on the former.

Standing out like sore thumbs: (nothing new,) a German, a Check, a British-Canadian, and myself, the only ones bold enough to immerse ourselves in the frigid waters. Floating on my back, facing nothing but cloudless blue sky, was completely satiating. I was particularily fortunate being on this adventure, as yesterday, after three and ½ weeks here, I took my first official day off. Uncanny timing, as the night before I sent my goodbyes to a loved one who has left this world, out across the sea.

An hour long bus ride from Ulsan took us me to Gyeong'ju, home of Korea's most famous Buddhist temple, 'Bulguksa' in English. It was refreshing to see a bit of Korea's history and culture outside of Jangsaengpo. The temple itself had been preserved quite well, being over 1,000 years old. It was quite colorful, albeit touristy. Nonetheless it was a choice way to decompress from camp life, and I found myself thinking about all the people I have met and the common ground that brings us together. Activists volunteering, packing up and shipping off at a moments notice, camping in a noise infested car park, leaving loved ones behind, relationships in distress, all because they believe in a better world for all living beings, and have to hope that there is a way to bring this vision to light.

Soon,
Kelly