Twenty most memorable experiences of Korea trip

1. Hustle and bustle of the absolutely incredible Myeong Dong
2. My first day at Samsung headquarters at City Hall
3. Strolling in the serene Namsansol in autumn
4. Walk in City Hall area
5. View of Building 63 in morning from the train as it crosses Han river
6. My last bus ride from Suwon to Seoul
7. Commuting by the Subway
8. Talking in Korean English
9. The warmth and friendliness of Korean people
10. Visit to Iteawon on weekend evening
11. Experience of first snowfall
12. Walk from Ganganam to i2 office
13. Skiing at Jisan
14. Veiw from Seoul tower
15. Night ferry on Han river
16. Fireworks on Han river attended by six lakh people
17. Strolling in the serene Namsansol in winter
18. Trek to the beautiful Kwanaksan shrine
19. Ice skating
20. Eating menu item number 6 at Pop Eyes

Very few photographs of Korea trip

Though the Korea trip was so memorable for me, there are very few photographs that I have from the trip. On April 18, 2004, I wrote a blog carrying or not carrying camera on a vacation. My memorable trip to Korea validates what I wrote then.

Although I do not have any snaps of the most memorable places of Korea, I feel don't feel sorry for it at all. Having snaps would have made difference to me. After all what could a photograph capture? Can it capture the freshness of air at Namsangol? Can it capture the serenity of that place? Can it capture the sound of the flowing stream or the chillness of frozen lake? A photograph can capture the crowds of Myeong Dong. But can it capture their hustle and bustle of the place? Can it capture the shouts of the hawkers or the music being played at different shops? Can it capture the smell of the food being sold?

A camera could have captured the decor and the rooms of Han Suites. But could it have told us about the hospitality of the staff? A camera could have captured the whiteness of the snow at Jisan Forest Skiing Resort, but could it have captured the pain in my knees? Could a camera ever capture the kindness and friendliness of the people of Korea?

What then is the use of the camera? After all all these memories are indelibly etched in my brain. A photo album can be lost. Negatives can get spoilt. Hard disk may crash. But the images impressed on my mind will never ever fade. Their freshness will forever be the same. Whenever I think of Korea all the beautiful images come up to mind as if it were yesterday. And I know that all these memories are pleasant because I fought all the daily battles with awesome courage and conviction. That gives me the peace of mind that makes these memories pleasant.

Korea trip anniversary

It's exactly one year since I went to Korea. One year back on this day I had checked-in at Han Suites, with no idea what was in store for me. I went to Korea with no expectations. I went with my mind open to anything that would come my way. As I look back on those phenomenal five-and-half months in Korea, I am filled with immense pride and satisfaction.

When I wrote my good-bye mail at the end of the project, Ms Chanee Park replied, "Suwon was not an ideal place for a foreign consultant to work in. However, you managed yourself so well, and I respect you for that. In addition, you have my respect for your kindness and endurance". Wasn't she writing my mind?!!

About a month back, I met an old acquaintance who had spend a month in Korea. The moment Korea proped in our discussion, he chuckled, "Korea is a deadly place. I was there for a month. I ran away as I quickly as I can!" Such a stark contranst to the way I carried myself in Korea.

I will always have very very inspiring memories of Korea. If I can achieve every day of my life what I did in Korea, I would be very very proud of myself.

I do not know how much I will travel in my life, how many places will I see. But I know one thing for sure. No matter how many places I see, the memories of Korea will forever be fresh in my mind. Not because Korea is a great place, but because when I think of Korea, I am reminded of my own greatness. I beg your pardon for such unabashed haughtiness, which is in contrast to my usual humility and modesty. Yet it's true, if courage has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If perseverance has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If commitmet has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If beauty ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If steadiness has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If friendliness has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If self-satisfaction has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If triumph has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it. If achievement has ever existed, my stay in Korea is an example of it.

I am so glad that Korea happened to me!!

Incredible find!!!

Swami Vivekanand's Chicago address in audio.

Google Chat

http://www.google.com/talk

Quote for the day

To know a little less and to understand a little more: That, it seems to me, is our greatest need.
--James Ramsey Ullman

A hundred years from now, it won't matter what your bank account was, the sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove, but the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child.
- Author unknown

Antique Store

If you go to a fashion store and ask, "What's new?", do you go to an antique store and ask, "What's old?"

CPIM Result

Cleared the first two papers of CPIM that I had taken.
Basics of Supply Chain Management: 311/330
Master Planning of Resources: 310/330
:-)