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.