apart from the main event, they had other stuff going on named aptly fringe event. i guess it ensured that more people came flocking to the festival but i wasn't able to enjoy every bit of it. also, maybe because i was a tad too short to peer over people's shoulders. still, they had a lot of things going on and it was a really good festival; there was a little bit for everyone, children, adults, families, couples, locals, foreigners and all. i must say, S.Korea does know how to put on a great festival.

here are some pics (or lots) to paint the picture.

whats a sand festival doing if it doesn't have ginormous sand sculptures?

they had lots of things going on at the same time. i went on the first day of the festival, so there was an opening ceremony and all that. first days are always the best to attend on any festival.

there was an air show, my very first air show and it was so so amazing! mind blowing! how can they be so in sync and symmetrical and synchronized? it was crazy.

they even drew a heart!

this was the fringe event i mentioned just now.

and within this fringe festival, there are other ongoing performances such as the one below. oh, and also a parade.

when the important people cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony, a robot flew out! it was really cool.

during the opening ceremony, First (a mixed idol group that i know nothing of) and No Brain performed!

and to end an awesome day, of course, like any festival - Sand Club yo! music and dance on the sand, by the sea. can it get any better? wait, just a tiny little problem; the music! why always electronic? i no get it. oh well, gotta take what i can get. haha.

oh! i can't possibly end this post without a picture of the people/friends i was with.

there was Henry, Nay, Rodrigo and a few others but this is the only picture i have with them. eek.

what can i say? i love Korean festivals, they have a way with it. they are always amazing!

- Joan C: 08.06.13

during the public holiday over here, my Korean friend and I went to Songjeong beach (송정해수욕장).  i had a really great time, the kind where i can file into the 'wonderful memories in Korea' folder. the weather was just perfect to put on a dress and walk hand in hand for 8km along the Dalmaji Road to reach our destination. haha. although the truth was we took a wrong turn and ended up on the other side of the neighborhood. i'm glad for it though, it was a romantic walk. (⌒▽⌒)

the scenery was just beautiful, the sea on our right, the mountains on our left. the breeze was chilly enough to make walking under the sun not so terrible. the trees acted as shade, the air was clean and refreshing, and my company was just delightful. (－ｏ⌒) 

this was taken after a long long walk where it seemed like we will never reach and then, we saw this.

and the sea water was coooold~ the atmosphere was really lively on the beach. lots of uni students took the public holiday as an opportunity to have MTs (membership trainings) and lots of families were around, camping and playing with their children. there were a few couples around too, one of them who had to persuade and cajole her bf to take off his shoes and socks and enjoy the waves with her. 

the people were just doing all kinds of things; surfing, camping, some singing performances and just young and old people hanging out.

and these are some other sceneries.

stumbled upon this while exploring the small neighborhood around. i simply love the whole concept, white gate with unruly flowers growing all around and the alley it opens to. so pretty! i hope to have a house that would have this kind of gate one day. feels kinds magical, no?

it was definitely one of the best days i've had in Busan. that's one thing i like about Busan/S. Korea, its easy to get around and there are a lot of places like this where people can go to enjoy and unwind. i think, its a nice place for children to grow up in. :D was thinking about this on the way back from church today.

i remember the day as if it was yesterday, the sun barely there, the wind in my hair, the cold sea water and sand between my toes, all coming together to make a wonderful day. there is just something peaceful and happy when surrounded by beautiful views and good company.

this is it for now. goodbye and take care!

- Joan C: 17.05.13