A Stroll along Xingqing Lake

This weekend, I went to Xingqingong Park in Xi'an to see the autumn colors there. This park, the largest public park in Xi'an, is built on the site of the Xingqing Palace of the Tang Dynasty (616-907 AD). Walking through a traditional-style gate, we took a path leading to the main lake. Although it was overcast and hazy, the autumnal colors reflected nicely on the water's surface. Several traditional-style buildings peeked in between tall willow trees.

Traditional-style buildings along Xingqing Lake

Although it was fairly early in the morning, the park was already alive with people. Many others chose to take the path circumnavigating the lake.

Colorful boats, some styled with childhood characters, were parked along the shore. I can imagine that the lake would be dotted with them in the warmer weather.

In the distance, skyscrapers from a modern Xi'an contrasted sharply with the elegant traditional park structures.

Now that I've found this park, I am eager to return to it in the different seasons. It reminds me of my walks around the beautiful pond at Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul.

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Rainy Day Walk through the Woods

Despite the best of intentions, my family was unable to get together to hike this autumn. Weather was the main culprit, with many of the last weekends being rather rainy and unpleasant. A busy, diverse schedule was the other reason. Yesterday, my brother and I went to my parents' house anyways. Despite the rain, I went for a quick walk in their woods. Although there were no vibrant reds or oranges, the golden yellows still beckoned to me - even in the overcast conditions.

via Instagram

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Change is in the Air

In the last two weeks, I've visited Olbrich Gardens three times. After a rainy spell these past several days, a slight break (at least for a few hours) enable me to check the local botanical gardens yet again.  Last week's warm weather and blue skies brought out lots of people; today, the overcast skies, brisk wind, and cool temps meant a smaller crowd. A week ago today, the cherry blossoms were singing. Today, few petals remained; Their tune was over. I walked away from the area from the area where I had photographed the cherry blossoms and magnolias last week, searching for new subjects.

The wooden bridge crossing the Starkweather Creek was my spot of choice for today. Here, the redbuds provided a colorful contrast against the overcast sky. 

Next to the bridge, three painted turtles vied for a spot on the grassy section of a log. 

What changes are you observing in your area?

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Shadows in the Snow

Having finally spotted the sun, I happily bundled up and went for a photowalk. With the addition of a strong light source, the snow glittered and objects became more dimensional. It also created some wonderful shadows.

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Crooked Branches and Leaning Trees

Despite the overcast skies, I was determined to get out and take some photos featuring the overnight snowfall. With the flat lighting, I would have to focus on other elements. These branches evoked a stark, but beautiful quality with their dynamic, wiggling lines.

These trees provided some nice diagonals, echoed with the opposing diagonal of the open waters at the shoreline.

See more Winter in Wisconsin photos on my Flickr album

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A Few Leaves Left

Gone is the colorful foliage that was painted over the Wisconsin landscape. With a few exceptions, most are like the tree in the foreground - bare, save for a few scraggly dried-up leaves, clinging to the branches.  I'm thankful that no (s)now has yet fallen on my neck of the woods, but I know it's only a matter of time. 

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A Walk Through the Woods

The bright sunshine beckoned us out for a walk through the woods. The leaves were already quite deep in some places along the path, but Meko (the dog) was keen in accompanying us.  

The afternoon sun cast long shadows on the leaf-strewn forest floor. Many of the trees are already rather bare, allowing even more light to penetrate.

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Framed by Yellows and Oranges

Shortly after I started my walk yesterday morning, the clouds gave way to reveal the sun. A great opportunity to take a few photos of the changing colors in my neighborhood.

If only the colors would last!

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One Lonely Leaf

Although some trees have really begun to change, there still are a fair percentage whose leaves are green or yellow-green. While walking in Tenney Park, I spotted this maple tree which had a highly contrasting red leaf dangling from a vertical branch. Perhaps it had more courage or was in no mood to procrastinate.

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Early Morning Rays on the Yahara

The shorter amount of daylight has really become apparent these last few weeks, making it harder to get up in the morning. I waited a bit longer so it was lighter before I went out for a walk. I headed down to where the Yahara River is a tributary into Lake Monona to see how the autumn trees were looking. Still at 7:40 AM, the sun was still rather low in the sky, its golden reflection bouncing off the water. 

The trees weren't all that far yet, so I sought a different subject. Some warm-hued leaves were backlit just above the dewy grass.

The combination of cool shadows and warm sunlight peeking beneath the arched trees was quite pleasing. Perhaps with the nippy evenings these past few days, the rate of coloration will increase, prompting a re-visit in a week or so.

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Pointillist Night Walk

While walking through the night exhibit at Olbrich Gardens, one of my favorite parts was this pathway. The white birch trunks were a wonderful canvas for the cool lights, which also cast their glow onward. The archway of branches leaning towards each other contrasted with the night void.

The round-ish leaves appeared stippled, creating a pointillist scene of alternating cool hues. Coupled with the echoes of monkeys from the nearby fire monkey lantern sculptures, a subtle, but exciting mood was established.

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Curvy Pines and Hammocks

In a city of over 10 million people, it's reassuring to know that forests are not far away; perfect for a late afternoon (or morning) hike. The curvy pines along this path always intrigue me, the way the dappled light interplays with the irregular trunks.

In addition to the well-worn dirt paths, the mountain near our school also has some boardwalk paths. Hikers of all ages enjoy the forest's many paths, outdoor exercise equipment, and badminton courts. 

After a hike up the hill, these hammocks were an inviting place to take a break.

What a great view from the hammock!

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Springtime at Garden of the Morning Calm

This past weekend, I went with a few friends to the Garden of the Morning Calm. Sure, I had plenty of things to do, but visiting this beautiful garden in spring was on my Korea "bucket list." I first visited this place in January during the winter Lighting Festival. Part of the garden was not included in the winter event, and I wanted to see its springtime transformation. Korea gets gardening right.

The 330,000 sq m. garden is open year round; during the higher season (mid-March - November), it is open from 8:30-sunset. Located about 40 km northeast of Seoul, it is an easy day trip. We took the subway from Hongik University, transferring once and arriving at Cheongpyeong Station. Although a city tour bus was available, we decided to pile into a taxi and shave off a little time, arriving at the entrance about 20 minutes later. Although it was fairly busy, the large area provided ample space to spread out and get some shots without hordes of people. As with any Korean destination, arriving earlier is best. 

Within the grounds, there are 20 different themed areas. Some areas were very manicured, and others felt more natural. Pavilions and other Korean-styled buildings provided shelter, picnic spots, places to eat/drink, purchase plants & gifts, and bathroom facilities. 

One could easily spend half a day, particularly if enjoying all the different paths, boardwalks, greenhouses, and facilities.

I'll be posting more on the garden. For now, here is the link to my Flickr album.

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Nature's Glow

With the azaleas much farther this week, I decided to go for a walk after school, exploring the color of nearby Yonsei University. I love photographing its well-maintained campus. While walking down one of its many slopes, my eye was drawn to the red glow beneath the shade of some trees. I loved how the red glow was reflected in the window of the Tudor-style building.

It's not the first time I've photographed this area. Below is the same spot in autumn.

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Courageous Pinks

Although Korea's cherry blossoms tend to steal the show, they're not the only game in town. An equally beautiful blossom is the maehwa plum blossom. 

In Confucian times, the maehwa was considered one of the Four Gentlemanly plants. Still seen as one of the Four Seasons symbols (along with the wild orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum), the maehwa plum blossom represents courage. One of Korea's earlier blossoming trees, it was admired for blooming in the cold of early spring. A beloved symbol for scholars, the maehwa represents strength, fidelity, integrity, and nobility.  

I photographed these images on a late afternoon at a local temple. Although it had been a long day at school, I'm glad that my friends invited me to go on a walk with them.

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A Visit to Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

Despite the bad air quality, I was determined to visit Seokchon Lake for its cherry blossom festival. I met my friend there early, before the crowds came. Located in the Jamsil area of Seoul, it was a direct 45-minute subway ride, right on line 2. It was the first time that my Korean friend had visited the park during spring.

Melissa in Seokchon park

Colorful cloth lanterns lined part of the great path around the lake. Petals already were gently falling to the ground, dancing with the slightest breeze. Couples posed with selfie sticks, capturing themselves and the beautiful blossoms.

Thankfully, the pathway was not crowded, likely due to the earlier time of day and the air quality. It did make soft lighting for photography and easier navigation.

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Before the Crowds Come: Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

 When it's spring in Korea, everyone seems to want to get out and enjoy the blossoms. I'm no exception. However, I don't particularly like having my tranquil spring photos marred by lots of people. Getting there early is the key. No need to Photoshop anyone out in these photos!

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Spring Peek at Seoul Foreign School

Back from the EARCOS conference in Manila, Seoul Foreign School has welcomed me with its first signs of spring - the cherry blossoms. One of my favorite trees is by the school's beloved Korean Gate. The photo above is taken from a window on the fourth floor of the elementary building.

Framed by Christ

Opened gate doors in the early morning light

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Laden with Snow

Some more winter images of Bongwonsa Temple, focusing on pattern on trees.

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