Photographs
By Francesca Duong I carefully balanced my phone against an object a few feet away from us. After clicking the button to start the ten-second self-timer, I quickly scurried back … Read More
Category: Gwangju Writes
A Fleeting Moment
By Francesca Duong My eyes scanned the advertisement stuck to the pole as I waited for the crossing signal to turn green. A simplistic, large, brown guitar was imposed against … Read More
When the Rain Hits
When I see dark clouds roll in, I feel an eminent sense of dread as the thick clouds become denser with water. The humidity that arises makes it feel as if droplets are tensely suspended in the air and are waiting for gravity to plunge them into an adventure to the ground. The gray atmosphere creates a sense of laziness and gloominess that lingers throughout the day, as if each activity is taking a physical toll.
Some of my friends absolutely adore the rain. They could spend hours reenacting Gene Kelly’s iconic dance scene from Singin’ in the Rain with a beaming smile underneath a ferocious downpour. My friends would shrug at the idea of carrying around an umbrella, and instead, fully embraced the potential of being drenched on their walk back home. They welcomed rain so warmly and optimistically – I thought they were crazy.
The Onion Lady
By Francesca Duong When I think of onions, I think of their stinging flavor and ability to make people’s eyes overflow with tears. Personally, I have no use for onions; … Read More
Up the Mountain and into the Fog
I was assured by my friend that hiking through the Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원) would be a gradual incline.
“It will be perfect for your first time hiking,” she said. “We will take it slow.”
I was lied to.
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Hiker
Detective Johnny McGruff was a seasoned detective from North America who was in Gwangju, South Korea, for a short vacation. He had always been fascinated with South Korean culture and could not wait to explore the city. As he was walking down Geumnam Street, he noticed a commotion near the ACC in downtown Gwangju. Curiosity getting the better of him, he made his way over to the crowd to see what was happening.
A Can of Coke
“You count your blessings when she asks what you are up to. You answer, throat hoarse from being out of use for so long.”
Whose Onus Is It, Anyway?
“The land of familiar places will change;
Let’s do something before it gets strange!”