Isadong

A crowd of stone creatures greeted us at the back alley into Insadong. Tigers, cats, dragons, and toga draped Romans, guarders of gardens and balconies alike. Up and down the street, the Korean flag.

Flags on post cards, key chains, coffee mugs, toys, shot glasses, and cell phone covers. Postcards of the Han river, women in Hanbok, ancient palaces and temples. On the sidewalk, Korean snacks, ice cream and yam fries.

The Emperor came by, his throne top the shoulders of his yes men. The sun cast its mid day shadow down the brims of the hats of the parade. The feet marched on past us, and we did a second take, wondering for a second when and where we were.