Fickle Flight

     I go to great lengths to protect my lady. As we race through the woods atop the mountain, like Artemis and her stag, I fervently clear the spun traps set by restless arachnids. Should her ankles tangle our onward progression would come to an abrupt halt, I imagine. Her face seems impervious to the nets cast betwixt narrowly bowing trees, she perseveres. Her eyes seem to be her only vulnerability as she occasionally curses under her labored breath when a particularly viscid strand entangles itself among individual lashes.
    This trek is as serious as the speed we dedicate to it. We nary pause to investigate the odors radiating from our surroundings. To think of all the mysterious smells never to be scrutinized, saddens my heart. Yet we advance onward and upward.  As we cantor down this path and that trail I desist imagining my various  complaints since I am granted freewill to be temperamental in my pursuit. I do have a target in mind and acting unpredictable with my chosen direction will enable me to attain my goal. Leading the way I bound over exposed roots and unforgiving crags, penetrate brambles, and wade through fields of wildflowers in pursuit of my most elusive prize.
    My fickle flight technique nearly proves successful this go around. Careening at full speed I hone in on him. Sleek in tone but with garishly textured fur, there he stands. His legs are slightly splayed while he nuzzles the clovers that dot the outskirts of the the rolling hillside that we find ourselves upon. The pattering of my feet give me away within yards of our meeting. He is swift and dives into the thicket refuge. I don't necessarily want to slaughter him. I am more so intrigued by this fanged beast. His appearance I recognize in my own. He stands not much higher than myself and grazes as I do. The curious creature, this Musk Deer, has an impressive set of tusks that I wish to procure for my lady. Perhaps a discarded pair forgotten in the underbrush will suffice. I only need to ask him where I can exhume such a treasure. Wouldn't she be proud to wear a trophy as such that I personally unearth for her? Until that day we will continue to run.
     Dusk is fast approaching and a lone Cuckoo calls out, reminding me of how elusive time is. The sounds of frogs and toads ricochet off the trees and wallow in the rice fields from where they originate. An Asiatic toad, as large as a coconut, ambles across our path. My lady, enthralled by her disputable beauty, saunters to her side and strokes her knobby flesh. She dotes on the toad as if it were a baby. A lumpy, thick-skinned baby. After photographing the absurd creature I decide it's time for our repast. Taking the lead I direct our efforts to the path that will leads us out of this wilderness. As we approach the border between the woods and the town, my lady stops abruptly. Upon inquiring the reason, she turns her back on me and blocks me behind her body. I peer between her parted stance. Her legs are rigid and through them I see is a large, brindle, Jindo dog. His head is lowered and he has been stalking us. How did I fail to realize this? My lady levels her eyes to his and glares. Our stalker retreats. This brute has been spotted tormenting a shitzu. I'm glad my lady has a stronger constitution than he. Our adventure comes to a close as we stride into our neighborhood, the sun setting behind us. There is always tomorrow when we set off to Jeju island. I hear the trails are fantastic.
















   

Temple Pursuit

     The bracing air makes it the perfect day to venture out and seek the local temple. The directions offered to my lady and I were vague at best, but what more do we have to accomplish today? We set off on our bike, with myself in my carriage, perched on my lady's back. Only a brief 10 minutes journey later and we arrive at the place that we will continue on foot. There is a hole in the fence behind the stadium so we decide to proceed that way.
      The ground is soft and slow to drain from the previous day's shower. It seems to be under progress of some development and is sandy until the land ascends into mountains. I am light on my feet, bounding and springing lithely across the terrain. There is evidence of other creatures that frequent the area. Deer and other larger canine. I discover their scat and follow their tracks till we reach the foot of the mountain. The substrate is more reliable here so together we clamber upwards. There are plenty of brambles to make us wary and a clean stillness in the air, similar to the heavens before it snows.  My lady pauses at a polished stone protruding from the ground. I give it no notice and gallivant up and over the numerous moguls dotted across the landscape. Her eyes widen a bit as she mutters, "graves".  I'm guessing the ancestors have been here numerous years since the inscribed characters are Chinese, but this is of course speculation. At some places there were two mounds for one headstone. How is it that I frequently find myself amongst graves? In nearly every city I visit I too visit their dead. Morbid or tradition?
      Galloping ahead I spot my middle namesake, a tall and sleek Bambi. Pleased to see something living I approach the dear deer but she seems to be late for something important and darts away. My lady, not aware of our co-hiker, stands in the path of the tardy deer and they jump side to side not knowing where the other intends to go. Finally they both commit to opposite directions and bypass the other. Everyone knows one goes right in this instance, unless you are from a different culture, in that case it's up for interpretation.
     Now that the air is still again white specks appear and flit around our heads. We begin the decent downward toward an easier gradient. While we trek back to the hole in the fence I look over my shoulder the place we left and see animals taking flight from the underbrush. A large grouse followed by a raptor of sorts fled together along with some miniature burrowing field birds. As I turn back around to see 'round the bend in the path, a man seems to emerge from nowhere. He is stoic and out of place wearing only a baseball cap and a collard shirt..with no pants. Ha! It is a makeshift scarecrow left in an overgrown and frozen garden. Good ol' chap, he'll never desert his post.
     We see the broken fence from where we came and an old lady smiles as we approach it. She gestures to the snow and then to the fence, as if to invite us home after a cold day. While making our way back the obvious stairs that are said to wind up to the temple make themselves stand out as if to taunt our efforts. Next time temple, mark my words, I will mark you.

 

Clandestine Memorandum

           I have yet to discover for what purpose I have been relocated with my lady to a peculiar environment. My lady has been issued an alien identification card by the governing authorities. I am coming to believe that my being here has more to do with her circumstances than my own.  If this is not the case I have generated four possible theories as to what could have brought us to Korea.

After much postulation I have not ruled out the possibility that we are indeed fleeing the authorities in our own country.  My lady, forgive my saying so, may have acted upon some unlawful conduct. Or have I? Inconceivable. I am an upstanding and respected citizen, as was she.. I confess! My behavior is not exemplary. I took provisions, a sandwich to be precise, from the hands of a child. Is this my retribution? I will feign moroseness in that case, I have taken a liking to my lot. I relish the hot floor, and close quarters. My lady is present more often than not and this is unusual. House arrest perhaps?

           My second supposition is improbable but a possibility nonetheless. Science is the suspect. I am exploring the concept that my lady and I are partaking in an involuntary scientific procedure, an experiment. The study could be measuring the adaptability of creatures in unknown environments. Contemplate the various conditions I have been subjected to: futuristic modes of transportation, species intolerance, innovative foodstuffs, language barriers, and various longitude transitions. I doubtfully will produce insightful results.

           Thirdly I have imagined the feasibility that I am on a mission. Perhaps it will be revealed that it is my task to debrief a leader figure about some information that I have yet to receive. Granted I may be best suited for the errand, I should have been properly propositioned. They must have heard about my cunning, swiftness, dexterity, and tenacity. I don’t condemn efforts to recruit my aptitude. I often wonder about the destitute felines that crouch near rubbish heaps throughout the country. Perchance my mission is to act as their savior.

           Lastly I meditate on the practicability that this is a dream or a hallucination. It is quite possible that I am under the influence of anesthetic while I have my jowls cleansed of odorous debris and that I will awake any moment back at home. When I wake from this reverie of sorts, I am hopeful it will be springtime.

Thorney Meeting and a Dreary Day

I awake to my confounded eye glossed over in excessive mucous. It may be that I brushed it against some shrubbery while on an outing. I think tomorrow if my condition has not improved I will seek professional care. I wonder if animal health care in Korea is as promising as the human kind.

Perhaps going out of doors will do me some good. Alas, blustering wind sweeps the playground where I frequent. I don't particularly delight in the company of children yet I see myself as an ambassador to my species in hopes that they will think twice before relishing victuals from dog in the future. The rain ceased an hour before but has touched everything and makes walking beyond the bricked surface unpleasant. I imagined today I would venture to a local temple but the weather hampers my ambitions. My lady has a persistent cough and I doubt she would want to trek over the many hills and up a steep set of stairs that the temple is rumored to be located. So it is decided, we will remain here and occupy ourselves with books and bones.

Before I can decide to return indoors a fluffy youngster bounds from the neighboring flat. He is not on a lead and approaches me directly. It is a deviation from my usual character but I instantly take a liking to him and offer to romp a little. He is unsure of my advances but I assure him of my intentions so he takes a single step closer. As he leans in to properly greet me I feel a tickle in my throat. I let out the most obnoxious and wretched hack quite in his face. He loses curiosity and speedily retreats from our engagement. I am left dumbfounded and to my chagrin I have lost a potential acquaintance. Perhaps the morrow will prove to be kinder.

5 Things I am Unaccustomed to in Korea

5 Things I am Unaccustomed to in Korea

• The clothing runs small Not that I am fond of donning apparel but when the occasion calls for it I find the sizes are narrow.
• Entering my dwelling on the 4th floor Just enter someplace on the 2nd or 3rd floor.  There is no need to clamber beyond that but my lady insists on entering our domicile on the 4th landing. It all seems unnecessary.  
• Unusual forms of transportation Being persuaded to travel to my destination by plane or train.  Absurd! The typical bicycle or automobile ride should suffice.
• Eating at opposite times My breakfast and supper schedule is half a day off.  The typical times to eat are topsy-turvy.
• Warmth from the floor The air is heated from the floor whereas I’m accustomed to blown air warming the floor.  What a pleasant idea. 
  
  
  
  

Sojourn to Seoul

The atlas lies before me creased and sheening in the waning afternoon light.  I know my lady would greatly appreciate my assistance in plotting our course so I suggest the river that spans the territory of Seoul that we are to occupy.  The reason for this sojourn is leisure.  We shall spend most of our time lounging in the sun and partaking in many refreshments throughout the day.  Splendid.  My lady escorts me to my back carriage and surrounds me with the finest shrouds.  Together we hail a chauffeur and convene with my lady’s new companion.  Upon boarding our locomotive I feel peckish and beckon for a dainty.  I am quickly bestowed a cylindrical mass that tastes of particle board.  It will have to do.  I ask for seconds.  

The journey is lengthy, totaling three hours.  While staring out the window the sun is reflected off massive edifices onto my visage.  Since it is fine and warms my brow I stare longingly.  Fellow travelers mull through the aisle and depart.  They all have a peculiar smell so I decide it is in their best interest that I investigate.  Prodding each and every one with my muzzle I detect a mosaic of aromas.  I lean further from my seat toward the lavatory and promptly recognize the suggestion of excrement. The fusion of the fragrances emanating from the people and the scent from the loo is enthralling.  If one could roll in air I would certainly entertain that idea.  Occasionally a pleasant stranger will pat my head while some bizarre citizenry will recoil from my advances. Such a peculiar species.  

We make our way to the underground rail system and through the streets of New York.  Sit tight, where are we? Another great city. What a gaffe. The bodies crowd one another and push past my carriage. Unbeknownst to them I am perched within. I press my snout against the mesh and scoff. Upon entering our accommodations we are cordially ushered in and introduced to the other travelers. I wait patiently to be introduced while they exchange pleasantries. When I am finally presented we all get acquainted and take the customary self induced photography together.  I meet a gentleman from Japan and Singapore as well as a lady from France.  While my lady is out I interrogate them to ensure our safety. To win my approval they furnish me with tangerine bribes. I was excreting orange juice by the closing of the day.

Walking briskly down an alleyway in Hongdae I can smell the street vendors preparing delicacies. As we pass a man feverishly tending to his labor I find a morsel of which he has carelessly lost his grip. I kindly gather the disregarded rations.  It is something untried by me: Ohdang, or fish cake. I am secretly optimistic that this man is consistently boorish. Further down the way I see a Golden Retriever and another dog similar in size but a great mass of unruly grey tendrils. I wish to be familiarized but our stroll takes us in another direction. We pass countless cafes and second skin shops.

The next two days pass effortlessly. I nap frequently with the Japanese gentlemen and sup when the rest of the guests do so. There is a knock at the door and the host shows two unfamiliar faces into our domicile. As I approach one of the patrons to give a warm reception I am hastily asked to take leave by the closest newcomer. Not understanding the unreasonable request I advance. The host beckons me to my lodging until my scheduled departure. The justification for the behavior was due to a superstition about my presence interfering with the visitor's rituals. Whatever pacifies you pleases me. I will vacate the following morning so the inconvenience is not worrisome. I only wish that we could find some collective purpose.

          On the return trip I lounged in my carriage in an “Italian” restaurant. The repast smelled divine but it was too rich for my palate. Afterwards we waited for our train in a cafe. My heart cannot manage caffeine so I abstained from that as well. My next excursion to Seoul I hear that my Gandmama will call on us. What a pleasant reuniting that shall be. Perchance we will visit that river I suggested. Until then I will continue my studies. My current priority is learning to “shake a paw”. Perhaps someday I will comprehend that instruction in Korean. 
 

The Initial Journey to Korea

I feel funny from the pink treat my lady pushed down my throat. I think it was pink, it looked achromatic to me, but she called it pink.. to clarify about any wandering thoughts one should be informed that I indeed have been self diagnosed with DADD, or dog attention deficit disorder. Sometimes I'll be in my grass plot then I'll blink a few times and I find myself scraping ice cream sprinkles off the sidewalk with my front teeth nearly half a mile away. I'm not sure if I was born this way or acquired the disorder later in life.  I cannot maintain one train of thought long enough to come to any firm conclusion. Just stay with me. The point always appears, eventually. Where were we? Ah. The treat. I am resenting my diminutive quarters. Usually I wouldn't mind since I slumber in a cat-style hut. This, however, is intolerable and I must find an escape. How long have I been in here? According to my calculations, which are always accurate, I have been in this solitary confinement for 22 days.

   

    Recently I have been permitted the occasional carrot, peanut, and mellon cube. The uncertainty is unbearable though. When, when will I see the light of day?! I let out a smallish groan. No result. Perhaps if I persist someone will liberate me. My lady begins to sway my quarters. What is she hinting? I infer that my pleading is encouraged so I endure. Since there has been many days of my good behavior I am granted lap privileges. My lady places me under one of her second skins, a long and durable layer and I am able to steal a few glances at my surroundings. People are lined up in rows in front of small flashing panels. The panels are similar to the ones they talk to and pet all day long. They are all pacified by them except the few captives that stumble between the seated individuals. What had we done to deserve this treatment? The cramped and odorous space is cruel and unusual.

    A sentinel, kind enough to empathize with my plight, hands me a platter of scrap vegetables. Promptly overwhelmed with gratuitous feelings I offer to lick her wrist but my acknowledgment is intercepted by my lady. She accepts on my behalf, baring her teeth and bowing her head in submission. We finish our rations together. My lady is so generous. Who knows when the next time we will be granted provisions, but she makes sure I have nourishment enough to carry on.

   

    Relieving myself is now first and foremost on my mind. I have nervously drank the entirety of my allowance from my travel bowl. Wait. Why are we furnished with adventure paraphernalia? Did my lady have premature knowledge of these dire circumstances? What part in it has she played? I refuse to believe she would permit such treatment for I am her permanent charge. Unthinkable! If I find she premeditated this I will not be angry. I will be sorry her spitefulness would lead to altering our relationship. Until I find indisputable grounds to incriminate her, I will force the thought from my mind. Now I must find a place to dismiss my urges. Upon sensing my urgency my lady transports me undercover of her coating. I do hope she is stealthy, if we are found out I can't imagine the repercussions. As I am uncovered I realize my surroundings are not conducive to finding relief. We are ankle to ankle without space to lift a leg. After much deliberation I suspect she won't take notice if I...go on her shoe. She does indeed detect my intentions and removes my aim. My alleviation is lengthy and the damage is obvious. My lady proceeds to place me in the sink whilst decontaminating the soiled area. One of her legs is raised above her head and positioned on an adjacent wall to steady herself. What remarkable coordination. Returning to our confinement we have no other options to pacify ourselves so we slumber.

   

    Untold time has passed and our caravan must have taken us far for the magnetic field has shifted and we are poles apart from our origins. This project we are apart, of I have decided, is of consequence. The significance, however, is not clear to me. An experiment perhaps, with the most spectacular specimens chosen for proper results. This possibility lingers in my consciousness until a booming voice reverberates above. The pressure around me changes as the level of our quarters declines. What magic is this?! My lady was calm. Her flashing panel pacifies her. I too want to gaze at it to escape the disorientation and whatever preempting fate awaits us.

    Not long after the chaos ceases. The captives slowly lumber about and eventually filed out of our domicile. I am escorted back to my cramped holdings. When I am let out, a foreign face greets mine. She waves a device over the length of my body until the thing chimes. It has been confirmed. At some point during my slumber I must have been chipped with a tracking device. I must formulate a plan to remove it at a later time. Our exit is hasty; the moment an opportunity presented itself we stowed away in a van. It is of utmost importance to relocate to a shelter where we can regroup and evaluate our surroundings. We arrive and I am let out on my safety lead to asses the situation. The smells are unknown, the ground cover is just as absorbent as my former location, and the air is crisp. After enjoying a portion of provisions we rest to maintain our strength. I will be prepared for the days that follow.

Let me introduce myself. I relish: prolonged excursions adjacent the coastline, pausing to lift a leg on the flora, and I am quite the discerning epicurean set on unearthing only the most exceptional delicacies. Although homeschooled, I have acquired an upstanding education under my companion's instruction. She has been my au pair, charge, and confidant, my lady. Do not cross her, or you will answer to my inflictions that will leave you wishing an early arrival to perdition.

I was born into unfortunate circumstances.  Upon entering this world ruffians severed my tail.  I was sold to a barbaric bunch who referred to me as "Bruiser".  After a considerable amount of mistreatment I was taken in by a forgiving soul whom I companion daily.  

My vocation has landed me a world apart from my previous domicile in Richmond, Virginia.  I currently reside in a foreign place called Nonsan, South Korea for the time being.  The following entries are testimonies of my recent undertaking as travel companion.