It's hard to believe it has been a month, it is all running together. As I stated we have full days and evenings leaving little time to do much but catch some quick zzzzzzzz's.
We have been here that long and most of us have had only one opportunity to wash clothes. You just have to choose your priorities and seize them.
Brief summary of what we've done with some random pictures.
On the 9th we went to the Barefoot Run/Walk on Mt. Gyejok. Pretty much spent the day climbing a mountain barefoot. Had a beautiful red clay path. At the end there was a concert in the park. From there we had a wine/pizza party with some of our hosts and some previous GSE teams., Great time and food. We had sushi, Pizza Hut pizza, and KFC chicken. A wonderful change and surprise.
On the 10th we visited Sejong. This was to be the new capital of South Korea as desired by the previous president. The present president did not want to make the move and halted the change. The construction is still massive. We were told the cost is $221,000,000,000. $21 billion would be high but we have no way of confirming. We also visited a national park, county administrative offices, a Korean/American War memorial, monastary, a credit union, Biamsa Goblin road, a traditional market, had dinner, and stopped in for a Rotary meeting. Tired just reading it?
The 11th? We visited the YeonGi-Gun agricultural center, Korean United Medicine Company, and the better part of the time at Beartree Park. This park is a wonderworld of plants, animals, and some of the most beautiful land I've ever seen.
On the 12th, Hansan Ramie Fabric Museaum. Ramie is the light looking fabric used in wedding andd funeral garb. It is done by hand and very expensive. Sokokvu wine Pavillion, Leeabok House, the spot the first Bible was introduced to Korea, Sinsungri Reed Field Park, Maryangri Camellia Park, and tried to watch the sunset on the ocean.
The 13th started with a senior living center tour, a trip to the mayor's office, a middle school tour, a drive across plus tour of the longest seawall in the world (Seocheon), a visit to a nursing home (where we stayed for the night), and beach soccer-golf with our host and the mayor as the sun set.
The 14th started with a trip to a traditional village and a concert by a group of young people in traditional garb playing traditional music. Very pretty and relaxing. The we visted a mushroom factory, a tarp factory, went to a traditional market, visited a credit union, had pictures taken in traditional Korean garb, and professional pics made in our GSE outfits. Ended with another great Korean meal and ice cream!!!!
On the 15th visited an elementary school, traqditional market, the busiest place in Daejeon for teenagers (Evening lights and busy streets). The highlight was a professional baseball game between the Hanwha Eagles (our team) and the Kia Tigers. You have never seen so much excitemtn in your life. they ahve a blast. Tickets...$7, you bring in all your own food and beverage. I do not know how they make any money. By the way, we won in a nailbiter.
Today is the 16th and we are on our was to Seoul on the Bullet train or whatever it is called.
Beartree Park
Monastary
Another of Beartree
A traditional home restored and maintain by a professor. It was his father's hiomje.
The Yellow Sea from Camellia Park.
Elemenatry school. 40 students. 5 or more are exchange students through Rotary.
The entrance to Sejong, the proposed new capital.
Traditional musicians in traditional garb.
Mushroom factory
Elementary school.
The teenager hangout on Saturday night.
