Blogs from Jeollanam-do, South Korea, Asia - page 4

Many festivals in various parts of Korea have been canceled this year due to concern over the spreading of foot-and-mouth disease. The sea parting festival was no exception. Although the festival was canceled, the sea parting still took place, just without the hypnotizing mayhem that is a Korean festival. We decided to stay in nearby Mokpo and make a day trip to Jindo for the event. Buses run regularly between Mokpo and Jindo and the ride takes about one hour. On the way to Jindo is a magical place called Uhang-ri, a dinosaur museum and fossil site. We arrived to find this place nearly abandoned, with a few visitors strolling the massive grounds. The vast open field is strewn with “life-sized” dinosaur statues, a funhouse mirror maze, and plenty of places for photo opportunities. This place ... read more

Stamina, stamina, stamina, who's got the stamina? One thing you hear continually when you're living in Korea is talk about stamina. There's this real bravado when it comes to men being men. It doesn't seem to matter what you eat it's all good for the same thing, precious stamina. I guess you can never really have too much to use at your hearts content but I often find myself wondering if these claims of stamina are just some old superstition to get people to eat some of the foods. Personally I really enjoy a lot of the food here. In fact in about 2 hours I'm going to be sitting down and eating one of my favorite meals with Jen. A rich soup of boiled pork spine that falls off the bone like pulled pork in ... read more

Bumping along down the countryside road, I peered out the front windshield as a new city appeared out across the bridge in front of us as the clock ticked past 10:43 in the morning. Yawning, stretching and pawing towards the ceiling, Shauna and the rest of the passengers awoke with a freight as the bumpy swaying bus drifted down the off ramp turning left onto a skinny two lane road leading us through the small dilapidated homes peaking out behind the green valley trees before approaching the edge of town. As we maneuvered into the seaside parking lot, everyone's eyes were alert with hunger as they peered out the windows wondering what lay ahead? In an instant the organizer came alive taking his position between the seats an all too familiar stance gazing out past every ... read more

Part 3: Boseong Green Tea Plantation As the bus slowly backed into the parking stall, everyone's eyes gleemed with delight that this portion of the trip was complete. A few people still perched over their personal trashbags were cleaning up after themselves due to the erratic driving skills up the steep twisting mountain turns. The organizer climbed on board the bus to give this announcement: "Welcome everyone to the Green Tea Plantation. Here you will have two hours to explore, learn and take pictures about Green Tea. Please enjoy and be back on the bus at 9:30 am. Thank You." Aaron Wow, there must be all sorts of things to see and do here? Two whole hours! Shauna Sounds good to me! Do you think there is information given in English? Probably not... but It ... read more

Buddha's Birthday! Friday was a holiday-no work!! Lindsey and I decided to head out of town with a group of English-speaking activities group. Although we already prefer to hang with Koreans, I have no idea how to get around on my own (yet!). Friday morning, we headed to the train station and bought a ticket to Yeosu. On the platform we met up with the other three peeps going on the trip. As soon as I stepped off the train, I could smell and feel the ocean. I love that feeling! Yeosu is a small city with over 300 islands surrounding it. We visited two of the islands while there. It took us awhile to find the right bus. I am getting used to Korean driving-crazy! The bus driver was acting like Mario Andretti around the ... read more