May 19th, Part Dul

The day began with a long drive through the countryside of South Korea. We were heading to a towwn/city called Gangjin. As we moved through the valleys I noticed that the rice patties were beginning to come up. They reminded me of the corn beginning to grow in Iowa...yet another similarity between these two great places...

Our first destination was a poets house who is vary famous here in South Korea. He wrote many books, 500 plus in total and if very comparable to Benjamin Franklin in the states...we were given as gifts his poem wich had been painted onto naturally dies cotton. I am working on the translation as we speak...

After another lunch fit for royalty, we visited an open air market in the city. There were many vegetables and fruits for sale, as well as life fresh seafood. We were interview by a local TV station and they are going to put us on the air later this week. I found this market to be very similar to an open air market that we visit in Rosarito, Mexico. Many smiling faces, people bartering for goods and then...karaoke.

There was a stage set up for a performer who was singing as we arrived. As we approached the stage there were many people dancing and singing. We were invited to dance as once again, here in Korea, we stick out pretty well. Before we knew it, we were dancing with the cutest older Korean people...they were full of energy and spirit, music and dance brought us together and the moments were a great recharge of my spirits...

After performing on stage and recieving much applause, we were given handkerchiefs by the mayor of the town and some pieces of meat which we were later able to cook and eat for dinner...chalk this one up as another unforgettable moment...

Finally, we visited another rotarian in the area. This area is famous in South Korea for its pottery and the artists who create them. Laura and I had the opportunity to work our own pieces of clay, as Demi Moore did in the moview Ghost..."Perhaps we can reinact the scence from Ghost", was Kevin's quote of the day...I enjoyed much working with the clay and look to pick this up as a hobby in the future...there is much freedom and learning and truth in molding the clay...this was the highlight of the day for me...

Prior to dinner we visited a tradition South Korean wedding shop, and the girls were fitted for dresses and are going to purchase them. They are going to look very beautiful...

As for dinner, another night of free spirits, singing, laughing, and unity of those around a table...These are memories and times that will live in me for many days...please enjoy your moments as sometimes memories are all that we have...

be safe, no worries...miss you much...