Despite the false hopes of warmth during the past few weeks, spring has finally arrived. The cherry blossoms are here and they are amazing. While the heritage of this flower brings some conflict among the Koreans (Who say Japan infected Korea with this tree when they invaded), we have been enjoying it immensely. This weekend we joined a mob of Koreans to celebrate the Spring in Yeong-Am. Louis and Lisa joined us on the highly fragrant trip, to represent all Waeguks (foreigners) of Korea.
Jolene and I were filmed by the local TV programs as we mashed rice with wooden mallets. We were also asked to do an interview on T.V. but they only knew how to ask "Why you tink?" After four separate responses, garnish the same vacant smiles we nodded our head and bowed out graciously. Our com-padres were not so reluctant to let us go as they ran ahead of us with their huge cameras trying to film us.
(Steve Irwin's Voice) "We've caught the Waeguks in their natural habitat, interacting with the locals in what can be deduced as the most interesting thing to happen in these parts since the Waeguks of '05. Look! One of them is about to make a breed call... yes! yes! Oh its picking its nose. Wait...wait... ah yes, I believe they are holding hands now... Whaaaa.....And now one is dancing and singing to the America music of Grease! Yes, indeed the female is responding to the local mating song of her family. Look at the way she moves her arms and shakes her mane. Ah, now isn't that a lovely touch... tune in next time to watch "Generations of Waguks" and "The Origin of Dance." An-yeong Hasayo
