DMZ

After two miserably failed attempts "The Little's" finally made it to the DMZ. It was a colossal let-down. Not only did it make for a fourteen-hour bus day, but the air made any interesting site seeing a remote possibility. We're still glad we made the effort because we did get to enter a North Korean Invasion Tunnel, we saw some NK soldiers across the barriers staring back at us and we bought a ticket for Pyeongyang for whenever they choose to open the borders again. Would we recommend it: "Yeah, I think it's one of those things you just gotta do." Would we do it again: "Anniiiiyyoooo" (Korean for "no way").

Along came the Parents

The Dufour's came out for a three-week, photographic blur in which we attempted to retrace the steps of our entire trip, including the three-day excursion to Japan. Dave got a chance to eat silk worms and the Korean street food and we all tried Mokpo's famous "Sannakji", Live Raw Octopus. Too bad we didn't remember our camera for that one. We were amused at the "Martian Charades" that Mom tried on the locals. I think at times it was a stretch, even for her. In three weekends we visited: A butterfly festival, Damyang Bamboo Forest, Budda's Birthday in Busan, the Seaport of Mokpo, Love Island, a premiere country-club resort, Nagan Folk Village, Gwangju, and spent two-days in Seoul. Jolene and I both crashed after we got back early Monday morning thankful that we had indeed spent every moment we could with the 'rents.

It's Spring

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

Wolchulsan

Last weekend we got caught in the Spring/Winter weather. On the morning of our departure we left sunny 70-degree Gwangju for the Wolchulsan National park. By the time we had arrived the wind and sub-50 degree weather had sucked all the warmth from our shorts and T-shirts. We purchased a wind-breaker sweatsuit for $20 and decided to make an attempt at the mountain. We started feeling rain drops close to the top of the ridge. About the time it started to mist, we decided to split up, realizing that if one of us was going to make it to the top we had better do it fast. I had long left the ever-patient Jolene when a Korean lady perceived that the shivering Waguk (foreigner) might be a bit cold. Jolene enjoyed two cups of warm coffee on the mountain before I reached her from the summit. Warm and cozy she said that she wanted to continue to the top. But by that time I was freezing cold and wanted to head to a warmer place to thaw. Overall this trip showed us some unique parts of Korean landscape and while it was cold I think we might head back here in the summer...when it's warmer.

Random Update

Jolene and I are still having an amazing time here in Korea. We been busy for the last month or so because our teaching schedules have changed (Korea graduates all students in March). So we've got to adjust to a whole new round of children, classes, teaching styles and discipline tactics. But for the past two weeks we've had a bit of a relieve as Jenelle (Jolene's Friend) had been out visiting us. We took her to some familiar places and some not so familiar places. Here are some of the pictures from those two weeks.

Kyoto, Japan

After our freezing trip to China, Jolene and I packed off to Kyoto, Japan. We spent four glorious days riding bikes around Japan's ancient capital. We managed to hit 7 World Heritage Sites along with some really cool Temples, Shrines, Coffee Shops, Shushi Bars and the warmest weather we'd had since September. It was a great way to end our ten-day tour of Asia. Enjoy the Photos

Chinese New Year!

Jolene and I went to China for the Chinese New Year. We were in Beijing for 3 days. We saw the Great Wall, Forbidden City and had a chance to visit with a true Beijing'er. We had loads of fun....but it was cold.










Then we traveled up to bitter cold Harbin (-15 F) for the International Snow and Ice Festival. We nearly froze ourselves to death but still had a great time. Here is proof.