Good thing we had lots of food though, because after breakfast we went for a hike with June, and headed up the mountain behind where her parents live.
It was another beautiful sunny day, and because it was a Sunday there were quite a few locals out on the trail.
Some kind of festival for the local high school. They offered us food and water, and even a ticket to win a bicycle! We wanted to get back to visit with June's family though, so we didn't hang around.
At the top of Goseongsan Mountain looking down on the city of Gimcheon.
Ruth, enjoying the view.
Back at the house, we visited for a couple of hours. June and her brother Kevin both speak very good English, but her mom only speaks a few words (better than our Korean though!) and her dad speaks no English at all. Kevin's girlfriend Min jeong understands more than she lets on, but she's shy trying to speak it. Anyhow, lots of translating going on as we had conversations.
June, Kevin, Ruth, Min jeong, Kevin, Soon-hee, Yeol-hee.
Okay, funny face everyone! (I don't think June's dad understood the instructions!)
June's boyfriend Park made the drive down to pick us up. It's only about two and a half hours one way, but the ride back took almost 4 hours because of the heavy traffic heading back into Seoul.
Gimcheon back to Seoul.
So, now we're back in the big city of Seoul for the next three days. Not sure what's on the agenda for today. I think we'll just relax for the morning and then go out exploring this afternoon.
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I remember our approach into the airport at Seoul and seeing the old city down below. It looked like a very busy maze of little streets jst wide enough for a donkey. This might be an interesting day trip for you.
ReplyDeleteWe had actually wandered around some very narrow streets in part of central Seoul when we went up to the Seoul Tower at the beginning of our trip. There is another area that we are hoping to get to either tomorrow or Wednesday that should give us a chance so see some of the older parts as well.
DeleteDon't forget to visit the border with North Korea!
ReplyDeleteNot looking like we are going to be doing that this trip! We would have to shell out at least $90US each and we just don't seem to have the time. We would have loved to have done it but the time seems to have just gotten away on us. There is so much that we just didn't have time to see or do. :-(
DeleteI have enjoyed catching up on your posts. Thanks for the tour of a country I will never visit in person.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you have enjoyed the posts Contessa. And never say never, an opportunity may just pop up some day!
DeleteIs that what they usually eat for breakfast?
ReplyDeleteWe asked June last night about our breakfast at her parents house and she said yes that is a pretty typical breakfast expect that there were more dishes than what they would normally have. I think we had much the same at lunch time too!
DeleteI've always equated eating squid with chewing on rubber bands. ;c)
ReplyDeleteI think I used that exact description in a comment a couple of days ago. Luckily the way that June's mother prepared the squid made it taste much better.
DeleteHaving a local to share their part of the world with you is a real perk. You two are making friends in so many corners of the world, and while there are language barriers, a smile or silly face really does go a long way. THANK YOU for sharing your adventure with us!
ReplyDeleteYou are totally right Dianne! June has been so helpful, especially with all our questions about their culture and their food. It was lovely to have been able to meet her parents and we hope to meet them again some day. We asked them to come and visit us in Saskatchewan!
DeleteSmiles and laughter are the only way to go!
That funny picture really makes me laugh hard. :D My dad keep texting me asking about how you guys are doing and mom also said that she hopes to meet you guys again because she misses you already. Yeah, as what my parents said, sincere mind always commonicates better than words. (I think they just made this beautiful sentence because they cannot speak English. Joke!:-P) My family really likes and admires you (of course, including me) and I strongly believe that people who can have a chance to meet you during the journey of their life are very fortunate to know you. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt makes us laugh every time we see it too!
DeleteWe love your family and our time with them and how they opened up their home to us. It was such a pleasure have a glimpse into how Koreans live.
Remind your parents that they are always welcome at our place in Saskatchewan and I am sure there is a Rotary Club somewhere close by so that your mother could meet them.
Thank you again June!
Your time is going to quickly! Have you been able to visit any artist studios or potters? They make lovely art in Korea.
ReplyDeleteYes, we can't believe how fast it has gone by.
DeleteWe have been to a sculpture park but not any studios or potters. I am afraid to say that we prefer to be out hiking more. Kevin is not into art very much.
We have so enjoyed this trip! We really enjoyed meeting June and her family - getting to know the locals is the best! Loved the funny faces photos! Talk about hands across the borders - you two sure have accomplished that thru your travels. There ARE nice people everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThank you Connie and Barry! Kevin and Ruth were the best friends when I travelled Ottawa. And I am simply returning back to them the least thing I can do. :) And I surely can be your tour guide if you visit to Korea so I can have two more lovely friends in my life! :D
DeleteThis is why we love couchsurfing so much! We meet such fantastic people, some who will be friends forever! June has definitely become a lifelong friend and we can't wait to host her in Mexico one day and show her around one of our favourite countries.
DeleteThere are indeed wonderful people everywhere!
Ahhh, June, you are so sweet! You are always welcome to come visit us in the USA, too. We agree, Ruth and Kevin are simply the best.
ReplyDeleteConnie & Barry in PA/USA
Isn't she the best?! and so are you two!
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