"Fighting!"

Anyeong! Life's still truckin' on here, although things seem to be slowing slightly as it gets colder... (and it has definitely been getting colder.) There have been a few outings worth mention, though, so that's where we're headed.

Recently we were taken on a 'cultural experience' field trip by the coordinators of our program. We certainly did experience a lot of Korean culture, starting with...

...smashing rice to make dduk, rice cakes rolled in bean powder:

(tastes pretty much like it sounds)

...picking cabbage and making kimchi with it:

You rinse with salt, stuff with salt, let it soak overnight and rub with spicy salt the next day. (No wonder it's so delicious... well, an acquired kind of delicious)

...digging up and roasting sweet potatoes:

(we had so much fun digging them up, I didn't get a picture. We must have picked three pounds of taters, though.)

...trying our hand at traditional-style arts and crafts:

(getting a little too into the flower smashing craft)

...as well as at this addictive volleyball/kickball combo game:


The farm owners made a huge meal for us, complete with whole roasted pig.

It was devoured at light speed. After dinner, the boys even put the skin back on the fire and crispi-fied it for bonfire snacks. The little old couple seemed a bit shocked- I guess they haven't experienced the wonders of the Amazing American Appetite.

After dinner, they had a little 'talent show', and Dunny performed. I can't seem to get the video to work on here, though, so if you would like to see it it is on my Facebook page. (He was the best, but I don't think anyone's surprised I say that)

Later in the evening, seven or so of the boys and I played some poker... I'd like to let my dad know that I won. Both rounds. Ha! Ya taught me well, Pops! Boy, were there some bruised egos sulking around after that.

The most fun, yet somewhat embarrassing, part was when the farm owner pulled us aside to make traditional wedding ceremony crowns for us. (No big news, I promise! We're just the only couple in the group.) Made of leaves held together with toothpicks, adorned with flowers, and complete with flower petal make-up, we were quite a sight.




I say embarrassing because the lady made us pose for 10 minutes with everyone watching. We eventually just started doing prom poses. It made me giggle.


She was a super sweet lady, though, and all around we had a great time.


Last weekend, for some ungodly reason, we decided to push ourselves to the edge of health and sanity by hiking up a mountain Saturday morning, and then immediately jumping on a bus to travel 3 hours to Busan for a friend's birthday that night. I'm still physically paying for it, but it was definitely worth it.

This is the view of Gayasan Mountain from Haeinsa, the temple at the base of it.


And three hours later, this is the view from the top:

We found a quiet little ledge on the opposite side of the mountain to rest our weary dogs. "Fighting" is an English phrase Koreans use all the time. Basically, it means 'Suck it up'. I've been telling it to myself for the past few days while walking with peg legs and sore knees. It hasn't helped.

There's a video on Facebook of this, as well. It was hard to capture it on film as it was a bit hazy, but it was a breathtaking 360 degree view of the beautiful rolling hills you are constantly surrounded by here. Just a wonderful way to start a weekend, sore muscles and all.