All my bags are packed [and re-packed, and re-packed],
I'm ready to go ...
... 'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go
Yesterday's (MAY 01) schedule:
Tour Jung Ang Hospital
Lunch [cheeseburgers, YUM!)
NamChang pottery village
Icecream break, fair visit, and seaside hike
Farewell dinner celebration
Homestay
Though yesterday was a full day, it officially ended happily (and somewhat weepy, I dare say).
Today is a special day in South Korea - it is the celebration of Buddha's birthday. It is a bittersweet day for us as we will return home while leaving people and places that have made significant impacts on us.
Today some of us will go to temple with our families, some will run to the market or shop to pick up those items we've remembered that we absolutely must have to take home, some will rest before the looong ride home.
We will all take the memory of this wonderful experience home with us.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Day 4 Ulsan 0430 - short and sweet
Today's schedule was short and sweet:
At 10 a.m. we toured Hyundai High School (yes, Hyundai), and afterward we attended a Rotary meeting. There was a very forgiving buffet lunch, and after lunch we played our presentation with Sara's audio for the Rotarians. It seemed to be well received.
We were turned loose for the day after the meeting. Most of us went shopping! Travis apparently bought out most of the marketplace ...
Tomorrow will be a full day ... and then we're homeward bound!
At 10 a.m. we toured Hyundai High School (yes, Hyundai), and afterward we attended a Rotary meeting. There was a very forgiving buffet lunch, and after lunch we played our presentation with Sara's audio for the Rotarians. It seemed to be well received.
We were turned loose for the day after the meeting. Most of us went shopping! Travis apparently bought out most of the marketplace ...
Tomorrow will be a full day ... and then we're homeward bound!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Day 3 Ulsan 0429
Schedule:
Visit to Kyong-Ju
-Bulguksa (Buddhist temple)
-Lunch
-Sukgulam
-Museum
Dinner
Homestay
Visit to Kyong-Ju
-Bulguksa (Buddhist temple)
-Lunch
-Sukgulam
-Museum
Dinner
Homestay
Day 2 and 3 Ulsan 0427 and 0428
Schedule:
APRIL 27
Ulsan University
Lunch (pork, at "new" restaurant)
BanGoodae (petroglyphs, national treasure)
SuckNamSa (all-women Buddhist temple)
Dinner (beef kalbi, traditional Korean, at arrival restaurant)
Homestay
APRIL 28
SK Energy [tour]
Lunch (rice, traditional Korean, at arrival restaurant)
Hyundai car factory [tour]
Hyundai shipbuilding [tour]
Random time-filling
Dinner (beef kalbi again, traditional Korean again, at arrival restaurant again)
Homestay
APRIL 27
Ulsan University
Lunch (pork, at "new" restaurant)
BanGoodae (petroglyphs, national treasure)
SuckNamSa (all-women Buddhist temple)
Dinner (beef kalbi, traditional Korean, at arrival restaurant)
Homestay
APRIL 28
SK Energy [tour]
Lunch (rice, traditional Korean, at arrival restaurant)
Hyundai car factory [tour]
Hyundai shipbuilding [tour]
Random time-filling
Dinner (beef kalbi again, traditional Korean again, at arrival restaurant again)
Homestay
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Day 1 Ulsan 0426 - REVOLUTION
We begged off today, finally pleading for one real personal day (24 hours) to take a break from our insane and unforgiving schedule. Miryang helped make arrangements after Jaime went down sick with Sylvia and Travis both not far behind her.
We did not get exactly what we were hoping for, but we were met half-way. Well ... maybe 1/3 of the way. Upon arrival in Ulsan we had a large group lunch, met ranked members of the Ulsan clubs, and met our host families.
After a couple hours of food, speeches, and pictures, we were finally released to our host families.
While we certainly are still in performance mode, I think we are all thankful that we did not spend the entire day being dragged around museums and offices and parks (oh my!). Oh, and let's not fail to mention getting out of the huge honkin' uber special dinners that our hosts are so thrilled to serve to us. (Although I still ended up eating more than I was physically comfortable eating. Blech.)
Tomorrow morning it's back to the full-on balls-out schedule we've been on since we arrived. We're hoping that some clubs will at least empathize with our plight and will keep things light and fun during our last week here.
Keep your fingers crossed for us!
We did not get exactly what we were hoping for, but we were met half-way. Well ... maybe 1/3 of the way. Upon arrival in Ulsan we had a large group lunch, met ranked members of the Ulsan clubs, and met our host families.
After a couple hours of food, speeches, and pictures, we were finally released to our host families.
While we certainly are still in performance mode, I think we are all thankful that we did not spend the entire day being dragged around museums and offices and parks (oh my!). Oh, and let's not fail to mention getting out of the huge honkin' uber special dinners that our hosts are so thrilled to serve to us. (Although I still ended up eating more than I was physically comfortable eating. Blech.)
Tomorrow morning it's back to the full-on balls-out schedule we've been on since we arrived. We're hoping that some clubs will at least empathize with our plight and will keep things light and fun during our last week here.
Keep your fingers crossed for us!
Miryang 0424 thru 0426
After Jinhae we were off to Miryang, location of the renowned award-winning Korean film "Secret Sunshine." Miryang is famous for its produce, notably delightfully sweet strawberries and robustly flavored watermelons.
Our first outing with the Miryang club was for a lunch of traditional Korean dishes complete with Ed's favorites, soju and maekju.
In Miryang we were happy to participate in some hands-on activities: we each made a piece of pottery and helped make a type of rice snack.
One of our Rotarian hosts kept us laughing with his random outbursts from the "clay scene" from the movie "Ghost," Righteous Brothers' background music included (we provided backup vocals while he took the lead):
Some of the folks in Miryang were great, a couple were not so great, but we made it through the tough stuff together.
On to the final leg of the trip: Ulsan!!!
Our first outing with the Miryang club was for a lunch of traditional Korean dishes complete with Ed's favorites, soju and maekju.
In Miryang we were happy to participate in some hands-on activities: we each made a piece of pottery and helped make a type of rice snack.
One of our Rotarian hosts kept us laughing with his random outbursts from the "clay scene" from the movie "Ghost," Righteous Brothers' background music included (we provided backup vocals while he took the lead):
Some of the folks in Miryang were great, a couple were not so great, but we made it through the tough stuff together.
On to the final leg of the trip: Ulsan!!!
Jinhae 0422 thru 0424
The team spent Wednesday and Thursday in the port city of Jinhae, also a station for the Korean Navy as well as the U.S. Navy. We toured a few of the city's museums and a water treatment facility that is also doing research on fish. They had several small aquariums in their facility, some of which held rare Korean species of sea creatures.
After nearly three weeks of living according to a break-neck schedule with no downtime and adjusting to sitting and sleeping on the floor frequently and recovering from a$$-kicking food poisoning, the girls were ready for some spa massage therapy. Ok, so we didn't have the kind of spa day we were expecting - with the gracious assistance of the Jinhae Rotarians we were able to coordinate a Chinese massage therapy session ... elbows jammed into all the sore spots and people walking all over you and all that jazz. YIKES!
While the girls were "relaxing," Ed was trying new things, root juice off the back of some guy's truck (sounds pretty redneck, don't it?):
On our last night in Jinhae we were treated to a specially arranged Miguk dinner on the U.S. Navy base. Most everyone had steak and ate their meals with gusto.
We were very sad that we only had a short time in Jinhae. Our homestays were great and our hosts were wonderful.
Though we would have appreciated a longer visit with our new friends, on Friday it was time to move on to our next club in Miryang ...
Schedule:
APRIL 22
Transfer, meet & greet
Jinhae Dream Park tour
Lunch (at restaurant called Meat Valley, spaghetti)
Marine park and maritime museum tour
Dinner (welcome)
APRIL 23
Response cold water inland tour
Lunch
Tapsan, museums, jangboksan tour (tea time)
Dinner (farewell, at U.S. Navy base)
APRIL 24
Transfer to Miryang
After nearly three weeks of living according to a break-neck schedule with no downtime and adjusting to sitting and sleeping on the floor frequently and recovering from a$$-kicking food poisoning, the girls were ready for some spa massage therapy. Ok, so we didn't have the kind of spa day we were expecting - with the gracious assistance of the Jinhae Rotarians we were able to coordinate a Chinese massage therapy session ... elbows jammed into all the sore spots and people walking all over you and all that jazz. YIKES!
While the girls were "relaxing," Ed was trying new things, root juice off the back of some guy's truck (sounds pretty redneck, don't it?):
On our last night in Jinhae we were treated to a specially arranged Miguk dinner on the U.S. Navy base. Most everyone had steak and ate their meals with gusto.
We were very sad that we only had a short time in Jinhae. Our homestays were great and our hosts were wonderful.
Though we would have appreciated a longer visit with our new friends, on Friday it was time to move on to our next club in Miryang ...
Schedule:
APRIL 22
Transfer, meet & greet
Jinhae Dream Park tour
Lunch (at restaurant called Meat Valley, spaghetti)
Marine park and maritime museum tour
Dinner (welcome)
APRIL 23
Response cold water inland tour
Lunch
Tapsan, museums, jangboksan tour (tea time)
Dinner (farewell, at U.S. Navy base)
APRIL 24
Transfer to Miryang
Saturday, April 25, 2009
District Conference in Ulsan 0418 thru 0419
We attended the 3720 District Conference last weekend in Ulsan. We met many interesting people and saw many wonderful things!
We were very happy to again see the members of clubs that had already hosted us - we truly have made some friends.
We met delegates of 3720's sister district from California as well as delegates from Japanese and Philippine clubs.
We met 3720's district governer, too, who presented us with gifts of lovely decorated musical jewelry boxes.
Though we had very short notice, we were able to put together a photomontage to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World."
(Video of the opening drum ceremony):
More videos are available for viewing at Michelle's Facebook page.
We were very happy to again see the members of clubs that had already hosted us - we truly have made some friends.
We met delegates of 3720's sister district from California as well as delegates from Japanese and Philippine clubs.
We met 3720's district governer, too, who presented us with gifts of lovely decorated musical jewelry boxes.
Though we had very short notice, we were able to put together a photomontage to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World."
(Video of the opening drum ceremony):
More videos are available for viewing at Michelle's Facebook page.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Masan 0419 thru 0422
Schedule APRIL 19
10 a.m. - Meet & greet Area 10
11 a.m. - Visit Hyundai dealership owned by Rotarian
11:30 a.m. - Silla Precision Co. tour (Rotarian owned)
12 p.m. - Lunch
2 p.m. - Traditional market tour and visit hanbok shops
4 p.m. - Rest / visit fish market
5:30 p.m. - Dinner (fish)
7 p.m. - Drinks & live music
Traditional Dresses, originally uploaded by jaimesc.
10 a.m. - Meet & greet Area 10
11 a.m. - Visit Hyundai dealership owned by Rotarian
11:30 a.m. - Silla Precision Co. tour (Rotarian owned)
12 p.m. - Lunch
2 p.m. - Traditional market tour and visit hanbok shops
4 p.m. - Rest / visit fish market
5:30 p.m. - Dinner (fish)
7 p.m. - Drinks & live music
Traditional Dresses, originally uploaded by jaimesc.
Masan is a port city. From the hotel balconey, we have a full view of the shipyard. We've had a really nice time here and enjoyed the company of our Rotary hosts.
Tomorrow we head out to a new city!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Masan schedule 0415 thru 0418
Schedule for Masan
APRIL 15
Team ill, down for the count
APRIL 16
Team ill, down for the count
APRIL 17
10 a.m. - Arrive at Group 2 office
11 a.m. - Masan City Hall and Masan City Council tour
12 p.m. - Lunch
2 p.m. - Rest
2:30 p.m. - Kyungnam University - interview vice-president
3 p.m. - Tour of Kyungnam University
4:40 p.m. - Monggo Foods Co., Ltd.
6 p.m. - Dinner - buffet at International Hotel
APRIL 15
Team ill, down for the count
APRIL 16
Team ill, down for the count
APRIL 17
10 a.m. - Arrive at Group 2 office
11 a.m. - Masan City Hall and Masan City Council tour
12 p.m. - Lunch
2 p.m. - Rest
2:30 p.m. - Kyungnam University - interview vice-president
3 p.m. - Tour of Kyungnam University
4:40 p.m. - Monggo Foods Co., Ltd.
6 p.m. - Dinner - buffet at International Hotel
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Haman to Masan
The GSE'ers are in Masan, recovering from food poisoning. The last 24 hours have been ... colorful. That is as much as propriety will allow me to reveal. We had a "recovery" breakfast this morning at Masan Tourist Hotel -- plates dominated by scrambled eggs and toast.
Before being knocked down by bad oysters, we spent a few days in Haman learning about Korean agriculture, visiting a burial site, taking a bus ride to Jinju, stopping at an arboretum, touring a fortress, and enjoying the company of our Haman hosts. Moving to Haman from Changwon reminded me of visiting Brugge after Paris--a small rest from city-life.
Today was designated as a recovery day, which was fortunate since no one has the energy to do very much. Tomorrow, hopefully, we will all be back to almost normal and get to check out Masan.
(We are feeling better. Today we all managed to stand up as opposed to leaning or laying down and to speak in complete sentences rather than grunts, mumbles, and hand gestures.)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Next Stop
We've been in Changwon City for the last couple of days and have stayed with Korean families. Changwon was the first planned city in South Korea and was developed with a 30 year plan. All of the manufacturing, commerce, and residences have certain areas. The city is beautiful--lots of landscaping and architecture.
Here's a quick list of some things we have done:
Visited Korean Broadcasting Station, Doosan Heavy Industries, a shooting range, taken a Tae Kwan Do lesson, visited a Korean cooking school, and enjoyed some free time on Easter Sunday.
The hospitality of our hosts and the Changwon Rotarians has been wonderful!
Here's a quick list of some things we have done:
Visited Korean Broadcasting Station, Doosan Heavy Industries, a shooting range, taken a Tae Kwan Do lesson, visited a Korean cooking school, and enjoyed some free time on Easter Sunday.
The hospitality of our hosts and the Changwon Rotarians has been wonderful!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Changwon 0409 thru 0413
Today was great - Korean Broadcasting Station, rifle range, pizza, Doosan Heavy Industries, Pullman Hotel. I didn't know what was in store for me when I applied for a GSE slot. The things we've done have all been incredibly different, but a great deal of fun.
Here's a short list of things I'd never done before GSE: traveled for 25 hours, visited Asia, worn a hardhat, fired a 12-gauge, stood under a crane that could haul 300 tons, participated in a Buddhist service, dressed like a monk, practiced a golf swing at an indoor driving range, had a conversation using a Korean/English dictionary, eaten squirming octopus....
All that, and we've got three weeks to go. I can't WAIT to see what they bring!
*Added by Michelle*
Changwon Club schedule
APRIL 9
9:20 a.m. - Transfer to Changwon Club
10:30 a.m. - Sungsan Seashell Mound
12 p.m. - Welcoming ceremony and multi-club meeting (9, 11 districts)
1 p.m. - Lunch
2 p.m. - Changwon University, GyeongNam Provincial Hall, Provincial Art Museum
5 p.m. - SangNam Conventional Market
6 p.m. - Dinner
7 p.m. - Homestay
APRIL 10
10 a.m. - Meet at Rotary office
10:30 a.m. - Changwon KBS broadcasting station, Yingji Lake
12:30 p.m. - Lunch [pizza!]
2 p.m. - Changwon shooting range
3:30 p.m. - House of Changwon
5 p.m. - Pullman Hotel and shopping mall
6 p.m. - Dinner
7 p.m. - Homestay
APRIL 11
10 a.m. - Meet at Rotary office
10:30 a.m. - Korean cooking class (M Cooking House)
2 p.m. - Kuk Dong Taekwondo Gym
3:30 p.m. - Carless street festival
6 p.m. - Farewell meeting and homestay
APRIL 12
Religious activity / homestay time
APRIL 13
10 a.m. - Meet at Rotary office and transfer to Ham An Rotary Club
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
At Last ... A Word from the Team
Ed said to me a few days ago in Tongdosa, You know, I could go home tomorrow happy. It's true, we've been here less than a week and have had amazing experiences. (Of course, no one is quite ready to come home yet.)
After arriving, we spent the night in Ulsan before moving to Tongdosa on April 5th for a temple stay. We were provided with "monk gear," brown pants and sleeve-less button up tops. During our stay, we spent time with two monks, participating in meals, a tea ceremony, chanting, tours of the grounds, and learning about Buddhist philosophy.
On April 6th, the Yangsan Rotarians took the group out of the temple to see the Yangsan market and enjoy a traditional Korean lunch. We went to Busan for the afternoon. We visited the Yangsan market, APEC Center, the Westin Chosun, and enjoyed a dinner with beautiful views of the ocean. We returned to Tongdosa for the night.
Before leaving Tongdosa, the group hiked into the surrounding mountains, led by our wonderful guide. After checking out, we said goodbye to our friends from Yangsan and were taken to Gimhae.
Gimhae has been fun--it's a vibrant city, full of activity. We visited the tomb of King Suro and several museums. We especially enjoyed the Gimhae Clayarche Museum--a museum dedicated to pottery, ceramics, and clay. We stayed in a traditional
Korean House, which was very cool.
It's late. More to come. We'll get some pictures linked over from flickr, too.
*Added by Michelle*
Yangsan Club schedule:
APRIL 5
9-11 a.m. - Travel to Yangsan area, welcome and greeting
11-11:30 a.m. - Arrive at Tongdosa Hotel and check in
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. - Travel to Tongdo temple
12-1 p.m. - Lunch at temple
1-2 p.m. - Tour Seongbo museum and Tongdo temple
2-3:30 p.m. - Experience the tea ceremony
3:30-5 p.m. - Learn and sit in Zen meditation
5-6:20 p.m. - Dinner at main temple-stay hall
6:20-7:30 p.m. - Evening worship to Buddha at the sermon hall
7:30-8 p.m. - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
8 p.m. - Relax and rest
APRIL 6
3-3:20 a.m. - Wake up and get ready
3:20-3:50 a.m. - Return to Tongdo temple
3:50-4:30 a.m. - Daybreak worship to Buddha at the sermon hall
4:30-6:20 a.m. - Worship and meditation at the sermon hall
6:20-7 a.m. - Breakfast at temple
7-7:30 a.m. - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
7:30-10 a.m. - Relax
10-10:30 a.m. - Travel to Yangsan traditional market
10:30-11:30 a.m. - Tour Yangsan traditional market
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Lunch Korean style meal (pulgogi)
12:30-1 p.m. - Travel to Haeundae area
1-5 p.m. - Tour Diamond Bridge, Haeundae beach, APEC House
5-6 p.m. - Dinner
6-7 - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
7 p.m - Relax and rest
APRIL 7
5:20-5:50 a.m. - Wake up and get ready
5:50-6:20 a.m. - Return to Tongdo temple
6:20-7 a.m. - Breakfast at temple
7-9 a.m. - Small temples pilgrimage
9-9:30 a.m. - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
9:30-10 a.m. - Check out
10 a.m. - Say goodbye and move on to Gimhae area
Gimhae Club schedule:
APRIL 7
10-11 a.m. - Travel to Gimhae area, check in at traditional house
11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Tour cultural museum
12-1:30 p.m. - Lunch [duck]
1:30-2 p.m. - Move on to next activity
2-3:30 p.m. - Tour National Gimhae Museum
3:30-5 p.m. - Tour Daesung Dongobun Museum
5-6 p.m. - Tour King Suro Tomb
6-6:20 p.m. Travel to Rotary clubhouse
6:20-8:30 p.m. - Meeting, presentation, and dinner
8:30 p.m. - Rest
APRIL 8
8-10 a.m. - Breakfast (traditional) and check out
10-10:30 - Move on to next activity
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. - Visit [Former] President No's birthplace
12-1:30 p.m. - Lunch (jin young kalbi)
1:30-2 p.m. - Move on to next activity
2-3 p.m. - Junam Resevoir tour
3-3:30 p.m. - Move on to next activity
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Gimhae architecture museum tour
4:30-5 p.m. - Move on to next activity
5-8:30 p.m. - Dinner, move to homestay
APRIL 9
8-10 a.m. - Breakfast and departure for Changwon
After arriving, we spent the night in Ulsan before moving to Tongdosa on April 5th for a temple stay. We were provided with "monk gear," brown pants and sleeve-less button up tops. During our stay, we spent time with two monks, participating in meals, a tea ceremony, chanting, tours of the grounds, and learning about Buddhist philosophy.
On April 6th, the Yangsan Rotarians took the group out of the temple to see the Yangsan market and enjoy a traditional Korean lunch. We went to Busan for the afternoon. We visited the Yangsan market, APEC Center, the Westin Chosun, and enjoyed a dinner with beautiful views of the ocean. We returned to Tongdosa for the night.
Before leaving Tongdosa, the group hiked into the surrounding mountains, led by our wonderful guide. After checking out, we said goodbye to our friends from Yangsan and were taken to Gimhae.
Gimhae has been fun--it's a vibrant city, full of activity. We visited the tomb of King Suro and several museums. We especially enjoyed the Gimhae Clayarche Museum--a museum dedicated to pottery, ceramics, and clay. We stayed in a traditional
Korean House, which was very cool.
It's late. More to come. We'll get some pictures linked over from flickr, too.
*Added by Michelle*
Yangsan Club schedule:
APRIL 5
9-11 a.m. - Travel to Yangsan area, welcome and greeting
11-11:30 a.m. - Arrive at Tongdosa Hotel and check in
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. - Travel to Tongdo temple
12-1 p.m. - Lunch at temple
1-2 p.m. - Tour Seongbo museum and Tongdo temple
2-3:30 p.m. - Experience the tea ceremony
3:30-5 p.m. - Learn and sit in Zen meditation
5-6:20 p.m. - Dinner at main temple-stay hall
6:20-7:30 p.m. - Evening worship to Buddha at the sermon hall
7:30-8 p.m. - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
8 p.m. - Relax and rest
APRIL 6
3-3:20 a.m. - Wake up and get ready
3:20-3:50 a.m. - Return to Tongdo temple
3:50-4:30 a.m. - Daybreak worship to Buddha at the sermon hall
4:30-6:20 a.m. - Worship and meditation at the sermon hall
6:20-7 a.m. - Breakfast at temple
7-7:30 a.m. - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
7:30-10 a.m. - Relax
10-10:30 a.m. - Travel to Yangsan traditional market
10:30-11:30 a.m. - Tour Yangsan traditional market
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Lunch Korean style meal (pulgogi)
12:30-1 p.m. - Travel to Haeundae area
1-5 p.m. - Tour Diamond Bridge, Haeundae beach, APEC House
5-6 p.m. - Dinner
6-7 - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
7 p.m - Relax and rest
APRIL 7
5:20-5:50 a.m. - Wake up and get ready
5:50-6:20 a.m. - Return to Tongdo temple
6:20-7 a.m. - Breakfast at temple
7-9 a.m. - Small temples pilgrimage
9-9:30 a.m. - Return to Tongdosa Hotel
9:30-10 a.m. - Check out
10 a.m. - Say goodbye and move on to Gimhae area
Gimhae Club schedule:
APRIL 7
10-11 a.m. - Travel to Gimhae area, check in at traditional house
11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Tour cultural museum
12-1:30 p.m. - Lunch [duck]
1:30-2 p.m. - Move on to next activity
2-3:30 p.m. - Tour National Gimhae Museum
3:30-5 p.m. - Tour Daesung Dongobun Museum
5-6 p.m. - Tour King Suro Tomb
6-6:20 p.m. Travel to Rotary clubhouse
6:20-8:30 p.m. - Meeting, presentation, and dinner
8:30 p.m. - Rest
APRIL 8
8-10 a.m. - Breakfast (traditional) and check out
10-10:30 - Move on to next activity
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. - Visit [Former] President No's birthplace
12-1:30 p.m. - Lunch (jin young kalbi)
1:30-2 p.m. - Move on to next activity
2-3 p.m. - Junam Resevoir tour
3-3:30 p.m. - Move on to next activity
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Gimhae architecture museum tour
4:30-5 p.m. - Move on to next activity
5-8:30 p.m. - Dinner, move to homestay
APRIL 9
8-10 a.m. - Breakfast and departure for Changwon
Sunday, April 5, 2009
We Made It!
The incountry portion of GSE has gotten off to a great start.
No problems with the flights. Friday morning, we said an early goodbye to family, friends, and Rotarians at GSP before leaving for Atlanta. The 2-hour layover gave us a chance to check email, blog, Facebook and have coffee and breakfast before departing for Incheon.
If you have to spend 15 or so hours on a flight, it doesn't get much better than Delta 91. Lots of in-flight movies, regular meal and drink service, and plenty of room near the back of the plane.
One of the neatest portions of the trip was flying over the Northern Territory and Russia. We got some great pictures of snow, ice, and mountains.
Incheon Airport is one of the nicest airports in the world--it is also beautiful.
District 3720 met us in Gimpo, a subway ride away from Incheon, with a lovely reception. They treated us to a meal at a traditional Korean restaraunt and we were able to spend some time getting acquainted.
Finally, after 25+ hours without sleep or showers, we were taken to Hotel Taehwa. Tomorrow, we will go to Tongdosa to begin a 2-day temple stay.
No problems with the flights. Friday morning, we said an early goodbye to family, friends, and Rotarians at GSP before leaving for Atlanta. The 2-hour layover gave us a chance to check email, blog, Facebook and have coffee and breakfast before departing for Incheon.
If you have to spend 15 or so hours on a flight, it doesn't get much better than Delta 91. Lots of in-flight movies, regular meal and drink service, and plenty of room near the back of the plane.
One of the neatest portions of the trip was flying over the Northern Territory and Russia. We got some great pictures of snow, ice, and mountains.
Incheon Airport is one of the nicest airports in the world--it is also beautiful.
District 3720 met us in Gimpo, a subway ride away from Incheon, with a lovely reception. They treated us to a meal at a traditional Korean restaraunt and we were able to spend some time getting acquainted.
Finally, after 25+ hours without sleep or showers, we were taken to Hotel Taehwa. Tomorrow, we will go to Tongdosa to begin a 2-day temple stay.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
10 Days and Counting
In-country preparations are right on schedule. On Sunday, the team gave our 7750presentation at the Simpsonville Rotary Club. The audience included several members of the local Korean community and we presented in Hangul in order for them to provide some suggestions and feedback. The evening was a success--fellowship and feedback. (And I must mention the barbeque from Henry’s--It was fabulous!) I am so absolutely excited about this trip. Departure day is almost here ...
Thinking about the scope of opportunity GSE is providing is humbling. It isn’t just the month abroad, either. I’ve met so many great people through the various orientations, meetings, and training sessions. All of those friendships are blessings.
Thinking about the scope of opportunity GSE is providing is humbling. It isn’t just the month abroad, either. I’ve met so many great people through the various orientations, meetings, and training sessions. All of those friendships are blessings.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
25 Days Left
The trip has always been real, even back in September. The month in South Korea was never one of those Oh, it's so far away, it will never get here, there's PLENTY of time deals. We knew from the outset there was much preparation and work to do, but more importantly that the period of time from September to April 3rd would pass very quickly.
With 25 days left until our departure, urgency now attends our meetings. Plans that were until recently just plans have to be finalized. It's almost time to pack.
Each day, something new I wish I had taken care of earlier surfaces or some detail that should have been thought about beforehand presents itself for consideration. There is a little bit of panic. When panic visits, I remind myself of something that Ken Tucker told us at our first GSE meeting in Simpsonville:
Folks, don't forget to have fun.
With 25 days left until our departure, urgency now attends our meetings. Plans that were until recently just plans have to be finalized. It's almost time to pack.
Each day, something new I wish I had taken care of earlier surfaces or some detail that should have been thought about beforehand presents itself for consideration. There is a little bit of panic. When panic visits, I remind myself of something that Ken Tucker told us at our first GSE meeting in Simpsonville:
Folks, don't forget to have fun.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Did We Really Agree to Meet at 8:15 on a Saturday Morning?
We did, and Ed brought us a wonderful assortment of bagels from Bruegger's.
:)
One of the biggest aspects of our preparation for South Korea has been the studying the language. Our group has been so fortunate to have Sara and Inho Yoon as instructors in our endeavor to learn. It is difficult to find words that adequately describe all they have done for us. "Superb" comes to mind, as well as "Above and beyond." Under their guidance, we are continuing to work on the alphabet, some basic grammar, numbers, and key phrases.
From the outset, the group decided to deliver the presentations to our Korean hosts in Hangul and began to look for ways to effectively communicate. Sara helped us translate our District 7750 presentation. She also took the time to make audio recordings of each slide (currently 55 Powerpoint slides) so that we could practice pronunciation and improve our words per minute. We also will likely provide the Rotary clubs we visit with handouts of our presentation.
We also continue to learn about culture and customs in an effort to keep the faux paus's to a minimum!
(Finally, it would be remiss not to mention that yes, Sylvia is Korean. She is, however, our Girl, not our crutch! She is an incredibly valuable source of knowledge concerning language and culture, but also a terrific teammate.)
:)
One of the biggest aspects of our preparation for South Korea has been the studying the language. Our group has been so fortunate to have Sara and Inho Yoon as instructors in our endeavor to learn. It is difficult to find words that adequately describe all they have done for us. "Superb" comes to mind, as well as "Above and beyond." Under their guidance, we are continuing to work on the alphabet, some basic grammar, numbers, and key phrases.
From the outset, the group decided to deliver the presentations to our Korean hosts in Hangul and began to look for ways to effectively communicate. Sara helped us translate our District 7750 presentation. She also took the time to make audio recordings of each slide (currently 55 Powerpoint slides) so that we could practice pronunciation and improve our words per minute. We also will likely provide the Rotary clubs we visit with handouts of our presentation.
We also continue to learn about culture and customs in an effort to keep the faux paus's to a minimum!
(Finally, it would be remiss not to mention that yes, Sylvia is Korean. She is, however, our Girl, not our crutch! She is an incredibly valuable source of knowledge concerning language and culture, but also a terrific teammate.)
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