This is Soa. She's awesome.
I met her when we both lived at CCH, and she quickly became he is one of my best friends. She moved back to Korea 5 years ago, and although we've sent mail and have communicated via facebook, I've missed her LOTS. I've absolutely LOVED being able to talk with her about our trip, knowing that "SOON" I'd get to see her.
Soa: Thank you for hosting us, driving us, exploring with us, and being an amazing friend! I can't wait til you venture to India!
I met her when we both lived at CCH, and she quickly became he is one of my best friends. She moved back to Korea 5 years ago, and although we've sent mail and have communicated via facebook, I've missed her LOTS. I've absolutely LOVED being able to talk with her about our trip, knowing that "SOON" I'd get to see her.
So, after 5 very long years, I FINALLY got to see her again!
We had a delightful time, eating some of the best food we've had so far.
And she showed us all around her province, taking us far from the foreign-tourist track. We biked and walked around swamps.
We started to climb mountains, then gave up and returned very slowly down what Liban calls "75 degree slopes."
We explored random little villages with gems like this:
And then we went to her hometown to attend the Jinju Lantern Festival. I think I was thinking that the festival would be traditional-style lanterns, here and there, around the palace grounds. I was so, so wrong. Apparently, it's the 3rd largest festival in South Korea and thousands of people were there. Forever-long tunnels were lined with lights, traditional lanterns, and even lanterns made by students. (A little obvious because there were at least 10 Spongebobs and 5 minions). The park grounds were covered with lanterns that spun around, had moving limbs, and had seats and bounced like rocking horses. Some were building-sized, some were on boats, and a lot of them were on floats in the middle of the river. They had Da Vinci's Last Supper, Beauty and the Beast, and T-Rex, all in lantern form, in addition to those depicting various traditional roles (child playing traditional game, kim-chi-maker, palace guard, enemy climbing the palace wall--just the basics).
I also convinced Liban to take this ultra-cheesy photo with me. He fought, but gave in.
We also got to fall a little bit in love with her parents, who are some of the sweetest people. I've heard all about Soa's family for years, but it was an absolute treasure to get to meet them and see another part of her life.
Soa: Thank you for hosting us, driving us, exploring with us, and being an amazing friend! I can't wait til you venture to India!
OMG I found your blog!!! I love reading your stories... We miss you so much!!
ReplyDeleteMarla ! Soa! I miss you all!
ReplyDeleteJeensik! I hope we didn't miss getting to see you in Korea, too! Are you still in the US?
DeleteMarla ! Soa! I miss you all!
ReplyDelete