Cheong-ju

When Wayne & I were in China we met an incredible couple. If you can remember (and if you follow my blog closely ...haha) our entire tour was Korean and we were extremely out of our league in communication. This couple was the first to talk to us - our first conversation starting with them asking us if we spoke any Korean and chuckling at our answer.

Over the course of the trip they befriended us and were complete life savers, always making sure we at least knew when to meet the bus so that we weren't left behind. The couple has 2 young kids, a girl and a boy, about 8 and 11 respectively. At the end of the trip they asked us to give them English names because they hope to live in either Canada or the US for a few years in the future. We named the father - Derek (because he is a doctor and Wayne named him after McDreamy,) the mother - Olivia, the little boy - Kevin and the little girl Emily. It's soooo much fun to give people names, you have to stare into their faces and imagine
who they would be with all of the different options.

Anyways, we sent them an email after the trip to thank them for all of their help and to exchange pictures and they ended up inviting us to their home in Cheong-ju for a weekend. It was only a couple hour bus ride away and since we enjoyed their company so much in China we thought it would be fun and an authentic Korean adventure!

So we set off Saturday morning and arrived in Cheong-ju around 1 in the afternoon. We started with a fast food lunch and then headed to a museum. We started by making pottery, which was actually a ton of fun ...Wayne & I both made mugs and the kids made some soap and then little bowls. We actually have to wait an entire month before we can get them because they need to dry and then be cooked in the kiln.

Then we did the tour of the Museum. It was all about how Korea gained its independence and all of the struggles that they went through in their history to get where they are now ...and mainly how they dealt with and overcame the Japenese invasions. Now, I will be the first to admit that history bores me, and I can remember being dragged through exhibits such as this one with my family (my dad in his glory,) and hating every minute of it. But I actually liked it, I can honestly say that I learned a lot and have a new appreciation for this side of the world. That being said, after 2 hours of it, I was extremely happy to see the exit sign ...I had, had enough.

Then, dinner. For dinner we were treated (and I mean treated because it is extremely expensive and very rare to have this type of meal) to beef. It was literally (and I am not exaggerating) the best beef that I have ever eated in my life. The Keg has nothing on this meal. It was cut into little pieces and we cooked it individually on the little bbq in front of us, topped with seasalt, it was to die for.

Then back home for some games and then drinks. The game was interesting, pretty much like Monopoly, but all in Korean so I didn't do much more than roll the dice and partner up with Emily who ran the show. Then the drinks started - and the running joke was that we were drinking drinks from around the world. We started out with Japenese beer, moved onto red wine from Chile (I stopped here,) the men then decided to partake in some Chinese rubbing alcohol (56% horrible, horrible stuff,) and then finish with Korean makali.

The next morning was painful. And definitely not made better with a greasy breakfast - nope, traditional Korean breakfast it was. White rice and fish soup. I dare you to eat that with a hangover.

We struggled through the next sighseeing element - going to see Korea's past President's summer home. Which was actually quite beautiful, and if Wayne & I weren't dealing with thumping heads and gurgling stomaches I am certain we would have enjoyed it much more:)

Then we said our goodbyes, promised to talk soon and got onto the bus for the trip home.

Overall, Cheong-ju was actually quite different from Incheon & Seoul. It felt slower and much more relaxed. We were told that the real estate is cheaper and that it is still in the growing phase. It is the 6th biggest city in Korea and there were parts that were extremely beautiful ...we plan to head back in the spring, and everything looks better when it's green and growing!