History on Tap

Yes, I know I got behind in my blog.  I know the last day I posted was the day after the disappointing DMZ visit.  We have of course done a lot since then, but I’ll do my best to sum it up.

Friday we left for Gyenjou.  (I may have spelled that wrong but at this point am too tired to look it up.)  Our first stop was a fortress (which I would also have to look up) where we practiced Korean archery.  I am not a great archer.  I managed to hit my arm with the strong not once but twice, and consequently have a huge bruise on my left arm.  (It’s getting better, but a day or so ago it was nasty looking.)  We then visited several more Buddhist temples, and went to Hyundai Heavy Industries, which was interesting.  We saw some huge ships being built. 

We were only in Gyenjou through Monday morning.  Then we took a long bus ride back to Seoul.  Our bus broke down along the way (we were traveling in two) but luckily they got it fixed and we got back to Seoul by 6pm on Monday evening.  Today we had free time up until 2.  I did some last minute shopping, grabbed lunch, and then we had to clean up for our evaluation sessions, closing ceremony, and closing dinner.  We got a fancy certificate, a CD with pictures on it, and a DVD will be on the way.  (They showed us the movie they made at the closing dinner, it is hilarious and unfortunately not one I think that you can show to students.)

On our last night in Seoul about 14 of us went to some place and sat around and talked for awhile.  A few of us didn’t stay too long (there were still people there when we left) but I’ve got the earliest flight out I think, those of us going to Atlanta leave at 10am.  The airport is an hour and a half ride from here, so we’re getting on the shuttle at 6:48am tomorrow morning.  It’s already 11:30pm and I still have to double check my bags.  (Which I hope they will let me take home with me, they may be too heavy.)

I know this blog is very short in details compared to previous ones, but at this point I am ready to come home.  Most of the people in the group have said the same thing.  Many of us are tired of Korean food and can only think about getting to our favorite restaurants once we get back.  I also am tired of chopsticks, though I am glad I learned to eat with them.

This was of course a wonderful experience, and I don’t think we could have asked for a better group.  We all got along well, there were few problems, and we had a good time.  I hope to keep in touch with quite a few people from this trip. 

I would certainly come back to visit Korea, Seoul is a very interesting place and there is so much to see, I know I barely got started.  But for now, while I am most appreciative for the opportunity, I just want to come home and eat a big fat hamburger.  Or chicken alfredo.  (With a fork.)