Howdy Y’all

Hello Dear Readers!

I hope you are safely enjoying some summer sun, in this COVID-19 world. I’m personally looking forward to the current events-themed song(s) that I’m sure someone is writing and recording at this present moment. Imagine a country song talking about the pretty woman driving her tractor, rocking a face mask tan (because, you should be wearing your face masks!!!)

Two Weeks Update

On my side of the ocean, we are still practicing social distancing, and mask wearing precautions in our daily routines. Schools are beginning to welcome all students back. In addition, I now have after school classes that I get to teach all by myself.

As mentioned in a previous post, schools have been practicing their own social distancing regulations for students. My two schools have been limiting the amount of students attending each day. This also means that I will now have all my classes live, and will no longer need to record my voice on PowerPoint (YAY!!). I am in week 1 of full time live classes, and it has not been too overwhelming.

Adventures…

This past Saturday, I decided to venture out to Pohang – a small ocean city – to see something new. I took the KTX train for the first time. It was a quick 35 minute ride, in comfort and style. Buying the ticket was very easy, although the first 2 scheduled trains I tried to catch were sold out.

Pohang is a Pacific Ocean port city. Rolling hills line the beach. About an hour drive from the train station is Homigot, where there are 2 large bronze hands reaching upwards: the left hand from land, and right hand from sea. The hands symbolize that we all are living together on this earth, and should help each other. The 2 part art piece is called “Sangsaeng”, which means coexistence in Korean. This is meant to be a spectacular sight for sunsets, so I will definitely be returning to get some proper photos.

After visiting Homigot, I then traveled back into the main city. At some point, I saw signs warning of possible land mines on the sides of the road. As this is very far from the DMZ, I was very surprised. I will not be off-roading around there anytime soon.

In the downtown area of Pohang, I had the opportunity to try Mulhoe, a spicy cold soup with raw fish. Cold noodles were served on the side, but you add them to the soup when you are ready to eat. It was delicious! I cannot wait to try it again.

Downtown Pohang was packed with people. I didn’t plan on being around so many people, and am glad I only stayed for a few hours. I walked along the pier that led to a traditional style, open pavilion at Yeongildae Beach. From there, I could admire the lights from the steele company reflecting in the water. After snapping some photos, I grabbed the last train back to Daegu.

I hope to do more of these day trips during my weekends, so I may finally get to see Korea.

Daily Daegu Exploring

When time and energy allow, I do explore different neighborhoods in Daegu. The city has a lot of great things to offer.

I recently stumbled upon a street dedicated to a musician named Kim Kwang Seuk. He is described as the Bob Dylan of Korean music. His songs have a organic guitar and voice sound. I have been told the lyrics are quite sad, as was his life. He was from Daegu, and you could tell how proud the city was to be part of his origin story. The street had beautiful murals, a live music amphitheater, and many local craft shops. I bought a pair of wooden earrings. Unfortunately, many of those shops were closed, due to coronavirus, but I hope to return soon to see more crafts.

In my local adventures, I have also tried a local micro-brewery, Daedo. It definitely had an American brewery style setting. I look forward to returning to try more beers. The Daedo Weiss beer I did try was very good, and would be a welcome addition to any summer pool party!

I have also tried the famous Korean Hot Dogs, which are a very gourmet version of our corn dog. They are wrapped in plain or sweet potato, and have cheese and other ingredients wrapped with the hot dog, and deep fried. The two I tried were very good. There are so many other versions I have yet to try, including one with squid ink.

I will share some more views from my walks around Daegu. As always, I hope my stories and photos will bring a smile to your face. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

As always, I hope my stories and photos will bring a smile to your face. Thank you for joining me on this journey.