Boryeong/Deacheon Under the Stars

As we bid farewell once again to a wonderful group of Rotarians and their families, we look up to the sky, that is full of stars tonight, and wish that we can return very soon to see our new acquired friends in Boryeong City. Our last day was spent sleeping (YEAH!!!) into late morning for the first time during our trip. We got some much needed R&R as we enter the second half of this wonderful journey. Some of us slept in and some of us ventured out to explore the tiny beach town of Deachon and were able to appreciate the hussle and sounds of fisherman at the fish market. The amount of fish that is brought in and consumed is amazing! Species that we didn't even know existed are sold at the market. We were able to buy some snacks without an interpreter. Well we kind of cheated our way into knowing how much to pay at the market by giving them a 10,000 won which is equivalent to $10 dollars-that is called survival.

We were met by a group of Rotarians at the lobby of the hotel around noon and taken to one of their houses for lunch. I tell you they keep kicking it up a notch. Just imagine the delicious plates we have shown you until now PLUS an assortment of desserts (rice cakes, something kind of marshmallowy, fruits, etc.). After that we visited several Rotary offices. I have to say, the Rotarian spirit in Deachon can be felt every two miles or so as they have offices within distance of each other. And how PROUD they are of being Rotarians. To all of them when asked, their biggest project is the Scholarship portion. The faces light up when they talk about how many students they have been able to help with scholarships. That makes us proud to be part of such a generous group as well.

From there we were rushed to City Hall as the Mayor of Boryeong City was waiting for us. I felt like a superstar as we entered the building. The special assistant to the Mayor, the city's auditor and our OWN interpreter from City Hall were waiting for us at the lobby. Aha, yep our own interpreter! Mr. Mayor was very gracious and gave us one of the most coveted and famous gift that anyone can get from the city; a MUD KIT. If you read the history of Boryeong it is known for its worldwide Mud Festival. The best mud in the world for those of us trying to stay young and beautiful. Will try to bring some home with me. After we finished touring the city office and agricultural department we headed to the Traditional Market. Apparently, we are in luck as the markets happen every five days and we arrive at each city in time for the market. Did we mention that in our last city we bumped into a lady that had seen us at the market in Yesan and she was the one that recognized us? It was hilarious!

For some reason, our home stays always end in the best of ways. Before heading out to meet folks for our last dinner we took a beautiful drive through a stretch of road filled on both lanes with fully bloomed cherry blossoms. The scene is undescribable and as we continued down the road we were lucky and blessed to see the best view of the mountains, rivers, wild flowers and nature at its best. Mr. Moon, the District Governor and better known to us as Johnny Cash (he looks somewhat like him. Wait until you see his picture), had a surprise for us. During the trip we found out that he is a writer/poet but little did we know that he was going to take us to a park called Shining Water where he has one of his poems carved in a beautiful stone with artwork done by his wife. Now that really blew our minds....our own Mr. Moon. That was so sweet of him and we felt super special that he would share that part of him with us.

Like we have mentioned before, farewells are our favorite but at the same time the saddest part of the trip. It's time to say good-bye to the people with whom we have become so close during the course of three days and get ready to meet a whole new group of people. Dinner is the time we say our good-byes but make plans to see each other at the District Conference in a couple of weeks and promise each other to keep in touch.

Tonight, we close the night by walking on Deachon Beach and wishing upon a star.... may all your wishes come true. Night, night....see you in Asan.