This morning we headed out to visit Taean High School where we were all very fascinated with the sophistictaed techniques and superb technology that were implemented. Later at the Taean County Offices, we viewed a movie that depicted the oil spill in 2007 that brought South Koreans together in a successful attempt to restore the coastline. Next we toured the beautiful Chollipo Arboretum.We learned that hte land was transformed from rice patties to beautiful ponds, trees, flowers, all contributed by an American who served in the Korean War. Soon after driving on a tretcherous road we stopped at an oyster shack, where we got to split and taste the freshest crustacean. Although we were not prepared with the proper shoes, we trekked up a mountain climbing our way up to a Buddhist temple with an amazing view of downtown taean and the surrounding countryside. We were all excited to feast again on the local traditional Korean cuisine. All five club presidents and various members from the district joined us, much to our pleasure. The team felt humbled by the generousity that has been shown by the South Koreans. Even after day 2 of our trip, we have made many great connections and reciprocating hte generosity. Now it's off to bed for some rest before another adventurous day!!!

We're herrreeeeeee....Llegamos.......

Yes, I overcame my fear of flying and trekked 131/2 hours around the world and here I am, Tae-An, South Korea. We are staying at Hwalan Lee's beautiful house

Today the trip became reality. After a connection in Chicago the city I grew up in, our 13 hour and 37 minute journey to South Korea began. The flight attendants were eager to please us and could not be more graceful. After sharing many hours with my neighbors stories of travel, business, and family we arrived at the Incheon airport. Pushing a cart stacked with luggage that resembled a mountain we were greeted by the lovely Korean Rotarians. That evening we were taken to the best local Korean restaurant for dinner. We were served a delightful smorgesbord that challenged our appetite. With warm feet from the heated floor and blurred vision from the great drinks we headed to a market to pick up some groceries. Later we went back to where we would be staying the night. Much to our surprise the beds were heated wood planks. In the morning I will be cooking some French toast as I promised my host.

A Send off wish...

I send you, Val, Carolyn, Rebecca & Matt my personal good wishes and those of our Rotarians, for a terrific Group Study Exchange adventure and a safe return to Rotary District 7910 in Massachusetts, USA. With you will go our hearts as you extend our hand of friendship to the people of S. Korea. Never be in doubt that your personal efforts and smiles will contribute to making this world of ours a better place.


PDG Klaus

All of us are scrambling around with last minute details and "to do" lists. Our excitement is palpable. We are filled with deep appreciation to all of the people who have worked hard to help us on our journey. Hopefully this blog will give our friends, colleagues and families a real sense of the marvelous journey we are about to take. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Two more days!!! Dos días más!!!

We met out in Sturbridge yesterday to iron out our last minute details. As Rebecca mentioned, it couldn't have been a more perfect day. I do not know about the others, but I am excited, nervous and anxious to get to South Korea. I wish we knew what our itinerary said! Do not worry GSE Team, I am on a mission today to try to figure it out.

Thanks to my Family, Friends, Colleagues, Rotarians and anonymous friends that have made this trip possible. We'll be in South Korea soon.


Nos reunimos en Sturbridge ayer para terminar los últimos detalles. Como mencionó Rebecca, el día no estuvo más perfcto porque si no se dañaba. No quiero hablar por mis compañeros, pero estoy super contenta, nerviosa y ansiosa de llegar a Corea del Sur. Si por lo menos pudieramos leer nuestro itinerario?! No se preocupe mi gente que estoy en una misión para ver quien no los lee.

Gracias a mis familiares, amigos, colegas, rotarios y amigos en el anónimato que han hecho este viaje posible. Nos vemos en Corea del Sur.

Is it really already time to go???

Well, today was our last meeting before heading out to South Korea on Monday. It's hard to believe that we'll be leaving in a few days! I guess it's like anything, it never seems real until it happens.

This time, we met at my house and had a final chance to rehearse our presentation. We got to enjoy some sunshine on my deck, had a few laughs, and discussed important details like our flight numbers, voltage converters, and trying to figure out how to interpret the Korean itinerary!!! All important things to know! We haven't figured out where we'll be staying or what we'll be doing but we're not worried about it. It's going to be an amazing adventure with some great people! Looking forward to the experience.