Military and Weekend Homestay in Changwon

Friday we had a military experience. We traveled to the west coast and started our military training. We got there and worked on formations, did a little exercises, an obstacle course, and finally a helicopter jumping simulation. I had to win a match of paper rock scissors to get the chance to jump (one of 3 people). I was apparently the best at it, because I won the Man of the Day award! We ate lunch and began our water activity. We learned rowing techniques and headed to the pond. We had a rowing competition and had a good time with that. We showered up, had an awards presentation (and I got a free long sleeve shirt), and headed out! That evening was relaxed, as I hung out and played cards at the base! However, a great weekend was ahead of me...

Saturday I woke up a little later and packed up for my trip. Bo-Ri Lee was my home stay partner, and at 11 we headed out to Seoul. We ate lunch at T.G.I. Friday's (Korean style), and headed towards the train station. We almost missed the train, but made it barely. I have to say it was an experience. We were on the KTX, which is one of the fastest trains in the world. We hid 300 km/hr (180 mph) and man was it fast! We made a stop and switch, and somehow missed our next train? So we had to transfer to a bus station, and took a very nice charter bus to Changwon. The pictures reflect the greatness of the traveling system here in Korea :)

I met Bo-Ri's dad and we headed to dinner. We had a traditional meal, and her mom took Bo-Ri and I to town. We met one of her friends and went to a light show on the lake, which was pretty sweet. We then went to a photo booth building and took some pictures. After that we went to sing Karaoke. The "Karaoke Bars" as they're called are quite different here. They are small rooms with a personal karaoke tv and music library. We had a good time, and I sang some fun songs (Bee Gee's, Californication, and even a Spanish Special, "Eres Tú"). After that we were pretty wore out, so we returned to the house. Bo-Ri's mom prepared me a meal that evening, with good noodles and kim and rice!

I slept soundly, and the next morning got up for church. It was a completely Korean service, which was a little tough, headed to the movies. but still an experience! We returned to the house, packed up, andThe movie theater was an experience. It was pretty normal like the US, but you had selected seats. Furthermore, while we waited for the movie there were PS2s that you could play for free (US, you hearing this?). We watched Hancock, which was mediocre at best. We left the theater and ate at an Italian restaurant, with salad, spaghetti, and pizza and bread. Bo-Ri's mom picked us up, and we headed back. While it was a short weekend it was definitely a good one! We returned on the train, got on the metro, and made it back at the base.

Korea never ceases to amaze me! Déjenme unos comentarios! 벤