A Summer's Excerpt

So, suddenly, summer vacation once again exists. It is only a few days, but the break sounds lovely. Kevin and I were planning to explore Busan at this time originally, a rather large city by the sea, but for a few reasons we've decided instead to stick closer to home and maybe have daily excursions while saving money and allowing me more opportunity to catch up where I've been slacking in my studies. This means I have a to-do list for my vacation, and, if you are wondering, it looks something like this:

-Study Korean language (numbers, phrases of inquiry, places and people)

-Spend at least two hours each day on TEFL course

-Send 4th graders' letters to America (Include personal greetings to the grownups)

-Do something I haven't yet done each day

That last one was Kevin's brilliant idea to make our vacation interesting... Hopefully it will lead to new exciting stories soon to come... instead of something like "napped in new corner of the apartment"... "ate a new flavor of World Cone".... ; )

And anyway, last weekend was enough bliss to last me a while. We were treated to a bus ride, then a ferry ride to an island city called Wando which is just gorgeous. We made new friends, had a relaxing type of adventure, and I place this trip now high on the shelf of good memories. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever had such a flawless day as this Saturday. It was warm but overcast so not too hot, and a kind sprinkle came and went with gentle rumbling. Craft hour, group net fishing, a million tiny crabs, tiny brown eggs on chopsticks, sunscreen, tourguides, bus singing, cool water, foot rinsing, a quick alley party, the prettiest kitchen window view ever. I got to know some new friends better. I got to meet some new people, four in particular, whom I seriously hope to keep in touch with. I swam in sparkling clear water. Above me was a giant shiny sky full of boastful clouds. Little islands and giant rocks surrounded me. Old wooden boats rocked pleasantly in the harbor, making little groans with the soft waves. In the starlight I heard stories from strangers. We talked about love, music, misconceptions, families, life in Korea, schools, politics, and bikes. Mostly, we laughed. I swam more. There was an otter spotting! It was just glorious.

Then, two nights ago, on a Wednesday, two teenagers helped me find my new friend and guitar sage, Mr. Cho, and his tea shop. It was small and dimly lit, smelling of incense. Eight guitars were sprawled around, an upright piano sat uncomfortably in the far corner feeling too fat for the joint. Mr. Cho ordered wings and noodles to be delivered. He took me next door and let me poke around the 100 yr. old house he is remodeling to move his business into. His woodwork is as beautiful as his songs. Mr. Cho indicated there were fish in a large, cloudy fish tank I almost kicked because it was hidden in the tall grass... but I have no doubt I will see them in two months' time swimming in a little pond once the grassy lot becomes a garden and the old shack becomes a beautiful teahouse filled with music. Ah, Korea- you don't play when it's time to get work done or make things pretty! I spent 4 hours there making and enjoying sweet music with Mr. Cho and 15 or so regulars and friends of his. His older brother, a jazz pianist, was equally impressive. A momma, a soon-to-be momma, their gents, four christians (my favorite in a fishing hat), two female artists, one interior designer and one painter, and a few older gentlemen made up the guest list-- and all we did was sing and play and eat a few pieces of chicken. Nice, nice.

It's all so nice sometimes.