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Chusok 2002 (9/20 - 9/22)

Robin Eyes The Dessert

Chusok is normally a quiet time for the foreign population as it is basically a time when most Korean people head to their hometowns and spend time with their relatives. This year, on Friday, September 20th, the trip out of the city came as a most welcome respite.

On The Road To Miwon



The countryside is always a welcome sight after the claustrophobic confines of the city. The rice fields are almost ready for harvest. The Concord grapes and other seasonal fruit can be purchased at numerous places aongside the highway. The mountains are still wearing their greenery but you can see the subtle change to Fall attire beginning.



The house is not a typical low-ceilinged Korean version. The use of wood everywhere along with the cathedral ceilings and overall open concept are a treat in, and of, themselves.



The house is back from the main road and the sounds of traffic are replaced with the chirping of crickets and birds singing. The front room's windows made the interior bright and cheerful. Robin was having a good time coloring shells.



Taking a walk behind the house was also a treat. The forest is dense and there is a small stream that runs through the property.



The pathway to the pond is easy to traverse and apparently there are actual fish living in the pond as well as the odd wild duck family.



The house is the furthest from the road and the only one that is occupied on a regular basis. Other, smaller versions, are used as weekend retreats. At this time of the year though they are empty. No one was complaining either!



The afternoon passed by pleasantly. Some of the more "active" people took up an impromptu game of badminton and there is always the favorite game of upending children.


Food, Food and More Food

I don't think that there was ever a time when we were not eating. Along with the traditional Korean fare of syungpyung (stuffed steamed rice cakes) and other desserts, there were Western delicacies and various kinds of fruit.



Yana is a great person. She teaches Russian at a Uni in Kwangju and speaks English very well, along with having a good handle on Korean. Sigrid, was a great hostess, as always. While Robin was wearing a traditional Hanbok, Sigrid opted for a more modernized version.



As always the main meal was fantastic. Kudos to the artist of both Korean and Chinese meat dishes.

These Are Not For The Faint Hearted



Many thanks to those brave enough to collect enough of these chestnuts (several trees grow next to the house) to make a great dessert, as well as to further season the main course and rice. I picked up a couple and, after pulling thorns out of my fingers whilst complaining loudly, was more than content to partake of other people's labor. All in all it was a great day!