Piryong Falls

After lunch at the 38th Parallel, we continued on to our Hotel, where we checked in to our room and Anna Grace got her hand caught in the elevator.  So, with that injury, we decided that Lorri would stay behind at the hotel with Owen and Anna Grace while the older boys and I went to the park and climbed up to Piryong Waterfall.

What a great day for a hike.  Rain.  And more rain.  The trail started out flat, but pretty soon we were scrambling over wet (thus slippery) rocks.  Umbrellas were impossible because we needed both hands to catch ourselves when we slipped.  By the time we got to the top and hen back down, Ethan was exhausted.  Jacob had befriended a young airman (this was an ITT sponsored trip from the base).  Jacob and Matt (the young airman) continued the hike to a Buddhist temple nearby while Ethan and I went to a little restaurant at the entrance to the park and drank sodas until it was time to go.

We finished the day with a traditional-style dinner at a Korean restaurant.  Yes, we sat on the floor at a "rice table."

Our hotel.

Jacob and Ethan on the start of the hike

The trail starts to get a bit trickier

Jacob, Ethan and Kevin at the halfway point

Finally--Piryong Falls

Big statue of Buddha

Jacob and his new USAF buddy, Matt

Jacob and the rest of the tour group

Prayer rocks

Part of Mt Sorak Park peeking out of the clouds.

Lunch at 38th Parallel

These pictures are the first batch that we started taking on our trip to Mt. Sorak.  This was at a complex where we had lunch.  Our first stop was at a rest area (no pictures, sorry).  This puts all American rest areas to shame.  Live entertainment.  All kinds of food vendors, and souvenirs.  The place was BOOMING.  The only downside was the ladies restroom.  I remembered learning about this in the culture segment of my orientation, but I forgot all about it until I walked into the stall...a SQUATTY POTTY.  I mentally was not prepared for this, and I didn't really have to go all that bad anyway.  Luckily the rest of our restroom breaks had normal toilets!

We got the kids drinks from the vending machines.  Beware of the drinks called "Fanta Shakers".  Not sure if the picture conveys to you what we have going on here, but it is like glop in a can.  I took the first sip, unaware and nearly gagged.  But the kids seemed to enjoy it.

The complex was called "The 38th Parallel", which is historically significant as you may know, so it was kind of neat to be standing here.
Jacob is eating a korean corn dog.  Owen is eating a pancake with Bean paste.  My idea of bean paste (what you eat with bulgolgi) made me think this would not be such a tasty thing, but it was actually like a pancake with brown sugary stuff in the middle.  Somewhat enjoyable.
Ethan is eating some sort of fried chicken...imagine that.
In this area, there are Asian black bears, probably not as friendly as the ones the kids are here posing with.

Just another lazy weekend afternoon

Start your day with a nutritious bowl of Choco Flakes!

Don't lose your driving privileges.

Someone, somewhere, is number one!

Superman!

If you can't get to the parking lot to play, play in the hallway.

Yucca Root Pancakes

As you may know, we allow the kids to pick out any fruit or vegetable when they come with us to the commissary.  This helps to lessen the begging for all sorts of junk stuff.  Ethan often gets lemons, sometimes we get a certain apple...but Jacob likes to throw a curve ball every now and then--So he recently selected yucca root for his vegetable.  Thank goodness for the internet.  You may have followed some discussion of this event on facebook, but I am posting some photos here for your viewing pleasure.

I won't say what I think this looks like.  I'll leave that to your imagination.

Just like peeling a potato...maybe a bit more challenging.  There was a waxy coating on it.  

The dough.  I boiled the cubed root for a long time.  I think I should have gone a bit longer even.  Then added egg, S&P, sugar and a bit of flour.

Cooking in the pan...

The Finished Product.   Served with a pat of butter, according to the recipe.  Kevin thought they tasted like moth balls.  He didn't enjoy them at all.  Jacob ate most of his.  The other 3 didn't touch it.  I thought they were o.k.  I wouldn't have midnight cravings for them, but it was fun to try.

Wandering Forth

Finally got the permanent license for the van this week.  I am not looking forward to dealing with US DMVs after this.  For about $12, the van is registered in Korea and will remain registered until we leave.  Sweet!

Now that we have a little freedom, we wandered forth from Osan today.  Didn't think we'd get off base, as the ROK President was visiting today and security was tight, but we made it.  

We didn't really have an agenda for our trip, so we just drove for awhile.  Saw a few "familiar" sights, and finally ended up at the Korean Folk Village.  With the kids in tow, we passed on the historical stuff and went to the amusement park.  Everyone had a great time, and we found our way back home without any trouble.

Large cream and sugar, please.

Not a favorite, but a familiar face.

Jacob considers what was, and what could be.

Ethan.  Questions?

Our gang.

Owen appears to have enjoyed himself.

A princess and her pony.