Orphanage Visit

Our squadron takes time out every weekend to go visit a local orphanage in Kunsan City. Usually, about 5-6 guys head over there for a few hours to play with the kids and try to help out with stuff there.

It was my first visit today--and what an experience it was. The kids were great. I'm surprised at how respectful and mannerly the Korean kids are. It really is different than the U.S.

The orphanage is set up sort of like a compound. There are "dorm" type buildings that circle a playground. Also, there's a big music room upstairs in the main building. Apparently, playing the drums is an important part of Korean culture. Today, the kids put on a show for us...and they were awesome! Not sure what the drums they play are called...but they sounded great. Following that, we had a game of soccer: USA vs Korea. They were good....enough said.

Dinner at "Mama's"

"Yum Yum Yum Yum Yum....."

That's what "mama" quotes repeatedly as she's serving you her famous Korean dish "Bulgogi." You can get Bulgogi anywhere (chicken, pork, beef, etc), but nothing quite has the atmosphere as the little dive restaurant in nearby "A-Town" as the restaurant "Mama's." Actually, I think it's called something like "Popeye's" or something..but we don't know for sure.

She really can't speak English--besides "Yum" and "young man" I think. We took a little trip down there the other night for the sodium and garlic drenched feast. Looks kind of gross in the picture...but it's pretty good. She cooks it all in front of you just like you were in her family kitchen.

You brush your teeth about 10 times when you get home to rid yourself of the garlic taste, but it doesn't work. I guess the Koreans think that WE smell weird?? Wow.

korean winter

The snow here in Korea can be ridiculous. We live right next to the Yellow Sea...and it blows the rain and snow in like horizontal sheets. It is painful...but cool to watch too.

I'm now "fully settled in" here. I've got my dorm room with the pilots and finally got around to unpacking as well.

The squadron is cool. It's sort of like going back to college. We also have a "hooch" that we do social stuff in on the weekend. There's a band as well called: "Steal Wool" that is made up of a bunch of the pilots. I picked up a guitar job...so I'm happy.

My life just got insanely more busy. I started the IPUG (instructor pilot upgrade) and will be doing that for the next few months. Basically, it will teach me how to train others to fly and fight in the F-16. This all means that I have to study alot more and create newer/better briefing guides for instruction.

I went skiing over Christmas weekend in Yongpyong. It was an experience. Crowded slopes and decent snow...but overall not too bad.

I had to post a photo I took of a little tasty treat the Koreans apparently like! Are you serious?